"Mac's" Brewery, as it it better known locally, has won many awards and medals for its fine beers. For example, it was named "The Best Small Brewery in Australasia" and so became the "Special Light" winner of the Alfa Laval Trophy for best exhibit Low Alcohol section 1994 and 1995.




Two decades ago, Terry McCashin's dream to start up the Nelson based McCashin's Brewery was realised. It followed the growth and potential of the boutique breweries in England and was opened in 1981 by then Prime Minister, Sir Robert Muldoon, who described it as a 'David' in an industry dominated by two 'Goliaths'!

The thinking was simple - both countries have a long and devoted relationship with beer and if boutique breweries could work there, they could work here. Macs Ale was chosen to conform to the Bavarian Purity Laws of 1516 [Reinheitsgebot] meaning only malt, yeast, hops and water can be used as ingredients, - a far cry from the brews that were on the market at the time.

This brought about a beer renaissance in New Zealand. The 'recipe for success' was not in the taste buds alone, it was in the people, in the ingredients and in the processes, it was in the pursuit of quality in all areas.



In today's terms, the 'natural, clean and green' philosophy which lies behind the brewing of all Mac's beers encompasses a completely pure and naturally-brewed product, untainted by chemicals, preservatives, artificial colourings or flavourings.



Mac's - pure malt ales and lagers, naturally brewed for the connoisseur...

The Mac's range of all-malt ales and lagers is batch-brewed using only the finest malt and hops, grown locally, and the supply of pure spring water available on site for the brewing.

The bottling of Mac's products also follows this philosophy with the use of 'tamper-evident' Rip-caps, which promote safety and seal in purity.



Mac's Gold: A light-coloured lager brewed for the discerning connoisseur. It has a good head, subtle underlying sweet bitterness, dry palate and clean refreshing after-taste. 4% alc/vol.



Black Mac: A traditional dark ale with a full-bodied, stout flavour and lager maturity. The flavour is drawn from specially-cured porter malts. 4% alc/vol.



Mac's Real Ale: An ale which is a cross between an Australian lager and a strong English ale. It has a strong head and malty flavour from prolonged toasting of the malt during kilning.
4% alc/vol.


Mac's Extra: An extra-strength, premium lager which has been conditioned for over 40 days. Its taste is best described as a strong, slightly-bitter hop tang. 7% alc/vol.



Mac's Special Light: The envy of all brewers. A light-coloured, low alcohol lager crafted with all the best characteristics of a full-strength beer. 1% alc/vol.



Rochdale Cider: A palatable and crisp sparkling cider with a refreshing after-taste. Winner of a Gold Medal at 1994 NZ National Fruit Wine Competition and ENZA Trophy for Best New Zealand Cider 1994. 4.8% alc/vol.


Ginger Beer: Old Stoney Ginger Beer brewed the traditional way from an 1860's recipe. It utilises old brewer's yeast and is unaltered for real flavour. Non-alcoholic.



Mac's Premium Reserve: A bottom fermented lager inspired by the traditional Märzen beers of Bavaria. The characteristic flavour comes from choice Motueka hops, a blend of premium malts and an extended maturation period. 5.2% alc/vol.

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Tours through the brewery site are available daily at .
    We strongly advise booking in advance.

Gift, bottle and bulk sales are available at the shop

McCashin's Brewery & Malthouse
660 Main Road, P.O. Box 2055, Stoke
Nelson, New Zealand
Telephone: +64 3 547 5357
Facsimile:  +64 3 547 6876
Email: tours@macsbeer.co.nz

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