Tracy has spent, as of September 2023, four decades in the brewing industry. Safe to say she knows a thing or two about a good brew.

Her career began in England, with brewing giants Greenalls and Bass, prior to a move abroad to New Zealand in 1994.

Tracy has played a pivotal role in the craft beer revolution that has since swept the country – firstly in her role as Head Brewer for Mac’s in the mid to late 90’s, and later as Brewery Manager and Head Brewer with Speight’s – making her the first female in history to run the iconic, Dunedin-based brewery.

Tracy is now the owner and Master Brewer of Sprig + Fern Brewing Co., based in Richmond. With sixteen owner-operated Sprig + Fern and Little Sprig Taverns and a continued view to expansion, she’s built a brand, beers, and Tavern experience that is beloved throughout the country.

Dubbed the ‘Mother of NZ Brewing’, Tracy has been repeatedly recognised for her services to the industry, which have included training and imparting knowledge to the brewing community, judging nationally and internationally, and lending her exceptional sensory skills to give feedback and tasting notes on new hop cultivars.

In recognition of her impact on the industry, Tracy was awarded an Honorary Fellowship to the Brewers Guild of New Zealand in 2019, adding to her Honorary Member accolade in 2014. An Honorary Fellowship is the Guild’s highest honour and is awarded sparingly to recognise the high level of achievement of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Brewers Guild of New Zealand.

Additionally, Tracy has collected countless awards for recipes she has brewed over her forty-year-career. Next time you raise a proper pint of a Sprig + Fern beer, consider the years of brewing experience that’s gone in to the glass!