For our Central Summer series, Rowan Schindler looks at a business which is seeking to entrench itself in local history and culture, and win over locals with its nod to the past but also a look to the future. 

Competition: Dark Horse Brew Werkz is offering an amazing prize to one lucky person. Read on to find out more. 

It was just six weeks ago Dark Horse Brew Werkz started slinging suds in the rustic stables behind Omakau’s Commercial Hotel, but locals have already begun to truly embrace the town’s newest shaker in hospitality. 

The historic stables, which is reportedly the oldest building in Omakau built by William Leask in the late 1880s, house the tap room.

The new owners, Eugene and Sharyn Whakahoehoe, have kitted it out as a welcoming, family friendly establishment, having taken over the Commercial Hotel at the start of the year. 

Cleverly located in the lovely schist stone building within the grounds of the Omakau Commercial Hotel, the tap room  is the centerpiece of this historic property.  

Dark Horse Brew Werkz is housed in the old stables behind Omakau’s Commercial Hotel. Photo Rowan Schindler. 

Dark Horse Brew Werkz is the result of hard work and a passion for brewing great beers and great hospitality. 

The stables have been renovated completely, with local tradespeople brought in to deck it out into a top quality tap room. 

Blacksmith tools, old items and knick-knacks adorn the walls. Some of it found on the property and some of it donated or lent from local families. 

Much of the wood was salvaged from demolished state housing in Christchurch by Eugene himself. 

The exposed schist walls and corrugated iron roof is history in itself. The stables were also the set of a Speights television ad, many moons ago. 

Smoke wafts across the green courtyard between the stables and hotel, which brings the scent of a succulent low and slow barbecue. 

Eugene picked up the taste for smoking meats while working in the US for the New Zealand defence force. 

Equipped with a nano brewhouse imported from the USA, Dark Horse Brew Werkz  produces and creates a wide variety of different beer styles and cider.  

The beer which takes pride of place is the Tinkers Brown Ale, made with English yeast and Gladfield grain.

The beer is a nod to the local history, and was named via a submission from locals. That connection to culture is something Eugene wants to make a cornerstone of his business. 

“We had a naming ceremony with locals, and I brewed it for the local palate,” Eugene said. 

Tinkers is a name which goes back to the pioneering gold miners, mostly Scots, of the Matakanui. 

“We want that story and that relationship with the palate and the local history. 

“It is very similar to Speights in the taste, which obviously most people love down here. 

“I didn’t get the colour quite right though, it’s a bit lighter.”

The Tinkers does drink extremely close to a Speight’s: not sweet and with great balance in the bitterness, it allows its full flavour of malt and hops to shine through. 

It is a malty delight with a soothing, smooth finish.

Four brews are currently served on a tasting board, including the apple cider with elderberry and blackcurrant, the Cream Ale, the Extra Special Bitter, and the Tinkers Ale. 

Dark Horse Brew Werkz serves up top quality brews and hearty meals, including loaded fries with smoked meats and spicy sauce. Photo Rowan Schindler.

The connection between pub, product and locals is so important to Eugene and his plans for the business, he is planning to write a book on the history of the Commercial Hotel. 

“Every day I learn something new,” Eugene said. “My wife and my family are all involved in the business. 

“There’s quite a bit of information on the original owners of the homestead (what is now the hotel), but not a great deal on the publicans over the years, who have all added their bits. 

“That story is worth telling, and I think I’ll make it into a little coffee table book or something to put around the pub.” 

With a cosy atmosphere, lounges, board games, recliners and ample seating outside in the courtyard, Dark Horse Brew Werkz looks like a winning recipe. 

Get in, have a chat to the publican, experience the atmosphere and have a Tinkers. 

It won’t take long for Dark Horse Brew Werkz to be firmly entrenched in the Omakau community and a regular stop for thirsty beer drinkers. 

Head to The Commercial Hotel’s website for more information or to book a table - bookings are essential for groups. 

COMPETITION: The Dark Horse Brew Werkz has a special prize for one lucky reader. 

Send us an email at [email protected] and tell us why you would like to try The Dark Horse Brew Werkz tasting paddle and be in with a chance to win. 

The lucky winner will win 1 x Beer Tasting Flight and an item off the Dark Horse Brew Werkz lunch menu as a prize. 

Entries close midnight Sunday November 22. 

Do you know a Central Otago business or activity which relies on Christmas trade or on our summer visitors? One that could do with a shout out? 

We’ll select a business, product, activity or experience each Sunday based on your recommendations. 

This column is all about encouraging us all to support each other in Central.

If you have a comment or suggestion for future Central Summer columns, email Mary or Rowan at [email protected]

Let’s make it a good Christmas and a great summer here in Central.

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