The Lakeman Brewing Co crew at the Tukairangi Rd brewery with the champion strong pale ale the Hairy Hop IPA.
A last-minute decision to attend the prestigious Brewers Guild of New Zealand Awards meant local brewers Lakeman Brewing Co picked up a swag of accolades, including the champion strong pale ale trophy for their Hairy Hop Indian pale ale (IPA).
Lakeman Brewing Co head brewer Rory Donovan, 23, from Tirohanga, said it was a nice feeling knowing he is making one of the best IPAs in the country.
Co-owner Elissa Cooper says that the win is the beer equivalent of taking away the award for the champion sauvignon blanc at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
"We were up against 143 other breweries, mainly from New Zealand, but some entries also from Australian and the United States," says Elissa.