The Oamaru brewery has shown its class on the world stage, scooping five medals at the New Zealand Brewers Guild Awards, a competition that attracts entries from around the world.
Craftwork Brewery is a collaborative brewing partnership between Michael O'Brien and Lee-Ann Scotti, founded in March last year.
Their intention - to brew small idiosyncratic batches of Belgian-inspired ales, without compromise.
At the New Zealand Brewers Guild Awards on September 19, they won three silver medals - for their Saison Anise, Dark Lord and Autobarn beers - and two bronze medals - for Good Lord Gold and Flemish Floozie.
Silver-medalling Autobarn, a strong blonde farmhouse ale, aged for 10 months in a Gewurtztraminer barrel, was a collaboration with Wellington brewer Kerry Gray, of Choice Bros.
A total of 59 gold, 159 silver and 243 bronze medals were awarded this year.
Following their success at the Australian International Beer Awards in May, they were hopeful of medalling, Ms Scotti said.
''However, we didn't get medals for two beers that we expected to,'' she said.
''It all depends on whether you have entered them in the correct class for the style.''
Craftwork Brewery's beers are predominantly Belgian-style, contrary to popular styles in New Zealand, Ms Scotti said.
''They are completely handmade, using quality ingredients and a lot of love,'' she said.
''We are always trying to improve our processes and make better beer.''
In little over a year, Craftwork has doubled its capacity and engaged with other brewers for a number of collaborations.
The brewers have received ''great support'' locally and nationally.
In North Otago, their beers are stocked at Riverstone Kitchen, Cucina 1871, Tees St cafe, and New World South Hill.
''We have [also] expanded our barrel programme,'' she said.
''The barrel-aged beers take a couple of years to mature, but are worth it.''
The pair have not ruled out expanding from the basement of Ms Scotti's home, but they do not want to grow too fast.
Ms Scotti recently resigned from her teaching position to focus on brewing fulltime.
''Our future plans are to make better beer and sell in more places around New Zealand,'' she said.
''You never know what's around the corner.''
Ms Scotti and Mr O'Brien were unable to attend the New Zealand Brewers Guild Awards as they are travelling around Belgium for six weeks, visiting breweries and sampling Belgian beer that is not available in New Zealand.
''The fact that we are on holiday has given us the opportunity to process the past 18 months, and start developing new ideas, relating to systems in the brewery,'' she said.
''We have been well received, particularly because we are New Zealanders who show an educated interest in their culture.''
