In the humble beginnings of League of Brewers, tucked away in Mike's garage, two friends, Ed and Mike, embarked on a journey sparked by their shared passion for brewing and enjoying beer. "We were just two guys who loved beer and wanted to make something special," recalls Ed. Frustrated by the limited options for all-grain brewing supplies, they decided to take matters into their own hands and opened up shop, quite literally, to provide fellow enthusiasts with the tools and ingredients they craved. "It's been a great experience to have been able to make something-from-nothing," reflects Mike. Little did they know that their venture would become a cornerstone of the homebrewing community in Nelson and New Zealand, evolving over the years into a beloved hub for all things crafty.

Fast forward a decade, and League of Brewers stands as a testament to the power of dedication and a genuine love for the craft. "I'm proud of getting us to where we are today, a fantastic, passionate team that cares deeply about our customers and the hobby," says Ed. 

From its humble origins in Mike's garage to its expansion into the bustling warehouse in Annesbrook, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. What started as a modest endeavour fuelled by passion has blossomed into a thriving business, serving as a beacon for both seasoned brewers and curious novices alike. "It's awesome seeing the brewing equivalent of the 'kid in a candy-shop' experience that we can provide customers," remarks Mike. “Brewing is a fun hobby, a science, and a social opportunity. It feels like the shop has been able to be part of that experience for many customers, helping and supporting them as they grow and learn on their individual journeys."

At the heart of League of Brewers lies not only a commitment to quality products but also a vibrant community spirit. "We wanted to create more than just a shop; we wanted to create a community," explains Mike. Dan "the Man" Hags, with his unmistakable brewers beard and encyclopaedic knowledge of all things brewing, has become a beloved figure among patrons. From his early days tinkering away in Mike's garage to his current role as a guiding force within the shop, Dan epitomises the dedication and expertise that define League of Brewers.

What sets League of Brewers apart is its commitment to catering to the diverse interests of its customers. While the shop may have started with a focus on homebrew supplies, it has since expanded its offerings to include everything from wine-making equipment to distilling gear, cheesemaking kits, and even tools for fermenting foods. 

In addition to providing a wide range of supplies, League of Brewers also prides itself on crafting unique recipes for all-grain brewing, which are sold as kits. "I still remember fondly brewing an imperial Rauchbier with Mike in his garage," recalls Ed,  "using the first batch of Manuka smoked malt from Gladfield. That was about 8 years ago, and I still have one bottle waiting to be opened!" The all-grain brewing kits have become incredibly popular among customers, offering a convenient way to experiment with new flavours and techniques and enjoy the satisfaction of brewing from scratch.

As League of Brewers marks its milestone 10th anniversary, it does so with a sense of gratitude for the community that has supported it every step of the way. "We were  aware that starting a new business would require a significant amount of commitment and we couldn't have done it without our awesome customers," says Mike. To Ed, Mike, Dan, and the team, and all the loyal patrons who have made League of Brewers the vibrant hub it is today, here's to another decade of crafty creations, shared passions, and endless possibilities. Cheers to the League!