The concept for New Zealand’s first geo-brewery is being developed just north of Taupo.
While the plans for the full-scale brewery, restaurant and bar are still a work in progress, The Rogue Bore is celebrating the launch of its beer with a pop-up bar – just in time for summer.
The Rogue Bore Container Bar will be serving a select range of its craft beer from a retrofitted shipping container.
Co-founder and brewer Mike Blair has combined his two passions – craft beer and geothermal energy – to create The Rogue Bore. He previously worked in the geothermal energy industry and it was his idea to use renewable energy to brew environmentally-friendly beer.
"There is so much renewable energy within the earth that can be directly utilised in an incredibly efficient way," says Mike. "We’re excited about our plans to use geothermal for all of our energy requirements at the brewery as this will greatly reduce our environmental footprint."
The unused carpark in Taupo’s town centre had been closed for a few months when Chloe Walker, The Rogue Bore’s co-founder and CEO, realised it was the perfect location for a pop-up bar to give people the opportunity to try out their new craft beer while promoting plans for the new brewery.
"The carpark doesn’t look like much now, but once we’ve put our retrofitted Container Bar there, some food trucks, installed beautiful lighting and set out some sweet outdoor furniture, we expect locals and tourists to flock to the best beer garden in town to enjoy a pint in the sun.
"We’re really excited to share our beer with New Zealand, and it’s a great opportunity to test the market and get feedback on the new sustainable brewery."
The Rogue Bore Container Bar will be open from December 20 through to the end of summer. There will be a few wine, cider and non-alcoholic options for those who don’t drink beer plus a delicious range of food trucks on site. It will be located at 29 Tuwharetoa St, in Taupo’s town centre.
The Rogue Bore beer will also be available through select retailers around the country. Work is in progress to develop and establish a full scale brewery, bar and restaurant just north of Taupo for spring 2020.
