We woke up to some pretty exciting news this morning, and if our recent coverage (1, 2)of the New Zealand craft beer industry sparked your interest in trying some imaginative Kiwi brews then you might be in-luck!

In a Pick of the Weekend post a couple of weeks ago we highlighted the delightful Gunnamatta IPA from Wellington’s Yeastie Boys, and Yestie Boys founder Stu left us a comment this morning saying that their Earl Grey IPA would be coming to America!

Good news… USA labels go to print tomorrow. A few kegs have already been stateside, with more to follow along with the bottles.

We did a little digging and discovered that their beers are imported by Sheldon Brothers and California distribution is handled by Lime Ventures based in the Bay Area. The distributors don’t list Gunnamatta on their site yet, but it isn’t too early to start getting the Yeasie Boy’s name out there and talking to your local bottle shop’s buyers about ordering the beer.

Here is what we had to say about the delicious brew:

This beer was flat-out amazing. A straight-forward New Zealand IPA that was “dry-hopped” with blue flower Earl Grey tea leaves, the beer is redolent in bergamot and tropical fruity hops. One of the best-smelling beers I’ve ever experienced! Everyone loved this, and it is sad that I’ll probably never see another bottle of it. The balance between the potent tea scent, the more subtle tea flavor, and the distinct New Zealand hops is a testament to the skill of the Yestie Boys

If you see any of our favorite New Zealand breweries beers on shelves around town please let us know!

Have you tried any of the Kiwi beers that we’ve covered? What are your thoughts on buying imported craft beer over more local brews?