Double Success at the Brewers Guild of NZ Beer Awards 2026

The Sprig + Fern Brewing Co. team have started the week in high spirits, following another sensational result at the 20th Anniversary Brewers Guild of New Zealand Beer Awards. Sprig + Fern claimed 13 medals and two trophies including the BEST IN CLASS Trophy in the Fruit and Flavoured Class with Norty Porter which is a luscious creamy chocolate beer. In addition to this Tracy Banner, Owner and Master Brewer of Sprig + Fern Brewing Co. was the first ever recipient of the inaugural People Award to go with her previous Fellowship and Honorary medals. When Tracy’s name was announced, the room erupted into a long standing ovation. An unmistakable sign of just how remarkable her achievement is and how deeply it and Tracy is valued within New Zealand’s brewing industry.

The 2026 competition attracted 660 entries from breweries throughout New Zealand and overseas, which were critiqued by a hand-selected team of industry experts across three days earlier in July. The eagerly anticipated results were then shared on Saturday evening, which included the following awards for Sprig + Fern Brewing Co.;

BEST IN CLASS:
NORTY PORTER

GOLD:
NORTY PORTER
REMARKABLE RHAPZODY NZIPA
BANOFFEE BOCK

SILVER:
BROKEN AXE SCOTCH ALE
THE G.O.A.T DOPPELBOCK 
RESIN RIDGE HOPPY BROWN ALE
LOCK, BOCK & BARREL

BRONZE:
FERN LAGER
BEST BITTER
IRISH RED ALE
HOPS FOR HOSPICE
GRIZZLY PORTER
CHOC CHILLI PORTER

With 15 Sprig + Fern Tavern and Little Sprigs based in Nelson/Tasman and Wellington you can enjoy an award winning craft beer in Proper Pints or find the Sprig + Fern range in supermarkets and liquor stores throughout New Zealand.