| 59 Hawke’s Bay brewery takes top prize The company is regionally focussed and most of it’s beer is consumed in the Hawke’s Bay. A Hawke’s Bay brewery that had its beginnings out of a small residential garage has taken out top prize at this year’s NZ Beer Awards. Hastings-based Brave Brewing were named Champion Small Brewery and Overall Champion NZ Brewery at gala evening held in August. The company, founded by Gemma and Matt Smith, has entered the NZ Beer awards several times and taken home several trophies at past awards for best in class, as well as gold, silver and bronze medals. But Gemma says winning the top prize this year was still “a big surprise”. “We knew that our beers were tasting very good, but we were so humbled by the awards and incredibly proud of our team. “It means so much to us to see the hard work of our small but dedicated team recognised. To have such great feedback from some of the best palates in the business is incredibly validating. We were totally blown away by the love and support shown to us by the New Zealand brewing community.” She said the company was regionally focussed and most of it’s beer was consumed in the Hawke’s Bay. “We feel really proud to be putting our little region on the map. We are so grateful to the local people here who have always cheered us on.” A big motivation for entering the awards was the feedback it provided, she says. “To have them judged and unpacked by incredibly perceptive people in the beer scene always helps you to grow and learn. “Also, the Brewers Guild of New Zealand always puts on a really great awards evening and party. There are some incredibly lovely people in the beer industry here, so it’s always good to get away from the brewery and get out to connect with others.” Since winning the awards the brewery has been incredibly busy, she says. “Lots of new stockist inquiries, online orders and just a general increased awareness of who we are and what we are doing.” Brave Brewing was established in 2014, starting out as a hobby out of Gemma and Matt‘s home garage, with the beer initially being sold at the local farmers’ market. Today the brewery has a CBD location in the thriving Tribune Precinct with 19 staff members, a modern brewing facility and busy taproom and eatery. T T Rosa Watson “We have no plans to grow much bigger at this stage and feel passionate about being a regionally focussed brewery - serving our local community.” Gemma says at the heart of the brewery is a commitment to fostering connection. “Step into the bustling taproom and eatery, and you’ll feel the warm embrace of community. Whether you’re a seasoned beer geek or a first-time visitor, everyone is welcome to pull up a chair, enjoy a pint, and share in what Brave has to offer.” The ethos is simple, she says: to create an inviting space where people from all walks of life can come together over great beer and genuine connections. And it’s that drive for quality that gave business its name. “The name is simple really; it was a brave move to start the business. “We didn’t come from lots of brewery experience, so it took a lot of courage - and hard work of course - to get it started. We have carefully and organically grown from the ground up.” BREWERY Brave Brewing Co. Create the labels you want, with no compromise! 0800 425-223 | info@label.co.nz | www.label.co.nz Digital and Flexographic printing options for: Wine Honey Craft Beer Nutraceutical Personal Care Or any other kind of labelling you might need Labelmakers Group PROUD TO SUPPORT BRAVE BREWING CO. are our business. Branding and merchandising solutions Lets make it yours! 022 620 9552 info@whitelabelsolutions.co.nz Proudly Supporting Brave Brewing Co. Gemma says she and Matt don’t take themselves too seriously, something that she says has been key to their success. “We are committed to producing high quality beer, so the team work incredibly hard to dial in the beers, focussing on all the little details. “We stick to styles we know well and are now known for producing top notch pale ales and IPAs.”
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