Inspired by the crowds gathered around the Farra Brewing System at Beervana 2013 we had an idea. What if we could make the system available to everyone who wanted to brew their own craft beer. If we built it, would the beer lovers come?

And so the Occasional Brewer was born. We help you make great craft beer.

We supply the top-of-the-line brewing system, high quality ingredients (that’s grain, not extract) and expertise. Just bring your mates and a love of craft beer.

In 2016 we moved to our Mount Cook site, with a purpose built brew space and bar. We then expanded our experiences to include gin and whisky making. You can make a gin of your choosing, watch it distill and take it away with you. You can craft your own whisky from 100% barley.

Following the closure of our Mt Cook site in May 2024, we are now working with our hospitality partners, Te Aro Brewery in Brewtown and Waitoa Social Club in Hataitai.