Bootleg was started in November 2016, and was born to brew great beer.

it was started with the belief that there are too many so call “craft” beers out there that have been made to cater to the lion red drinkers and don’t taste all that different. we think that NZ has too long been dominated by two duopolistic brewing giants who have tied up the tap in 90% of bars across the country. we think that all kiwi’s should be entitled to choose beers that taste awesome and are not simply brewed to line the pockets of overseas shareholders.

Bootleg beers will always be made with flavour and taste foremost, this sometimes means that we forgo the efficiency and profits that other breweries get, but we hold true to our roots of brewing awesome beers.

in 2017 we won the trophy for Best Strong Pale Ale for Apehanger IPA with our 4th ever commercial brew. we’ve started how we mean to go on.