Boutique Waikato brewery named New Zealand's champion
Karamu Barrelworks, a small brewery based in a rural Waikato farmhouse, has been named the overall champion at the New Zealand Beer Awards. This marks the second consecutive year of recognition for the microbrewery.
Why it matters
The success of a small, artisanal business in a national competition highlights the growth and quality of the craft beverage industry in New Zealand.
A small brewery running out of an old farmhouse in the Waikato has been crowned the country's best.
RNZ Life reporters 26 July 2026 4 min read Caption: Joseph Wood and Katey McNulty judge the New Zealand Beer Awards, 2026. Photo credit: Supplied A rural Waikato brewery operating out of an old farmhouse is the best brewing company in Aotearoa.
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