Scotts Brewing Co. is a locally owned craft brewery on the Oamaru waterfront, in the town's Historic/Harbour Precinct, overlooking the waters of Friendly Bay. The story began in 2007 in a West Auckland shed, where founder Phillip Scott - diagnosed with Coeliac disease - set out to brew a truly great gluten-free beer, and has since grown into an industrious brewery housed in Ōamaru's old railway goods shed.
Scotts' first Ōamaru release, the Nineteen 05 Golden Ale, marked the return of commercial brewing to the area after more than a century. The beer range now includes the Gluten Free Pale Ale, Parched Apple Cider, Pilsner, Vienna Lager, Black Point Extra Stout, Boulder NZ Pale Ale, B-10 Porter, Explorer Light Ale and Harbourmaster IPA, brewed with local grain, South Island hops and pure Alpine water.
The kitchen serves stone baked pizzas and generous share-style platters built around local, seasonal Waitaki region ingredients, with most meals able to be made gluten free and dairy free, vegetarian or vegan options available. Scotts is also a live music venue hosting local and touring artists, runs on a casual walk-in basis, and caters for functions and larger groups with notice.
Overlooking Friendly Bay in Ōamaru's Harbour Precinct, Scotts Brewing Co. traces its story back to 2007, when founder Phillip Scott, diagnosed with Coeliac disease, set out from a West Auckland shed to brew a truly great gluten-free beer. That small shed has since grown into an industrious brewery housed in Ōamaru's old railway goods shed - a blend of heritage and innovation.
Scotts crafts its beers using local grain, South Island hops and pure Alpine water. Its first Ōamaru release, the Nineteen 05 Golden Ale, marked the return of commercial brewing to the area after more than a century. Today the range includes the Gluten Free Pale Ale, Parched Apple Cider, Pilsner, Vienna Lager, Black Point Extra Stout, Boulder NZ Pale Ale, B-10 Porter, Explorer Light Ale and Harbourmaster IPA.
Scotts Gluten Free Pale Ale remains the brewery's top seller, recognised as one of New Zealand's most trusted gluten-free beers. Every step, from sourcing certified gluten-free ingredients through to brew-day preparation and bottling, is handled with care, and the beer is regularly sent for laboratory testing so drinkers can enjoy it with confidence.
Beyond the beer, Scotts' kitchen heroes the best of Ōamaru and the Waitaki region, turning local, seasonal ingredients into stone baked pizzas and generous share-style platters designed to pair with the brews. Most meals can be made gluten free, with dairy free, vegetarian and vegan options also available - just ask staff about dietary requirements. Takeaway ordering is available for those who'd rather enjoy Scotts at home.
Scotts operates on a casual walk-in basis - first in, best dressed - though groups of 10 or more are asked to get in touch ahead of time. The venue regularly hosts local and touring musicians, making it one of Ōamaru's live music hubs, and caters for work parties, family birthdays and special occasions. The beer garden is a family and dog-friendly space where locals unwind, kids play, and visitors soak up genuine southern hospitality.
Scotts Brewing Co. is located at 1 Wansbeck St on the Ōamaru Waterfront, and can be reached by phone or email for functions and enquiries.