From Bean Bag to Brew: The Story Behind Auckland's Newest Craft Beer Startup

In the heart of Auckland's vibrant craft beer scene, a new brewery is making waves: Bean Bag Brewery. It’s not just another craft beer venture; it’s the result of a dream born in the unlikeliest of circumstances—during a global pandemic. This is the story of how a few lockdowns, some boredom, and an undying passion for beer led to the creation of one of Auckland's newest and most exciting breweries.

How It All Began

Like many stories from the pandemic, the tale of Bean Bag Brewery began in 2020, when the world ground to a halt. Auckland, like many cities, went into lockdown, and daily life was turned upside down. The team behind Bean Bag Brewery—Namit and his close-knit group of friends—suddenly found themselves with an abundance of time and very little to do. But instead of sinking into the monotony of endless Netflix binges or Zoom calls, they turned to a different kind of pastime: homebrewing.

Armed with homebrewing kits, they decided to put their newfound free time to good use. What started as a way to pass the time quickly turned into something much more exciting. The results from their early brews were unexpectedly fantastic—delicious beers that could rival some of the best craft brews in Auckland. The success of these early experiments sparked a passion that none of them had anticipated.

A Fateful New Year’s Eve

Fast forward to New Year’s Eve, and after a few too many celebratory drinks, an idea was born. "What if we turned our love of brewing into a real, live brewery?" It sounded so simple in the moment, fueled by the excitement of a fresh start and the possibilities of the new year. The next day, still riding the high of that New Year’s Eve revelation, Namit and the team got to work. They started researching the logistics of opening a brewery and, within a few days, began the paperwork. It was a bold move, and little did they know just how challenging it would be.

Turning the Dream into Reality

Starting a brewery is no easy feat, as Namit and the team quickly discovered. The journey from homebrewing to opening a full-scale brewery was filled with hurdles. Securing the necessary manufacturing license took months, and they encountered countless setbacks along the way. From navigating the complexities of New Zealand's regulatory landscape to sourcing the right equipment, it was an uphill battle. But the Bean Bag team was determined, and they never gave up on their dream.

After what felt like an eternity of preparation, they were finally granted their manufacturing license. It was a moment of triumph—a sign that their dream was becoming a reality. But the challenges didn’t stop there. Starting a brewery isn’t just about brewing great beer; it’s about building a sustainable business.

The team had to ensure they had all the necessary resources to produce high-quality beer consistently. This meant investing in fermentation tanks, kegs, and bottling equipment, as well as establishing solid relationships with suppliers to secure the raw materials they needed. Marketing and branding were also crucial components of their strategy. They knew they needed to create a unique identity for their brewery—one that would set them apart in Auckland's competitive craft beer market.

Bean Bag Brewery Today

Today, Bean Bag Brewery is a thriving business, producing some of the finest craft beers in Auckland. Their lineup includes a refreshing Pilsner, a juicy Hazy IPA, and a bold IPA, all brewed with the same passion and dedication that started in Namit's kitchen. What sets Bean Bag Brewery apart is not just the quality of their beer, but the heart behind it. The brewery was born out of a love for brewing and a desire to create something special during a time of global uncertainty.

But beyond the beer itself, Bean Bag Brewery has become a part of Auckland’s craft beer community. They’ve worked hard to carve out a space for themselves in the local scene, and they’re quickly becoming a must-try brewery for beer enthusiasts in the city. Whether it’s through their unique beer names, eye-catching labels, or the inviting atmosphere of their brewery, Bean Bag Brewery has created a brand that resonates with people.

A Final Toast

The journey from bean bags to brewing tanks wasn’t easy, but it was worth every challenge. Today, Namit and the team are proud to be creating some of the best beer in town. If you ever find yourself in Auckland, make sure to swing by Bean Bag Brewery and raise a glass to a story that started with lockdown boredom and turned into a dream come true.

Cheers to the future of Bean Bag Brewery—Auckland’s newest craft beer gem.