Four Square and Sawmill brew up Beach Day Bright IPA to mark the unofficial start of the Kiwi summer

Sawmill Brewery team, from left, Russell Erskine, Cam Sterling, Steve Bray, Jake Pollard, Jason Masson, Tom Fleming.

Four Square and Sawmill brew up Beach Day Bright IPA to mark the unofficial start of the Kiwi summer

With Labour Weekend marking the unofficial start of summer, Four Square and Sawmill Brewery have teamed up to create the perfect beer to toast the season – Sawmill Beach Day Bright IPA.

Like Four Square, Sawmill Brewery is 100% New Zealand-owned and proudly independent. Both brands share a deep commitment to supporting local communities, backing Kiwi-made products, and keeping things fresh.

Bright, fruity,  and full of flavour, the Beach Day Bright IPA is brewed using 100% New Zealand malt and hops from the Nelson region, delivering tropical pineapple and grapefruit notes with a clean, balanced finish. At 5.5%  ABV, it’s a refreshing, easy-drinking beer designed for long, sunny afternoons, beach days, and barbecues.

Sawmill Production Manager Rory Taylor got the brief to create an approachable beer that reflects summer.

“We wanted to brew something that feels like summer – bright, fresh, and easy to enjoy. It’s a really expressive, fruity beer to enjoy all summer long. The hops are the hero here, we intentionally gave it a lean, soft malt base that lets them shine.”

He describes the beer as an antidote to the ‘Haze Craze’, which refers to the popularity of Hazy IPAs, and recommends pairing it with anything hot off the barbecue, to fish ‘n chips, or with stronger, flavours, such as Chashu pork  or Thai green curry.

“For the snackers, I’d recommend Kiwi onion dip with chips, something salty for balance, and to wash it down with.”

Sawmill owner Mike Sutherland says the partnership with Four Square is a great fit.

“We’re proud that this beer will be available at Four Squares nationwide – the heart of so many of our small towns and regions. Both of our brands are proudly Kiwi and passionate about our local communities.

“As a B Corp certified brewery, caring for our environment and our people is central to who we are. It’s great to work with a partner who appreciates those values.”

Four Square Marketing Manager Hannah Massie says the partnership celebrates what both brands stand for.

“Four Square has been part of Kiwi summers for more than 100 years. Partnering with another iconic New Zealand brand like Sawmill to brew something bright, local and full of flavour felt like the perfect way to kick off summer.”

Designed by Kiwi illustrator Greg Straight, the can artwork draws inspiration from New Zealand’s coastal landscapes, sunshine, and classic summer memories – a nod to the bright days ahead.

So, raise a glass to buying local, enjoying long beach days, and chasing an endless summer.

-Sawmill Beach Day Bright IPA six-pack will be available for a limited time at Four Square  stores nationwide from 24 October.