ABOUT RUDI'S

From a Viaduct Bar to a Craft Beer Star

Rudi’s Beer was born on the iconic Auckland waterfront, inside the lively Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Bar—named in honour of the legendary Dr Rudi, the saviour of New Zealand’s beer industry. Back in the day, Dr Rudi helped revolutionize brewing by developing disease-resistant hops, giving Kiwi beer its fighting spirit (and great flavour).

It was here, on-site at Dr Rudi’s, that our master brewer Blair began his journey. Blair brewed directly for the bar, crafting beers that quickly gained a loyal following among waterfront regulars and craft beer lovers alike.

When the bar changed hands, the beer didn’t stop flowing. Instead, Rudi’s Beer became its own independent brewing company—still proudly supplying Dr Rudi’s, but now also delivering its award-winning brews to supermarkets, liquor stores, and fridges across New Zealand.

With the arrival of Stuart and Mike, the Rudi’s team grew, bringing fresh energy and vision to the brand. Together, the trio has helped transform Rudi’s from a small bar-based operation into a serious player in the craft beer scene, producing an ever-expanding range of award-winning beers and ciders.

At Rudi’s, we believe in brewing with passion, staying true to our roots, and always raising the bar (and the glass). From a waterfront bar to a nationwide name, we’re proud of our journey—and even prouder of what’s in the can.

Cheers to great beer, good mates, and the legendary Dr Rudi who started it all.

  • REASON WHY WE NAMED OUR BEER RUDI'S

    Way back in the 50’s, the survival of NZ’s booming hop industry hung in the balance with the widespread presence of a disease ominously named Black Root Rot.

    One man made it his mission to eradicate the deadly soil disease for good. That man was Dutch born plant scientist Dr. Rudi Roborgh.

    Dr. Rudi went on to develop many new varieties of hops that were resistant to the disease.One of the hops was called the “DrRudi SuperAlpha” which was the world’s first seedless, commercial hop plant.

    It (and the many other hops he developed) is still used (and are used) in beers all around the world to this day. Due to his world beating (and some might say ‘life saving’) actions, Dr.Rudi became known as 'The Godfather of NZ Hops' and the rightful namesake of our beer.

  • ABOUT OUR BREW MASTER

    Brewmaster Blair Mortland's been in the beer game for over a decade, starting from scratch and now whipping up top-notch all-grain brews. His love for a good pint started in Washington, DC, and he took it up a notch back in New Zealand, partnering with WilliamsWarn to crack the commercial market. These days, he's the main bloke at Rudi's, knocking out easy-drinking, quality beers in Auckland. Come and join Blair for a yarn and a pint, and discover the real magic behind cracking open a cold one with mates.