Overview: Karamu Barrelworks, a boutique operation based on a lifestyle block southwest of Hamilton, secured the title of overall champion at the 2026 New Zealand Beer Awards. The event took place in Dunedin, where judges assessed more than 650 beers from 70 brewers.
The Full Story
Karamu Barrelworks brewer Daryl Bryant produces spontaneously fermented beers inspired by Belgian methods within a handbuilt house. This marks the second year of success for the tiny brewery, following its recognition as best microbrewery at the 2025 awards. The Emerson Brewing Company Ltd, a larger operation based in Dunedin, took home the Champion NZ Large Brewery title and the Champion New Zealand Beer award for Emersons Pride of the Plains. Mount Brewing Co was named Champion NZ Medium Brewery and winner for NZ IPA, NZ Pale Ale & NZ Draught. Shining Peak Brewing claimed Champion NZ Small Brewery, while Neck Of The Woods Beer Co received the Champion NZ Micro Brewery honor. Two Bays Brewing Co from Australia secured the Champion Australian Brewery title.
Production & Profile
Karamu Barrelworks operates out of an old farmhouse in the Waikato region. The brewery focuses on spontaneously fermented beers inspired by Belgian methods in a handbuilt house.
Brand & Industry History
The Brewers Guild of New Zealand runs the awards. Head judge Tina Panoutsos noted that around 80 percent of beers entered received a medal, indicating quality remains a strong focus. Karamu Barrelworks represents the second year of success for this specific operation.
What This Means
Judge Matt Warner, Tracy Banner and Seb Burke also judged the awards. Head judge Tina Panoutsos stated that recognition with medals is a positive indication that beers were well made, showed good technical execution, and were closely aligned to style expectations. 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.
Consumer Takeaway
The awards highlight a strong focus on quality and technical execution across various brewery sizes. Recognition with medals serves as a positive indication that beers were well made and aligned to style expectations.
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