Karamu Barrelworks, a rural Waikato microbrewery operating out of a handbuilt farmhouse on a lifestyle block southwest of Hamilton, took home the title of overall champion at the New Zealand Beer Awards in Dunedin, according to the Brewers Guild of New Zealand. Brewer Daryl Bryant crafts spontaneously fermented beers inspired by Belgian brewing methods at the tiny operation, which also secured the best microbrewery title at the previous year’s competition.
Craft Beer Excellence and Industry Growth
The annual competition assessed more than 650 beers submitted by 70 different brewers from across the country. According to head judge Tina Panoutsos, approximately 80 percent of the entries earned a medal. Panoutsos stated that this high percentage indicates strong technical execution and consistent alignment with style expectations among local producers.
Judges highlighted several standout categories during the judging process. New Zealand hop-driven styles, including IPAs and pale ales, showed distinct confidence and definition. Meanwhile, specialty and experimental entries demonstrated how brewers continue to push boundaries with ingredients, flavor profiles, and technical processes.
Major Brewery Winners and Regional Standouts
While boutique operations like Karamu Barrelworks dominated the overall championship, established commercial facilities also secured top honors. The Emerson Brewing Company won the Champion New Zealand Beer award for its Emerson’s Pride of the Plains brew. Emerson’s was additionally named Champion NZ Large Brewery and collected two additional category trophies for individual products.
Other major division winners included Mount Brewing Co as Champion NZ Medium Brewery and Shining Peak Brewing as Champion NZ Small Brewery. Neck Of The Woods Beer Co claimed the title of Champion NZ Micro Brewery, while Australian producer Two Bays Brewing Co won Champion Australian Brewery.
Did You Know?
The New Zealand Beer Awards are organized by the Brewers Guild of New Zealand to evaluate commercial brewing standards and celebrate technical innovation across the country’s beverage manufacturing sector.
2026 Trophy Winners by Category
The competition recognized excellence across a broad spectrum of brewing traditions, ranging from traditional lagers to experimental barrel-aged creations:
- International Lager: Brave Brewing Co, Happy Go Lager
- NZ Lager & NZ Pilsner: The Emerson Brewing Company Ltd, Emersons Pride of the Plains
- NZ IPA, NZ Pale Ale & NZ Draught: Mount Brewing Co, The Trifecta
- Amber/Dark Lager & Ale: Parrotdog, Limited Release 44 – Red IPA
- British & European Ale: North End Brewery, Super Alpha – Pacific Pale Ale
- International Pale Ale: Good George Brewing, Frankton Bright IPA
- India Pale Ale: Shining Peak Brewing, Bravo!
- Juicy/Hazy IPA: Brave Brewing Co, Float On
- Juicy/Hazy Pale Ale: Good George Brewing, Fog City
- Stout & Porter: Mount Brewing Co, Harley’s Irish Stout
- Wheat & Other Grain: The Emerson Brewing Company Ltd, Emersons Ingrid Weizenbock
- Fruit & Flavoured: Sprig + Fern Brewing Co, Norty Porter
- Specialty & Experimental: Alchemy Street Brewing, HOT BOX
- No, Low & Reduced Alcohol: Bach Brewing Co, ALL DAY ORIGINAL Non-alcoholic IPA
- Wood & Barrel Aged: Behemoth Brewing Company Limited, Victory at Churly’s
Industry Recognition and Community Awards
Beyond individual beer recipes and brewery classifications, the event acknowledged individuals and programs that contribute to the broader trade. Industry category winners included Garage Project for the Future Award with its Hāpi Research Programme. Sawmill Brewery received the Community Award, b.effect Brewing Co took home the Packaging Award, and Tracy Banner was honored with the People Award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the overall championship at the New Zealand Beer Awards?
According to the Brewers Guild of New Zealand, Karamu Barrelworks from the Waikato region won the Overall Champion NZ Brewing Company title.
Which brewery won Champion New Zealand Beer?
The Emerson Brewing Company won the Champion New Zealand Beer award for its brew, Emerson’s Pride of the Plains.
How many entries were evaluated in the competition?
More than 650 different beers produced by 70 brewers were assessed by the judging panel.
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