Do I need previous brewing experience?
No. Our classes are designed for people with little or no brewing experience who simply love beer. Our experienced brewer will guide you through the entire brewing process from start to finish.
What does it cost to brew my own beer?
The cost to Book a Brew Station is $250. Payment is made online when you make your booking.
This price includes all the ingredients and brewing hardware to make approximately 24 litres of beer. You will receive a tasting paddle to sample beer that has been produced using this brewing system.
When it comes time for bottling your beer, you will need approximately forty-eight 500ml bottles that are cleaned and sanitised. You can either bring along your own bottles and caps or purchase these through The Brewing Institute prior to bottling day.
500ml Amber Craft Beer Bottles cost $1.65 each (bottle prices include caps and are subject to change without notice).
Please note: Beer not bottled or kegged within three weeks of your brew day will be disposed of.
Can I keg my beer instead of bottling?
Yes. On the bottling day, you can transfer your brew into corny kegs instead of bottles. You will need to make sure these are cleaned and sanitized. You can bring your own kegs or purchase these through The Brewing Institute before bottling day.
9 litre Corny kegs cost $139 (Corny keg prices are subject to change without notice) and you may need some bottles or growlers to fill your leftover brew.
Please let us know at beer bottling booking time if you intend to use kegs or bottles.
How long before I can drink my beer?
Your beer will be ready to drink in as little as 7 – 10 days (depending on the style you brew).
After the initial Brew Day which runs for approximately two and a half hours, you will need to come back 4 – 7 days later for 30 minutes to cold crash or clarify your beer, then return 2 – 3 days later to complete the bottling (or keg) process.
Times for clarification sessions of the process can be booked on brew day.
Should I clarify my beer, or not?
It comes down to personal choice. Do you want a beer with a bit of haze or one that is clean and clear to look at? The good news is that you get to choose.
Can I get labels for my beer?
Beer Labelizer https://www.beerlabelizer.com is a great website that allows you to make your own labels with personalised images and wording.
How long will my beer last?
Whilst it is likely you will consume your brew before that happens(!), one of the four ingredients is yeast, and like bread, it is best consumed fresh. All beer has a shelf life, but as long as you keep it well sealed and stored in a cool dark place it should last up to three months.
We say three months because that’s the longest period of time in which we have consumed our beer. One thing we do know is that the longer you keep your beer the more the flavour profile changes.
How much can I brew?
Our stations let you brew approximately 24 litres in one session. However, one person can brew up to 100 litres per month in a Customs Controlled Area, such as The Brewing Institute, without attracting excise tax. As long as you brew your own beer exclusively for personal use, and not for sale or other disposals to any other person, then excise is exempt.
Should you wish to brew more than 100 litres, or if you would like The Brewing Institute to brew the beer on your behalf, then this will attract excise tax on the beer produced.
Get in Touch to find out more.
What is excise?
Excise is a duty imposed on domestically manufactured tobacco, fuel, and alcohol. https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/excise/what-is-excise/
Can we brew as a group?
Surely can! We can accommodate eight people to brew at four brewing stations on any one day. So book in your mates and enjoy the day as a group!
What ingredients and equipment do we use?
At The Brewing Institute, we use high-quality WilliamsWarn extract ingredients, dry yeast and hops sourced here in NZ, the USA and Europe. This is all brewed in BrewKeg 12.5 stainless steel, conical pressure fermenters in a temperature-controlled environment.
All this has been specially combined to produce fresh, cold, carbonated beer intended to match the world’s finest that can be consumed in as little as 7 days.
What types of beer can I brew?
- Pilsner
A classic German-style Pilsner with a great NZ hop that has Hallertau parentage. It has a restrained floral character that resembles freshly zested lime. This combination makes for a world-class beer. (est. ABV 4.5%)
- Lager
A Clean crisp Lager with dual hops that adds a subtle citrus flavour and white wine aroma that keeps you going back for more. (est. ABV 4.5%)
- Hazy Pale Ale
We call this Pale Ale, MAG. A great hop-filled flavour profile with citrus peach, passion fruit and orange aromas. Our take on a NEIPA. (est. ABV 4.2%)
- American Pale Ale
Our spin on an absolute classic, using a combination of American and New Zealand hops. Aroma and flavours of citrus, grapefruit and gooseberries often used in white wine, providing depth and complexity in this great tasting beer. (est. ABV 4.2%)
- Irish Red Ale
This beer has caramel, toffee and toasty notes with a slight dry roasted grain finish. The addition of three hops gives it a subtle citrus aroma. Great session beer. (est.ABV 4.2%)
- Coffee Stout
This Dry Stout has liquorice, chocolate and roasted coffee flavours with and extra coffee punch. Very easy to drink. (est.ABV 4.2%)
Will the beer contain gluten?
The short answer is yes. However, using the WilliamsWarn clarification agent https://williamswarn.co.nz/products/ww-1l-brewclear-nz will significantly reduce the gluten in the beer you produce. We have a celiac family member that has been able to enjoy drinking these beers without effect. You should, however, research this product to ensure it’s suitable should you have a gluten intolerance
Some beers may not be suitable, so please discuss with us before booking.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your booking, please call on
021 224 4730 and we can book you in for an alternative day.
If you contact us within 24 hours of your booked brew day, we reserve the right to retain 50% of the total booking value as a late cancellation fee.
What age do I need to be to brew beer?
While there is no legal age to brew beer at home, The Brewing Institute rule is that brewers must be 18 and over.
Photo ID is required for all brewers.
What do I need to bring for Brew Day?
Whilst we provide brewing aprons to use on the day, you should wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind having potential beer splashes on.
Your proof of age ID.