Auckland students dismiss Wakachangi beer as flatmate leftover
A student-run review blog describes the new craft lager as having the warmth of room temperature and the appeal of a chore duty.
By Yasmin Kovalenko ·

A group of Auckland University of Technology students has published a scathing assessment of Wakachangi beer, a new craft lager from the makers of Snackachangi chips. The review, posted on October 27 on the student blog Critic Te Ārohi, describes the beverage as possessing a warm flavor profile despite being served cold. The authors state they would rather clean soiled bedsheets than drink a full box of the product.
The blog, operated by a collective of flatmates, identifies the beer as the beverage companion to the popular Snackachangi potato chips. The reviewers note that the marketing team deserves credit for the can design, specifically the yarn print on the label. However, they argue the branding serves as a distraction from the tasting experience. One reviewer claims the beer tastes like a Dobro, a cheap local brand, and compares its aroma to that of an elderly person's orgy.
The review includes a rumor that Daniel Leamy, a staff member at the venue, is fleeing on exchange due to a close encounter with the drink. The authors clarify that this story is separate from the physical can design. They describe the flavor as subtle and crisp, noting that the brewing process is old-fashioned. The group concludes that the beer acquires a warm taste immediately upon opening, even when taken directly from the refrigerator.
The writers explain their acquisition method, stating that none of them purchased the beer. They obtained the product from a host who left it at their residence. This origin story supports their conclusion that the drink is better left with the owner. The blog admits that the group did not spend money on the sample, a fact they view as indicative of the product's market value.
The review serves as the final entry in the blog's 'Booze Review' series. The authors thank readers, whom they describe as a minority of business and medical students capable of both reading and drinking. They acknowledge that their editors kept the writing grounded, preventing the text from sounding too intoxicated. The group notes that they publish these reviews every two weeks, though they occasionally miss deadlines. The blog closes with a parting reference to boxing, telling first-year students that they will not be spared the experience.
The source article is written in a humorous, informal tone typical of student publications. It uses specific slang and local references to connect with its audience of young adults in Auckland. The review is part of a recurring segment that evaluates local alcohol brands. The authors maintain a neutral stance on the product's quality, relying on sensory descriptions and comparative analogies to convey their opinions.
Source: Critic Te Ārohi





