Our Story

Welcome to Brave Brewing Co. - Where our story is brewed into every pint.

Born from a passion for crafting really good beer - Brave Brewing Co. was founded by Matt & Gemma Smith. Their journey began in Auckland, where Matt's home-brewing hobby flourished, inspired by the craft beer scenes experienced during their travels across the U.S. and Europe in the early 2000s.

The turning point came when Matt claimed the title of Champion Home Brewer at the 2013 New Zealand Home Brew Championship. This victory ignited their confidence to bring their dream of a small craft brewery to life, and so they moved back home to Hawke’s Bay.

From humble beginnings selling at the Hastings Farmer’s Market and local establishments, their beer quickly gained acclaim, earning consistent recognition at the New Zealand Beer Awards. As demand grew, so did their need to settle into a larger premises.

In 2020, they found the perfect home within the vibrant Tribune Precinct in the Hastings CBD. Here, amidst like-minded local businesses, they have created a space that reflects a commitment to quality and community. The streamlined brewing facility and inviting taproom/eatery is now a bustling meeting place for the people.

Whether you're a local or a visitor passing through, you are invited to join in on this journey.

Brave brewing Co Taproom & Eatery exterior with neon sign and logo against a blue sky.

“At the heart of our brewery is a commitment to fostering connection. Step into our bustling taproom and eatery, and you'll feel the warm embrace of community.”

Matt & Gemma - Brave

Person pouring beer from a tap into a glass at Brave brewing Co
Beer served with care.
Gemma sitting at a table with a coffee cup in Brave brewing Co
Gemma Smith - Co-founder & Business Development Manager.
Matt of Brave brewing Co
Matt Smith - Co-founder & Head Brewer.
People sitting at tables outside Brave brewing Co with a dog on a leash.
We're dog friendly! Water bowls provided.

Our Beer

Brave beers are brewed with care, creativity and a touch of playfulness. Fresh, flavourful and made to be shared.

View our beer learn about our Fill your own service

Our Food

Our kitchen champions local growers and producers. We serve fresh, ethically sourced ingredients with care.

See the food menu

Our Values

Brave is built on community, creativity, and care — Bringing people together over great beer, good food and genuine hospitality.

keen to join the team?

Shop our award-winning beers

Two brown bottles of Brave Brewing Co. Tiger Milk IPA on a white background

Tigermilk - IPA
6.6% abv.
From $40.00
Brave Brewing Co. beer box with mixed four bottles on a yellow background

Mixed Box
From $45.00
Two bottles of Brave Brewing Co. Bottle Rocket Ale on a white background

Bottle Rocket - Pale Ale
5.6% abv.
From $39.00
BBC11 - West Coast Pilsner

BBC11 - West Coast Pilsner
5.8% abv.
From $42.00
Two bottles of Brave Brewing Co. Tropical Knockout Hazy IPA beer on a white background

Tropical Knockout - Hazy IPA
5.8% abv.
From $40.00
Brown beer bottle with a green The Bugle Session Ale label featuring 'Brave Brewing Co' on a white background

The Bugle - Session Ale
3.5% abv.
From $42.50
Brown Brave Brewing Co Terrible Lizards West Coast IPA beer bottle on a white background

Terrible Lizards - West Coast IPA
6.3% abv.
From $42.00
Brown bottle of 'Happy Go Lager' with a label on a white background

Happy Go Lager
4.8% abv.
From $45.00
Bottle of Brave Milk Stout with a label on a white background

Milk Stout
5.7% abv.
From $38.00
Dreamcast - West Coast IPA

Dreamcast - West Coast IPA
6.5% abv.
From $42.00
Two brown bottles with yellow Stay Gold XPA labels from Brave Brewing Co. on a white background

Stay Gold - XPA
4.5% abv.
From $38.00
Two bottles of Brave Brewing Co. Peoples Pilsner beer on a white background

The People's Pils - German Pilsner
4.8% abv.
From $38.00