New Brew: Wonky Wheat
Introducing Wonky Wheat: Canyon Brewery’s New Sustainable Brew Made with Rescued Fruit
At Canyon Brewing, we’ve always been passionate about crafting great beer that not only tastes great, but also captures the values we hold close, which is why our latest release is a match made in heaven. Introducing ‘Wonky Wheat’, an American citrus wheat beer made in collaboration with our friends at Wonky Box and their local growers.
Why Wonky Wheat?
Every year, tons of fresh fruit goes to waste simply because it doesn’t meet supermarkets' "perfect" appearance standards. But we believe that every piece of fruit deserves a shot at greatness, regardless of its shape or size. That’s why we teamed up with Wonky Box, a company on a mission to rescue “wonky” produce and give it a second life. Together, we’re taking cosmetically challenged (yet still delicious) oranges and mandarins from First Fresh in Gisborne and putting them to work in our latest beer.
Wonky Wheat is not just a refreshing craft beer; it’s a statement about reducing food waste and supporting local agriculture. For us, it’s a reminder that great beer doesn’t need perfection — just a bit of creativity and a whole lot of flavour.
Image via First Fresh
A Taste of Sustainability
Wonky Wheat offers a zesty, citrus-forward profile that’s perfect for summer. Bursting with citrus notes from the wonky oranges and mandarins, it’s topped with a long-lasting white head and a light, hazy straw colour. This beer isn’t just about taste — it has purpose. By using these rescued fruits, we saved 80 kilograms of produce from going to waste, which contributes directly to reducing our environmental footprint. Every sip of Wonky Wheat is a small step toward a more sustainable future, and we couldn’t be prouder of the result.
Partnering with Wonky Box: Making the Weird Wonderful
Our collaboration with Wonky Box goes beyond just one beer. Wonky Box has been doing amazing work rescuing cosmetically imperfect produce and connecting it with conscious consumers. Partnering with them allows us to align our goals of reducing food waste with a like-minded local business, amplifying our impact on New Zealands food and beverage industry.
For us, sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it’s at the heart of our brewing philosophy. We’re constantly looking for ways to reduce waste, whether it’s by reusing brewing materials, recycling packaging, or supporting sustainable agriculture. Wonky Wheat is the next step to become a more eco-friendly Queenstown brewery and to show that craft beer can be both delicious and responsible.
Image via Wonky Blog
Supporting Local Growers in Queenstown and Beyond
Our mission at Canyon Brewing is not only to brew exceptional craft beer but also to make a positive impact on the community. By sourcing wonky oranges and mandarins from First Fresh in Gisborne, we’re able to directly support New Zealand’s agricultural sector. This collaboration helps local growers find a home for their imperfect produce, turning what might have been landfill waste into a flavour-packed ingredient for our new brew. A win-win for everyone!
Why Sustainability Matters to Us (And Should to You)
In a world where climate change and resource scarcity are pressing issues, the role of sustainable brewing has never been more important. We believe that our choices as a business can inspire others to make more environmentally conscious decisions, whether it’s in the beer industry or beyond. From growing our own grain to our partnerships with sustainable suppliers, each decision at Canyon Brewing is made with the planet in mind. We’re committed to minimising waste, reducing emissions, and supporting local economies.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we’ve launched the Not All Heroes Wear Capes campaign to celebrate everyday changemakers making a difference in their communities. From rescuing food waste to planting trees, we’re shining a light on individuals who go above and beyond for the planet. Our campaign highlights these unsung heroes across social media, amplifying their impact and inspiring others to take action.
Nominate your hero here.
Try Wonky Wheat at Canyon Brewing
If you’re looking for craft beer in Queenstown that’s as good for the planet as it is for your taste buds, come down to Canyon Brewing and try Wonky Wheat. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, we’d love for you to join us in raising a glass to making the weird wonderful.
Not in Queenstown? Grab your mitts on them here or on the shelves at your local supermarket.