Adept brewer now home

Tuatara has recently appointed experienced international brewer Brayden Rawlinson as head brewer based at the Paraparaumu brewery.

Originally a Ka¯ piti local, Rawlinson has recently returned home from a stint overseas, following head brewer roles in a number of Sydney breweries including NOMAD brewing, Black House Brewhouse and Sweet Amber Beer Cafe´ .

Carl Vasta, Tuatara founder and master brewer, said Rawlinson was “a perfect fit for the team and the brand”.

“Brayden is already well known in Wellington brewing circles for his occasional releases under his Nine Barnyard Owls brand. Not only is he technically brilliant, he has a passion for the interesting and innovative, and he’s brimming with creative ideas for new Tuatara brews.

“We know he is a perfect fit to make our attentively crafted, delicious New Zealand craft beers.”

Rawlinson said his connection wi th the Tuatara brand was not only about brewing high-quality, great-tasting beer, but also a personal one.

“I grew up in Paraparaumu and even visited the Vasta’s farm in Reikorangi as an older teen and aspiring home brewer.

“My first craft beer was a Tuatara Aotearoa Pale Ale, so it’s really exciting to be coming full circle and be given the reins for such an amazing local brand.”

■ Tuatara Brewery started in a shed on Carl Vasta’s Reikorangi farm in 2000. With significant growth in the industry and two New Zealand Champion Brewery wins, the only brewery to achieve the accolade twice, the brewery moved to a bigger site in 2009, now situated in Paraparaumu.