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FT-Nov16

L A S T W O R D Shigeo Takagi, Dylan Shearer and Jordon Evison are the faces behind the Funk Estate label, which burst onto the scene nearly four years ago in Wellington and hit the spotlight when the friends raised enough capital to secure a physical location for their brewery at the old Governor Beer premises in Grey Lynn (Auckland) last year. Self-proclaimed as the youngest craft beer business owners in New Zealand, the trio started as a small group of friends with a hobby and a big passion. “We started with nothing and worked hard. If you’ve ever thought of going into business for yourself, just start it! The first step is the hardest, but you never know what might happen,” Takagi says. Along the way, the boys have been well supported by others in the industry, and have decided to ‘pay it forward’ with the release this month of Smooth Hoperator, a speciality-brewed India Pale Ale that will serve as a fundraiser with all profits going to youth organisation Youthline. “This project is all about giving back and having fun while doing it,” Takagi says, ‘and already we are seeing support flow in. We have been able to source supplies pro bono to keep costs low, so that as much money as possible benefits Youthline.” Takagi (or Shiggy, as he’s known as) moved to New Zealand from Bangkok when he was 19. Ever since he can remember, he wanted to own a business. In university, he seriously considered hospitality and owning a bar, which led him to a job at a craft beer bar in Wellington. The journey to brewing full-time at Funk Brewery began with home brewing and the New Zealand Home Brewing Competition. After scoring four Golds, five Silvers and nine Bronzes at the competition in 2011, Takagi was hooked. “I really like the amount of freedom there is in beer brewing,” he says. “It’s creative… the fact I get to experiment makes this industry incredibly attractive to me. The product is highly social as well. For me, sharing craft beer with friends and family is all about making memories, plus I can be proud of something I’ve created myself that is quality.”  The lads admit their beers are often “weird and wacky,” with their most critically acclaimed beer an imperial stout they make each year for Valentine’s Day. It contains five aphrodisiac ingredients, including chocolate, figs and maca root, and picked up three medals (including a gold) at the New Zealand Brewers Guild awards. In the past, production could range between 6000 and 10,000 litres a month, but the new facility will offer 10,000 monthly easily. The trio are also planning an off-licence so customers can buy beer straight off the estate. Smooth Hoperator is no exception to Takagi’s experimentation and collaboration, and draws on the talents of six young brewers from around New Zealand, who have added their own flair. The brew itself combines the sweetness of mango fruit with the zest of lemon, tons of hops and a great malt. In the bigger picture, the trio will build their presence in Auckland, which they say has the potential for a craft beer scene to rival Wellington’s. Craft beer is starting to determine the success of bars in Wellington’s CBD, and that is likely to start happening in Auckland as well. You can support The Funk Estate’s project for Youthline. Smooth Hoperator will be available in Wellington at Hashigo Zake; in Hamilton at the Hamilton Beer and Wine Co and Craft Hamilton; and in Auckland at The Lumsden Freehouse, The Beer Spot, Galbraith’s Alehouse, The Fine Wine Delivery Co, Riggers, The Station, Vultures Lane and Brewers Co-op. Supporters include Cryer Malt, NZ Hops, S.O.B.A, Reg Kegs and the New Zealand Brewers Guild. PAYING IT FORWARD Three “young brewing professors” from Auckland are making a mark on the New Zealand brewing scene with their innovative products, cutting-edge minds and hearts filled with community spirit. 46 NOVEMBER 2016


FT-Nov16
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