When we began brewing at the Coromandel Brewing Company, “craft beer” was barely on anyone’s radar.
The most common response when offering new customers a craft beer was, “craft what?”. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically. While there has been occasional chatter about the craft beer industry reaching its peak, these claims often overlook a natural “reset” period that many burgeoning trends experience as the market evolves and stabilises.
Here in the Coromandel, in a matter of days, we went through both the ups and the downs.
The latest addition to our brewing family is Coromandel Town Supply which briefly lifted the number of breweries in the area to three.
But sadly, it was back to two after Salt District Brewing in Whangamata closed its doors in February. Life’s circumstances — moving house, expecting a baby — conspired against Salt District owner Liam Blunden. He hoped to turn his tasting room into a brew pub but the sale of the building he was in as well as a few other hurdles put the business into the too-hard basket despite a successful couple of years.
On the upside, I had the pleasure of joining Tony Blackett for thet inaugural brew on his newly 800-litre system at Coromandel Town Supply. It was a day filled with enthusiasm and creativity, working through the intricacies of the new setup. Tony’s brewery, tasting room, and fillery are located on the main street of Coromandel Town (55 Kapanga Road), creating an inviting hub for locals and visitors alike.
As a brewer with UK roots, I’ve always believed that craft beer is about celebrating local breweries and discovering unique beers while exploring new places. This ethos remains a cornerstone of the non-corporate craft beer world. Supporting local breweries ensures that “drink local” continues to be a rallying cry for beer enthusiasts. It’s a mantra that keeps the industry vibrant and diverse, offering something fresh and exciting around every corner.
The Coromandel has struggled with the sharp decline in tourism through Covid, Cyclone Gabrielle and the ensuing financial climate. However, the local community has always valued local products and businesses and we can vouch for the continued support we have had from locals and out-of-town bach owners to help us through what has been a difficult and testing period for businesses in the area. This grassroots support highlights the profound connection between local craft breweries and the people they serve.
For those seeking an exceptional craft beer experience, the Coromandel is a must-visit destination. Despite Salt District closing Whangamata has the excellent Craft Haus, Phil Keogh’s independent bar which is a true gem of the Peninsula.
Our own Coromandel Brewing Company continues to thrive at The Pour House in Hahei, and now we have Coromandel Town Supply.
Adding to the good news, the Cathedral Cove Track finally reopened this past summer after an extended closure.
This iconic attraction’s return heralds a promising future for both sightseeing and craft beer tourism in the region. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or simply curious about the craft movement, the Coromandel offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore local breweries and taste exceptional beers brewed on-site.
We look forward to raising a glass with you soon!