Long ago, in a simpler time, a time of carefree binge drinking uninterrupted by lockdowns, there existed the greatest beers ever to be brewed: Southern Golds. They were a humble beverage, with a quiet but confident air that reassured you as you grasped their beautiful golden exterior that, in the end, everything was going to be ok. Every sip was as if it were poured by the gods. But for reasons unknown, Southern Golds were taken from us. In a sudden and cruel blow, Southern Golds disappeared overnight from shelves throughout Dunedin, never to be seen again.
But life goes on, and with the period of mourning for SoGos well over, the search begins for a worthy successor. After scrutinising the shelves of every supermarket and off-licence in Dunedin, Critic has determined that the only possible beverage that can be called the spiritual successor to Southern Golds is… Ranfurly Draught.
The perfection of Southern Golds is a hard thing to achieve, but Ranfurly Draught gets closer than most. First, in terms of value, Ranfurly Draught ticks all the boxes. The 18 pack of 440mL cans is exactly the same volume as a tray of 24 SoGos and at around the $28 mark they are exactly the same price per standard as SoGos were in their later days.
Second, like SoGos, Ranfurly Draughts have that caramello texture that makes southern beers go down so easily, but it’s not weak to the point of wateriness like Speights. There is absolutely no bitterness. Like a bowl of chicken soup, Ranfurly Draught is simple yet comforting. Just like Southern Golds, Ranfurly Draught is one of those beers that allow you to get 12 deep without realising it because there isn't any build-up of negative tastes.
Third, the packaging of Ranfurly Draught has a humble aesthetic, similar to SoGos. One of the best things about SoGos was that they didn’t pretend to be something they were not. The packaging was simple but elegant, with an understated gold exterior that hinted at a hidden beauty. Ranfurly Draught has a similar vibe; the packaging is understated, so it takes a while to find amongst the more flashy packaging of its competitors, but this is what makes it a hidden treasure.
While there will never be another beverage like Southern Gold, something must take its place as the apex beer in Dunedin. If you are old as fuck and find yourself fondly remembering SoGos, go buy yourself a box to relive your glory days. If you have no idea what SoGos are, then go buy a box to find out. While the void in Dunedin drinking culture created by the disappearance of SoGos can never be filled, if you drink enough Ranfurly Draught you’ll definitely be able to forget about them, if only for a moment.
Tasting notes: warmth, joy
Froth level: off the charts
Pairs well with: a crackling fire, nostalgia, nostalgia for something you didn’t experience
Taste rating: 10/10 outstanding