Our Story
The story of No.19 Brewing began in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, when two neighbours turned necessity into innovation. With lockdowns keeping everyone apart, they decided to break down the barriers, literally, by cutting a hole in their fence and creating a fold-down bar known as No.19. Wrapped in sleeping bags and huddled under umbrellas, they shared socially distanced beers late into the night, keeping spirits high and hatching crazy ideas.
What started as a backyard escape eventually became No.19 Brewing Company, a small, garage-born brewery now based in Christchurch.
The Brewers
Craig began brewing back in the UK at a young age and has since mastered a wide range of styles. The pandemic offered him the perfect opportunity to rekindle his passion, turning his garage into a brewer’s paradise. As a construction engineer, Craig’s meticulous nature ensures that every batch of beer is crafted to perfection.
Al, on the other hand, was a latecomer to the brewing scene but quickly made up for lost time. Embracing a do-it-yourself attitude, he learnt through trial and error, eventually teaching at Brew Academy and gaining hands-on commercial experience at some of Christchurch’s most renowned breweries.
Together, Craig and Al bring a balance of precision, creativity, and hands-on experience to every batch. If you’d like to learn more about what we’re brewing or where to find us, we’re always happy to talk beer.
The Journey
While brewing is at the heart of what we do, No.19 is just as much about place as it is about pints. As two expats who now proudly call Aotearoa home, we’ve been shaped by the wild beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes.
From alpine trails to windswept coastlines, this country fuels our creativity and defines our brand. Each beer we craft is a tribute to the places we love, packed with the spirit of discovery and a deep respect for the land around us.
You can see that influence reflected across the beers we brew today.
The Future
As we look to the future, our goal is to make No.19 Brewing a trusted name in the craft beer world. We’re committed to creating exceptional beers, supporting our community, and celebrating the diverse influences that shape our brews, from British milds and European styles to unique festival specials and great Kiwi favourites.
Inspired by the wild beauty of Aotearoa, every beer we make is brewed for the next great adventure, because at the end of the day, it’s all about good beer, good people, and good times.
That philosophy sits at the heart of everything we do at No.19 Brewing.
