Profits brewing for local youth development organization

Profits brewing for local youth development organization

The boys from Funk Estate have been busy mixing the cauldron to raise money for Youthline.

Smooth Hoperator, a specialty brewed India Pale Ale, has been created as a fundraiser with all profits benefiting youth development organization, Youthline.

The three young brewing professors, Shigeo Takagi, Dylan Shearer and Jordon Evison are the face behind the Funk Estate label. All in their early twenties, they are the youngest craft beer business owners in the industry.

"This project is all about giving back and having fun while doing it," says Takagi, "and already we are seeing support flow in, we have been able to source supplies pro bono to keep costs low so that as much money as possible benefits Youthline."

Shigeo Takagi (Shiggy) moved to New Zealand from Bangkok when he was 19. Ever since he can remember he has always wanted to own a business. In university, he seriously considered hospitality and owning a bar, which led him to a job at a craft beer bar in Wellington, he hasn't looked back from craft beer since. The journey to brewing full-time and owning his business, Funk Estate Brewery, began with home brewing and the New Zealand Home Brewing Competition. After scoring 4 Gold, 5 Silver and 9 Bronze at the competition in 2011, Shiggy was hooked.

"I really like the amount of freedom there is in beer brewing, it's creative, the fact I get to experiment makes this industry incredibly attractive to me. The product is highly social as well, for me sharing craft beer with friends and family is all about making memories, plus I can be proud of something I've created myself that is quality."
Smooth Hoperator is no exception to Shiggy’s experimentation and collaboration, and draws on the talents of six young brewers from around New Zealand, who have all added their own flair. The brew itself combines the sweetness of mango fruit with the zest of lemon, tons of hops and a great malt selection. The young brewers have crafted something not only special and delicious, but for a great cause.

In 2015, the team raised enough capital to secure a physical location for their brewery in Grey Lynn. Throughout their journey, they've been well supported by others in the industry, and now want to pass on that support. Smooth Hoperator is all about inspiring other young people.

"We started as a small group of friends with a hobby and a big passion. We started with nothing and worked hard. If you've ever thought of going into business for yourself, just start it! The first step is the hardest, but you never know what might happen."

You can support The Funk Estate in their project to support other young people through Youthline, Smooth Hoperator will be available Friday 28/10/16 from:

Hashigo Zake - Wellington
The Lumsden Freehouse- Newmarket
The Beer Spot - Takapuna
Galbraith Alehouse - Mt Eden
The Fine Wine Delivery Co - Mt Wellington & Northshore
Riggers
The Station - CBD
The Hamilton Beer and Wine co - Hamilton
Craft Hamilton - Hamilton
Vultures Lane - CBD
Brewers Co-op - CBD

A big thank you to the Funk Estate, Cryer Malt, NZ Hops, S.O.B.A, Reg Kegs and New Zealand Brewers Guild for supporting this project.

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