Paraparaumu craft brewer expands to keep batches flowing

EXCITING: George Duncan in a Sheffield St warehouse, Paraparaumu, where he will be brewing his craft beer.

Kapiti's craft beer brewing footprint is taking another exciting leap forward.

George Duncan, from Raumati South, has taken over the lease of a warehouse in Sheffield St, Paraparaumu, which will be used to create his pale ale, Pilsner and stout.

The Duncan's Brewing Co owner said he had been finding it harder to contract brew his beers around the country while keeping up with demand.

"I could always find somewhere that makes big batches but it was trying to find the place that produced the right size batch so that I would always have fresh beer."

After giving a beer talk at the Kapiti Community Centre this year he heard about an empty warehouse available in Sheffield St that had the potential to be converted into a brewery.

The idea was enticing but there was some trepidation regarding taking such a risk.

But with the contract brewing issues continuing, he decided to have a chat with craft brewing legend Carl Vasta, the founder of the highly successful Tuatara Brewery.

With encouragement and help from Mr Vasta, Duncan signed a lease on the warehouse, which is also in the same street as Tuatara Brewery's large scale operation.

"I like the fact I'm close to Tuatara and they have been super helpful."

Duncan, a builder by trade, has been busy transforming the empty 213sqm former engineering workshop into his brewery.

A wet floor has been created, large chiller unit installed, four 2000 litre tanks are on their way from China as well as a bottling line from Wanaka.

The hardest part so far has been the consent process with Kapiti Coast District Council.

"It just hasn't been fast."

The brewery's focus was firmly forward looking though.

"You've just got to keep going.

"And when the going gets tough you've got to keep charging through.

"You've also got to focus on the little incremental steps otherwise the end goal can seem unachievable."

He hopes the brewery will be operational by March next year.

"That would be awesome."