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Smiths Craft Beer House

@smithscraftbeer

2.3K

followers

430

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Serving up New Zealand’s finest craft beer
Constantly rotating tap selection
Open 7 days a week 12pm till late
🍻

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

After letting the dust settle, we’re still buzzing from the NZIPA Challenge! 🍻

A huge congratulations to our winners!

Judges choice and overall winner!
🥇@duncansbrewing - Research Kemicle NZIPA
🥈@bachbrewing - Bedford West Coast NZIPA
🥉@8wiredbrewing - MegaFlora Double Hazy IPA

The peoples choice winner!
🥇@parrotdogbeer - L.B. Beer NZIPA
🥈@doublevisionbrewing - Hop Drop 2025 NZIPA
🥉@sawmillbrewing - NZ Bright IPA

Endless thanks to everyone who came out and helped make the weekend unforgettable!
And of course, big love to our incredible sponsors for their support. We couldn’t have done it without you!!
@gladfieldmalt
@claytonhops_nz
@frothtech
@mcclabel
@konvoykegs_nz

Until next year! 🍻 by @smithscraftbeer

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a year ago

Reggie, Alfie, Tiggy & Boris are here to remind you that we’re dog friendly, so don't leave them at home. Bring your furry mates along! ❤️

@tigs_the_cocker_spaniel

Plus, only 11 days to go until the NZIPA Challenge kicks off! Mark it in the diary and get ready for some seriously good brews. 🍺🇳🇿🍻🇦🇺🍺

#smithscraftbeer #dogfriendly #nzipachallenge #queenstown #dogsofqueenstown by @smithscraftbeer

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a year ago

16th and 17th of October!
2 Days
4 Breweries @neckofthewoodsbeerco, @thepackhouse_lumberjackbrewing, @brewmoonbrewingco @b.effectbrewing
2 Rounds of 2 different blind flights
1 winner by @smithscraftbeer

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9 days ago

Each year, Kiwi brewers battle it out for lupulin-lined glory at the @smithscraftbeer NZIPA Challenge.

Now, Australia's breweries have their chance as the first-ever Australian NZIPA Challenge takes place at @rockyridgebrunswick this weekend.

It's one impressive lineup of hop-forward brewers too, and beyond the chance to try some excellent beers between July 17 to 19, there's also an industry panel, comedy and a Getting Blind With Crafty session hosted by us.

Find out more or book a spot via the link in our bio. by @smithscraftbeer

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3 months ago

At Smiths, we believe great beer can do more than fill a glass.

It can bring people together.
It can create opportunities.

That’s why the Smiths NZIPA has always been about more than a beer competition.

Each year, breweries from New Zealand and now Australia come together to celebrate our industry, share ideas, build friendships and, through Dollars for Scholars, support the Scott Richardson Memorial Trust in creating opportunities for the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Competition is important, but giving back is more important.

This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors and partners. A huge thank you to Clayton Hops, Gladfield Malt, Konvoy Kegs, Froth Tech, BeerHug, and every brewery, volunteer and supporter who has helped make the Smiths NZIPA what it is today.

This is only the beginning.

My vision is to work alongside breweries, suppliers and industry partners to create even more opportunities for the next generation of hospitality professionals.

If you’re a brewery, supplier or venue that shares this vision, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s start a conversation and see what we can build together.

Chris Dickson
6421302453
Smiths Craft Beer House
chris@smithscraftbeer.co.nz

To learn more about the Scott Richardson Memorial Trust and the incredible work they’re doing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK149eQa0X0&t=929

@claytonhops_nz @gladfieldmalt @konvoykegs @frothtech @beerhug_nz by @smithscraftbeer

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3 months ago

Another Smiths NZIPA done and dusted.

Every year I wonder why I do this to myself… and every year, somewhere between the handshakes, the stories, the beers and the late nights, I remember exactly why.

To every brewery, sponsor, staff member and beer lover who made the trip, thank you. You’re the reason this thing exists.

Congratulations to all of our medal winners, and especially to the teams from b.effect Brewing Co./BrewMoon/Thief, Two Fold and Canyon for taking out the top three honours. Huge congratulations as well to Renaissance Brewing for receiving the Clayton Hops Growers Award.

It was pretty special to see two old mates standing at the top of the podium beside Matt. James at B.effect and I started around the same time and Scotty and I have done nearly every event together since entering the NZIPA 10years ago. Moments like that remind me that while the awards are great, the friendships and community are what really matter.

Congratulations also to all of our category winners: b.effect Brewing Co., Altitude, Aliment, Burkes, Parrotdog, Two Fold, Epic, Renaissance, The Mount Brewing Co., Garage Project, Neck of the Woods and McLeod’s.

But we’re not quite done yet.

Next up are the Smiths NZIPA Roadshows, with stops at Two Fold and Neck of the Woods. We’re also bringing our Wild Family Dinner north to Tauranga as part of the Neck of the Woods event, continuing our support of the Scott Richardson Memorial Trust.

And then, on July 17th, we head across the ditch for the first-ever Smiths NZIPA Australia at Rocky Ridge in Melbourne.

Thanks for another unforgettable weekend.

Same time next year? by @smithscraftbeer

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4 months ago

Twas the night before the NZIPA, and all through Smiths House,
Not a brewer was sleeping, not even a mouse.

The tap badges were hung by the bar with great care,
Except for the few still floating somewhere.

The breweries gathered from all over the land,
With handshakes and hugs and a beer in each hand.

There was Epic and Sawmill, McLeod’s and Choice Bros,
And Neck of the Woods where good company flows.

Old rivals became old mates for a night,
As they argued about hops and who’s doing it right.
“I’ve dry-hopped three times.”
“I’ve dry-hopped four.”
“I’ve used a new process.”
“I’ve heard that before.”

The trophies sat waiting, polished and bright,
Ready to fuel debates late into the night.

For brewers all claim that awards don’t mean much,
Until their category finally comes up.

Then the room grew quieter as 9pm drew near,
And the reason for gathering became crystal clear.

It wasn’t the trophies.
It wasn’t first place.
It wasn’t the bragging rights nobody chased.
It was seeing old mates they rarely get near,
Sharing old stories and raising a beer.

Then from somewhere came one final cheer:

“To friendships, good beer, and another great year!”

Love to you all and all a good night…

#NZIPA2026 #SmithsNZIPA #SmithsCraftBeerHouse #QueenstownNZ #CraftBeerNZ NZCraftBeer DrinkNZBeer IndependentBeer BrewersLife CraftBeerCommunity GoodBeerGoodPeople BeerFriends BeerCulture DrinkLocal NZBreweries HopHeads BeerLoversNZ QueenstownEvents BeerFestival CraftBeerHouse SupportLocal BeerIndustry BrewersCup ScottRichardsonMemorialTrust BeerHug ClaytonHops GladfieldMalt KonvoyKegs by @smithscraftbeer

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4 months ago

ONLY DAYS TO GO.

The taps are being prepared, the breweries are on the road, and in just a few days Queenstown becomes the home of New Zealand IPA once again.

33 breweries from across New Zealand and Australia will descend on Smiths for four days of great beer, industry catch-ups, friendly competition, and community.

From the Welcome Dinner and @claytonhops_nz Hops Sensory Session, to the @konvoykegs Kegs Brewers Cup Disc Golf Tournament and the NZIPA Awards, this is what the NZIPA is all about — bringing people together to celebrate the craft beer industry we all love.

This year we’re also proud to be supporting the Scott Richardson Memorial Trust, helping create opportunities for the next generation of young people pursuing careers in hospitality.

Whether you’re a brewer, supplier, beer enthusiast, or just keen for a great weekend in Queenstown, we can’t wait to welcome you.

Smiths NZIPA 2026
18–21 June | Queenstown
33 Breweries. 4 Days. 1 Community.

See you at the bar.

#SmithsNZIPA #NZIPA2026 #CraftBeerNZ #SmithsCraftBeerHouse #DrinkLocal Queenstown BeerCommunity ScottRichardsonMemorialTrust BeerHug ClaytonHops GladfieldMalt KonvoyKegs by @smithscraftbeer

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4 months ago

🍻 35 Breweries. 33 Beers. One Weekend.

The taps are nearly ready.

From Northland to Southland, and across the Tasman, 35 breweries have come together to create 33 exclusive NZIPAs for the 2026 Smiths NZIPA.

This year’s lineup features everyone from industry legends to first-time competitors, all united by one simple challenge:

Brew the best New Zealand IPA you can.

Expect fresh hops, fierce debate, questionable brewer decisions, lifelong friendships, and more than a few beers that will have people asking, “Why didn’t they make more of this?”

Featuring breweries including:

8 Wired Brewing • Altitude Brewing • Āliment Brewing • Bach Brewing • Beffect Brewing Co. • Behemoth Brewing Company • Boneface Brewing Co. • Brothers Beer • Canyon Brewing x PirateLife • Cassels Brewing • Choice Bros • Double Vision Brewing • Duncan’s Brewing • Epic Brewing Company • Garage Project • Glenorchy Brewing • Heyday Beer Co • McLeod’s Brewery • Neck of the Woods • Panhead Custom Ales • Parrotdog • Renaissance Brewing • Rocky Ridge Brewing Co. • Sawmill Brewery • Searchlight Brewery • Sprig + Fern • Stomping Ground Brewing Co. • Sunshine × Two Sisters • The Mount Brewing Co. • Two Fold Brewing • Urbanaut Brewing Co. • Waitoa Beer • Burkes × Three Boys

The beers are brewed.
The brewers are coming.
The arguments over who should win have probably already started.

Smiths NZIPA 2026
📍 Queenstown
📅 June 18–21

#SmithsNZIPA #NZIPA2026 #DrinkNZBeer #NZCraftBeer #Queenstown CraftBeerNZ NZHops SupportLocalBeer BeerCommunity DrinkFreshBeer by @smithscraftbeer

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4 months ago

The countdown is on.

In just over a week, some of New Zealand’s best breweries will descend on Queenstown for the 2026 Smiths NZIPA.

What started as a simple celebration of New Zealand-grown hops has grown into one of the country’s most unique beer events, bringing brewers together to share ideas, celebrate successes, and raise a glass to the people behind the industry.

Over four days we’ll welcome breweries from across the country for exclusive beer launches, the Brewers Dinner, Hockey Night, the Konvoy Kegs Brewers Cup Disc Golf Tournament, and the NZIPA Awards.

Better yet, every year the Smiths NZIPA helps support the Scott Richardson Memorial Trust and its work developing the next generation of young chefs and hospitality professionals.
I’d love to see someone interested in becoming a brewer or an existing brewer who needs financial support on an overseas internship at a top brewery? Click the link and please apply!!
scottrichardsonmemorial.nz

Whether you’re a brewer, beer lover, industry professional, or just curious about what New Zealand hops can do, we’d love to see you in Queenstown.

18–21 June 2026
Smiths Craft Beer House, Queenstown

More event announcements coming this week.

#NZIPA #SmithsNZIPA #NZCraftBeer #DrinkNZBeer #Queenstown by @smithscraftbeer

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4 months ago

Guess what? The Dollars for Scholars Hazy IPA 2026 is now available! We are super stoked to team up with @smithscraftbeer and the NZ IPA Challenge to bring this to life. This year, Behemoth Brewing in Auckland crafted the Dollars for Scholars Hazy IPA.

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing sponsorship from:

Andrew and the team at @behemothbrewingcompany
Belinda and the guys at @claytonhops_nz
Gabi at @gladfieldmalt
Tom and Dan at @konvoykegs_nz
Simon at @frothtech
Sten at @mcclabel

You can purchase kegs of 30l and 50l through @punkydistributions ! Reach out to Punky Distro to get this year’s Dollars for Scholars Hazy IPA on tap. All the proceeds from Dollars for Scholars goes straight to the Scott Riches Memorial Scholarship, helping the development of amazing people in the hospitality community. taken in Punky Distro - Craft Beer and Cider Distributors by @smithscraftbeer

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6 months ago

QUEENSTOWN - The Van Made it.

Microwave hits the big screen @smithscraftbeer

Pull up, tune in, and feel the heat!

Thursday 19th. 7pm. 53 Shotover St, Queenstown! by @smithscraftbeer

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7 months ago