Best Craft Breweries in Auckland

Auckland Craft Beer Scene Exploring the Best Breweries

Alright, beer lovers, listen up! Auckland's craft beer scene is absolutely buzzing right now. Forget those mass-produced lagers; we're talking about breweries pouring their hearts and souls (and a whole lot of hops) into creating unique, flavorful brews. From cozy neighborhood spots to sprawling industrial spaces, Auckland has something for everyone. Let's dive into some of the best, shall we? Get ready to explore the best breweries in Auckland, a true craft beer paradise.

Garage Project Auckland: Experimental Brews and Vibrant Atmosphere

First up, we have to talk about Garage Project. Okay, technically they started in Wellington, but their Auckland outpost is a must-visit. These guys are the mad scientists of the brewing world, constantly experimenting with weird and wonderful ingredients. Think salted caramel stouts, hazy IPAs bursting with tropical fruit, and sours that'll make your face pucker in the best possible way. The atmosphere is always buzzing, with a cool, slightly edgy vibe. They're constantly rotating their taps, so there's always something new to try. Seriously, you could spend hours here sampling their brews. And you probably will.

Product Recommendation: Try the 'Hapi Daze' Pacific Pale Ale. It's a classic Garage Project brew, super refreshing and packed with citrusy hops. Perfect for a sunny Auckland afternoon. It's around $12 for a pint.

Usage Scenario: Hapi Daze is ideal for a casual catch-up with friends, a post-work drink, or even pairing with some spicy Asian food. It's versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.

Brothers Beer City Works Depot: A Massive Selection and Food Trucks Galore

Brothers Beer is another Auckland institution, and their City Works Depot location is epic. They boast a massive tap list, featuring not only their own beers but also a curated selection of brews from other top New Zealand and international breweries. The vibe is more relaxed and industrial, with plenty of space to spread out. Plus, they have a rotating roster of food trucks, so you can always find something delicious to soak up the suds. It's a great spot for a group outing, especially if everyone has different tastes in beer. Their range of Auckland craft beer is amazing.

Product Recommendation: Brothers Pilsner. A crisp and clean pilsner, perfect for a hot day. Around $10 a pint.

Usage Scenario: Great for a social gathering. The pilsner pairs well with fried foods or pizza from the food trucks.

Behemoth Brewing Company Churly's Brew Pub and Eatery: American Style Flavors

Behemoth Brewing Company, often found under the moniker Churly's, is known for its bold flavors and playful branding. Their brewpub in Mount Eden is a haven for hopheads, offering a wide range of IPAs, pale ales, and other hop-forward styles. They also do some interesting barrel-aged beers and sours. The food menu is equally impressive, with a focus on American-style comfort food that pairs perfectly with their brews. Think burgers, fries, and mac 'n' cheese. It's a great spot for a hearty meal and some seriously good beer. Their dedication to American-style brewing is evident in every sip.

Product Recommendation: 'Brain Damage' Double IPA. This one's not for the faint of heart! It's a big, boozy IPA with a ton of hops and a surprisingly smooth finish. Expect to pay around $14 for a pint.

Usage Scenario: This is a beer for serious beer drinkers. Enjoy it slowly, savor the flavor, and maybe pair it with a burger. This is a great example of Auckland craft beer at its finest.

Epic Beer: A Pioneer of the Auckland Craft Beer Scene

Epic Beer has been around for ages and is a true pioneer of the Auckland craft beer scene. While they don't have a physical brewery or taproom in Auckland currently, their beers are widely available at bars and bottle shops throughout the city. They are known for their consistently high-quality IPAs and pale ales. Epic is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the history of Auckland craft beer. Look for their iconic bottles with the bold, colorful labels.

Product Recommendation: Epic Pale Ale. A well-balanced and flavorful pale ale with a citrusy hop profile. Around $7 a bottle.

Usage Scenario: A perfect choice for a casual evening at home or a picnic in the park. It's a reliable and enjoyable beer that's easy to find.

Deep Creek Brewing Co: Brewery Restaurant, With A View

Deep Creek Brewing Co. is located a bit outside the city centre, but it's well worth the trip. They have a large brewery and restaurant with stunning views of the surrounding area. They offer a wide range of beers, from easy-drinking lagers to complex stouts. Their food menu is also quite extensive, with something for everyone. This is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, enjoying good beer, good food, and good company. The views alone make it worth the visit, but the beer seals the deal.

Product Recommendation: Deep Creek Lupulin Effect IPA. A hoppy and flavorful IPA with a long finish. Around $12 a pint.

Usage Scenario: Enjoy this IPA with a meal at their restaurant or take some bottles home to enjoy later. It pairs well with spicy food or grilled meats.

Hallertau Brewery: A Rural Escape with Great Beer

If you're looking for a bit of a rural escape, head to Hallertau Brewery, located just outside of Auckland. This brewery is set on a beautiful property with plenty of outdoor seating. They brew a wide range of beers, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their restaurant also serves delicious food, with a focus on seasonal and sustainable dishes. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the countryside while sipping on some fantastic beer. It's a bit of a drive, but the scenery and the beer make it well worth it.

Product Recommendation: Hallertau Copper Tart. A refreshing and slightly tart beer, perfect for a warm day. Around $11 a pint.

Usage Scenario: This beer is best enjoyed outdoors, on a sunny day, with some good friends. It's a great choice for a summer barbecue or a picnic.

Sawmill Brewery: Sustainability and Quality Craft Beer

While Sawmill Brewery's main location is a bit further north of Auckland (in Matakana), their beers are widely available in Auckland bars and bottle shops. They are known for their commitment to sustainability and their high-quality craft beers. Sawmill uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and they have implemented a number of eco-friendly practices at their brewery. If you're looking for a brewery that's not only making great beer but also doing good for the environment, Sawmill is a great choice. Their dedication to sustainability shines through in every aspect of their operation.

Product Recommendation: Sawmill Pilsner. A crisp and refreshing pilsner with a subtle hop aroma. Around $8 a bottle.

Usage Scenario: This pilsner is a great choice for a casual drink after work or a relaxing evening at home. It's a versatile beer that pairs well with a variety of foods.

Comparing the Breweries: A Quick Guide to Auckland's Best

So, how do you choose which brewery to visit? Here's a quick rundown:

* For the Adventurous: Garage Project. Expect the unexpected and be prepared to try some truly unique beers. * For the Social Butterfly: Brothers Beer City Works Depot. A huge selection and plenty of space to mingle. * For the Hop Head: Behemoth Brewing Company Churly's Brew Pub and Eatery. Big, bold IPAs and American-style comfort food. * For the Classic Craft Beer Lover: Epic Beer. A reliable and consistently high-quality choice. * For a Scenic Outing: Deep Creek Brewing Co. Great views and a wide range of beers. * For a Rural Escape: Hallertau Brewery. Relax and enjoy the countryside with delicious beer and food. * For the Eco-Conscious: Sawmill Brewery. Sustainable practices and high-quality craft beer.

Auckland Craft Beer Prices: What To Expect

Generally, expect to pay between $8 and $14 for a pint of craft beer in Auckland. Some specialty or higher ABV beers may cost more. Bottles and cans are typically priced between $6 and $10, depending on the brewery and the beer.

So there you have it, a guide to some of the best craft breweries in Auckland. Get out there and start exploring! Cheers!