Founded by Luke Nicholas, Epic Beer is an established, multi-award-winning craft brewery based in the heart of Auckland, New Zealand. Celebrating over twenty years in the trade, the team operates with a dedicated crew of 15 employees who focus on delivering exceptional hop combinations, bold flavours, and uncompromising quality in every batch.
The Onehunga site serves as Epic's operational headquarters and taproom, welcoming visitors to sample their legendary core range alongside the freshest limited drops. Known especially for its massive hop profiles and vibrant community atmosphere, the taproom hosts regular live music with the Epic House Band, pinball machines, and full takeaway sales direct from the source.
Two decades into its journey, Epic Beer stands as one of the definitive pillars of New Zealand's independent brewing movement. Founded by brewer Luke Nicholas, the company was built from day one on a singular, unapologetic philosophy: brewing beers with immense quantities of hops, uncompromising recipe standards, and absolute flavour consistency. Operating out of an unassuming industrial space on Neilson Street in Onehunga, Epic proves that a compact, 15-person team can leave a monumental footprint on the national craft beer scene.
For local enthusiasts and international visitors alike, the Epic brand has long been synonymous with hop-forward brewing. Rather than leaning on subtlety, Nicholas embraced the intense, aromatic potential of American and New Zealand hop varieties, creating a legacy of award-winning beers that helped shape modern Kiwi palates. Over the years, the brewery has continued to balance its legendary core releases with inventive, seasonal experiments that push stylistic boundaries.
Visiting the Onehunga headquarters at 230B Neilson Street offers an authentic look inside a working independent brewery. The on-site taproom is designed as an unpretentious gathering space where guests can taste fresh pours right where the beer is handled and packaged. Operating from midday Thursday through Sunday, the space transitions seamlessly from casual afternoon tastings to lively weekend evenings. On busier nights, the team frequently keeps the doors open later to accommodate the neighbourhood crowd.
Beyond pouring fresh pints, the taproom embraces classic pub culture with an unmistakable creative streak. The space houses retro pinball machines, tracked on national competitive pinball networks, providing classic arcade entertainment between tastings. Live music is another fixture of the venue, anchored by regular performances from the Epic House Band, turning the taproom into an energetic community venue for locals and music fans.
At the centre of Epic's lineup is Hop Zombie, an 8.5% powerhouse that has earned a devoted cult following across the country for its tropical hop aromatics and assertive bitterness. Alongside this flagship staple, visitors can explore creations like the Full Send NZIPA, which highlights homegrown hop cultivars, and the Jake Porter, a blended dark ale that showcases the brewery's technical depth beyond pale ales.
Flexibility is a cornerstone of the tasting room. Guests looking to take beer home can choose from an extensive single-can wall featuring 330ml and 440ml releases, allowing customers to build their own custom tasting sets without being locked into standard four- or six-packs. For those passing through during the week, the Neilson Street location remains open Monday through Wednesday purely for takeaway purchases, ensuring fresh cans are always accessible.