Beer aficionados who enjoyed comparing the ales at Saturday's Blues Brews and BBQs festival might consider more samplings at a monthly Beer Options night.

The concept is being launched tomorrow at the Moa Brewery Company's Jacksons Rd garden bar. Self-described "beer advocate" Geoff Griggs and Moa brewer David Nicholls are organising the Options nights and say craft beers have an increasing presence in New Zealand.

Extending people's understanding and appreciation of them is good for the industry – and certainly good for Marlborough, the men say.

In a region better known for its vineyards, local breweries include Moa, Pink Elephant and Renaissance. A Blenheim man brews 666 in Nelson and 8 Wired is an independent label brewed at Renaissance.

Many craft beers challenge New Zealanders' traditional concept of ale as a light, thirst-quenching beverage best enjoyed on hot summer days, Mr Grigg said. A few ales did fit that category but others didn't – and some beers weren't even fizzy, he said.

More info

http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/3307451/Getting-to-know-your-beer