Alexandra is home to a new craft brewery, turning a dream into reality for its owner.

New kid in town, craft brewery Station Brewing on Alexandra’s Boundary Rd, has been open for a month and its owner Grant Radka said it was fantastic to see his dream become a “place to welcome anybody”.

It’s been a busy time for Grant, a father of three under three, who is about to release the second iteration of Double Kick American Pale Ale (APA), a special beer brewed in commemoration of Central Otago's Wayne Hammond who died in 2021.

Wayne was a drummer and had been a member of local rock band The Burning Fridges for five years.

The Burning Fridges of 2021 (from left) Greg Clearwater, Wayne Hammond, Aaron Moore and Shane Crawford. PHOTO: Supplied 

Grant said the first release of the commemorative beer in 2022 was a great success and he was honoured to repeat the brew.

“The Burning Fridges are based just across the road . . . I hope they’ll be able to play here in the future.”

Band spokesperson Shane Crawford said the beer was a special way to remember a mate who was hugely missed.

The Burning Fridges current band lineup is (from left) Kieron Ingram, Shane Crawford, Aaron Moore and Greg Clearwater. PHOTO: Supplied 

A men’s mental health and wellbeing cause will receive support from proceeds of the sale of the Double Kick APA. 

Grant said getting the business open and operating has been a “huge effort” from a large number of people.

“It’s really hard to thank everyone. The support has been overwhelming, it’s exactly why I came back to Alexandra. There is a real community spirit here . . . we are so grateful for all the help.”  

Grant thanked the Gray family, including builder Glen and landlord Ian, Gary Stewart from Ophir for branding, tap badges and beer label design, and local tradespeople for their “massive support and advice.”

A gift of a home brew kit when he was at the University of Otago in 2008 is what got him interested in brewing. 

“Back then I realised there was a place in Central Otago for this . . . I came on board as a brewer at Olivers in 2015 and I’m keen to keep on going with them too.”

Grant’s vision is to reach the whole community with Station Brewing. He said families with kids are welcome and work is underway on a beer garden and outdoor area.

The Boundary Rd warehouse used to be an auto wreckers and then a juice factory prior to Grant taking on the lease. PHOTO: The Central App  

“We’re licensed from 10am and we’re trying to staff up for summer. We’re hoping to increase our offering to include lunches and coffee.”

Station Brewing beers are currently contract brewed by Rhyme X Reason Brewing in Wānaka.

Grant said the plan is to have on-site brewing from around March 2024. 

Read more: New craft brewery in the works.