Boutique Waikato brewery named New Zealand's champion

A rural Waikato brewery operating out of an old farmhouse is the best brewing company in Aotearoa.Karamu Barrelworks, located in on a lifestyle block southwest of Hamilton, was named the overall champion at the New Zealand Beer Awards held in Dunedin on Saturday night. Karamu Barrelworks brewer Daryl Bryant makes spontaneously fermented beers inspired by Belgian methods in a handbuilt house. It's the second year of success for the tiny brewery - it was named best microbrewery at the 2025 awards.The Emerson Brewing Company, a much larger and more established operation, won the Champion New Zealand Beer award for Emerson's Pride of the Plains. Emerson's was also named the Champion NZ Large Brewery and picked up two other awards for individual brews.Emmerson's Brewery in Dunedin.SuppliedMore than 650 beers made by 70 brewers were assessed for the awards, which are run by the Brewers Guild of New Zealand.Head judge Tina Panoutsos said that around 80 percent of beers entered received a medal, which showed that quality remains a strong focus."Recognition with medals is a positive indication that beers were well made, showed good technical execution, and were closely aligned to style expectations.” Panoutsos said NZ IPA, NZ Pale Ale, NZ Draught and Specialty and Experimental classes were standout categories."New Zealand hop-driven styles continue to show real confidence and definition, while the Specialty and Experimental beers demonstrated how brewers are pushing flavour, ingredients and process in thoughtful and well-executed ways.”Matt Warner, Tracy Banner and Seb Burke judging the 2026 New Zealand Beer Awards.SuppliedNew Zealand Beer Awards 2026 Champion Award WinnersOverall Champion NZ Brewing Company: Karamu BarrelworkChampion NZ Large Brewery: The Emerson Brewing Company LtdChampion NZ Medium Brewery: Mount Brewing CoChampion NZ Small Brewery: Shining Peak BrewingChampion NZ Micro Brewery: Neck Of The Woods Beer CoChampion Australian Brewery: Two Bays Brewing CoChampion NZ Manufacturer: Steam Brewing CompanyChampion New Zealand Beer: The Emerson Brewing Company Ltd, Emersons Pride of the Plains New Zealand Beer Awards 2026 Trophy WinnersInternational 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 TrifectaAmber/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 IPAIndia 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 New Zealand Beer Awards 2026 Industry Award WinnersFuture Award: Garage Project, Hāpi Research ProgrammeCommunity Award: Sawmill Brewery Packaging Award: b.effect Brewing Co People Award: Tracy Banner