BRAVE BREWING

Brave Brewing Co. was born from the desire to take a home-brewing hobby to the next level. While living in Auckland and studying at University, Head Brewer and Founder, Matt Smith enjoyed making beer for his flatmates. While travelling through the U.S and across Europe in the early 2000’s, Matt and wife Gemma were able to experience the wonder and diversity of craft beer. After Matt won Champion Home brewer at the 2013 New Zealand Home Brew Championship, it gave them the confidence to plan a move home to Hawke’s Bay, and to begin hatching a plan to launch a small craft brewery. A small brewery was set up in the couples home garage, where they began selling their product at the Hastings Farmer’s Market, as well as to local bars and restaurants. In the early days, the beer was very well received and consistently placed at the New Zealand Beer awards. The business experienced rapid growth, and with consistent pressures regarding supply and demand, it was necessary to move into a larger premises. The couple then moved to a small space in Warren St, Hastings - where they expanded the production facility and also added an onsite taproom. The site served them well for two years, until they once again outgrew the space. In November 2020, Matt and Gemma shifted to their current space, as part of the Tribune Precinct in the Hastings CBD. This space allowed for a more streamlined brewing facility, as well as a warm and spacious taproom and eatery to serve the locals. So this is where you’ll now find them, in a little pocket of Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, which punches well above its weight. Surrounded by other local small businesses, doing wonderful things.