KUCHING: A proud Sarawakian-Kiwi Laura Munan recently wowed New Zealanders with her limited-edition experimental brew, The Iban Princess.
The 22-year-old, who went to school in Kuching but returned to New Zealand to complete her tertiary studies, was presented with a generous opportunity to create her very own experimental beer alongside the world-class brewers she works with.
“This also included a beer launch party to gather friends and enjoy the beer that I made. It was indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity that I could not pass up,” she told New Sarawak Tribune.
The granddaughter of Sidi and Heidi Munan, who is currently working in a craft beer brewery called Fortune Favours in Wellington, New Zealand said she pitched her idea to brewers Marcus and Dale on how she wanted to create a beer that was personal to her.
Elaborating further, she said she wanted it to represent who she is and at the same time pay homage to her Iban roots.
“I am proudly of Iban descent and have always been inspired by the idea of the Iban ‘Kumang’. That is how ‘The Iban Princess’ was born!
“I also designed a tap badge for the beer by using imagery of traditional textiles and patterns,” she said.
PANDAN AND LEMONGRASS: THE PERFECT TWIST
Laura stated that the process of creating The Iban Princess took some time, but she was certain that she wanted to incorporate local flavours namely pandan and lemongrass.
“Most New Zealanders have never heard of pandan, let alone know what it tastes like. The brewers really had to trust me and my description of it,” she said.
Once the flavours were decided, Laura and the brewers created a recipe and gathered all the necessary hops and malts as well as lemongrass and pandan leaves from the local Asian supermarket.
“It took a day to do the initial brew then we left the beer to be fermented for a week and it was infused with pandan for three weeks.
“While I would not quite consider myself as a brewer yet, given that I am better at drinking than making it, I learned a lot about the process of brewing through this fun experience,” she explained.
As a cream-ale which is a clean, crisp, and refreshing style of beer, Laura said she was over the moon with the end result of The Iban Princess.
It was a first time for the brewers to make a cream-ale with a twist of pandan, and she disclosed that they were very pleased with the result as well.
“The lemongrass came out nicely through the body of the beer; this made it taste very fresh and tangy.
“The pandan came through amazingly and gave it a distinct pandan flavour, but not too overpowering.
“Moreover, the creamy and earthy tastes of pandan definitely complemented the cream-ale style of beer perfectly,” she said.
A HUGE HIT
It comes as no surprise that The Iban Princess was a huge hit during the launching night with the keg being finished and sold out within four hours.
Laura said she invited her friends to the launching night, adding that she even baked a pandan cake so that they could taste the inspiration for the beer.
“I received many great reviews! It was awesome to see my Kiwi friends trying a flavour they have never tried before,” she added.
To commemorate the beer launch party, Laura took the opportunity to become ‘The Iban Princess’ for a night by wearing the traditional Iban costume.
She said it was a vision that she had in mind throughout the beer brewing process.
“I could not just create a Sarawakian beer without also looking the part. It is special to me to have the opportunity to wear my traditional dress as it brings me closer to Sarawak when I’m overseas.
“It makes me feel connected to my culture and family on my Sarawakian side. It is also important to embrace different cultures in New Zealand and by doing so, I am doing my part to spread awareness,” she said.
ASPIRING TO BREW MORE BORNEO-INSPIRED BEER
Admitting that her brewing career may be a one-hit wonder for the time being, Laura said she would love to brew another Borneo-inspired beer.
“Because The Iban Princess was an experimental brew, it was a one-off beer which made it even more special. It was a limited edition.
“If the opportunity ever presents itself again, I will take on another Borneo-inspired beer. Until then, I will look for other ways to embrace my Sarawakian side.
“Perhaps I will try to make tuak in time for Gawai,” she said.
SHARING ABOUT SARAWAK
Aside from not knowing about pandan, Laura pointed out that most Kiwis have limited understanding and exposure on the culture and people of Sarawak.
She hoped those who attended her beer launch now know something about the Iban culture, adding that she tries to showcase her heritage in various ways particularly through arts, clothing, and food.
“I make sure to stay up to date with local musicians, artistes, and jewellery makers among others, and I enjoy sharing about them with my friends here.
“I also love cooking Sarawakian food. I’ve had many successful Sarawak Laksa nights here in Wellington and I owe it to my amazing mum who always posts over Laksa paste from Kuching,” she said.
More than anything, Laura said that she always speaks proudly about her heritage by engaging in conversations about it with people in New Zealand who find it fascinating to hear stories on what life is like in Sarawak.
“Of course, I am probably biased, but Sarawak is one of the most diverse, special, and interesting places in the world,” she said.
ALWAYS BE PROUD OF YOUR ROOTS
On her advice to fellow Sarawakians who are living abroad and finding it difficult to feel connected to Sarawak, Laura assured that she has experienced it herself, noting that it can be a struggle in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“However, I found that listening to beautiful sape music, cooking a Sarawakian meal, and even wearing local beads out to a dinner helped me feel closer to Sarawak in an instant.
“Sarawakians overseas should be representing and promoting Sarawak proudly and shamelessly, be it from creating conversations or sharing stories with our overseas friends about our arts, culture, and heritage.
“I guarantee, you will make them want to come to Sarawak for a visit,” she stated.
Laura also said she is looking forward to going back to Kuching this year after being unable to travel home due to the pandemic.
“I cannot wait to see my family after so many years,” she added.
