Our Story

About us:

In 2021 we took over the old West Coast Brewery (Miner's Brewery) in Westport New Zealand. Since then we have set about revitalising the 30 year old equipment, with new recipes and a new approach. Our taproom and bar is open Tuesday to Sunday.

Founded by beer writer and author Luke Robertson, and partner Emma Bemrose, we are on a mission to be one of the best things to do in Westport, and to create an awesome brewery and taproom serving locally made beer.

Relocating from Melbourne to Luke’s hometown we teamed up with brewer Marc Gardiner to create three core range beers made using ingredients grown in Aotearoa . You’ll also find a rotating range of one-off and limited beers that celebrate our local produce and the wider world of beer. Plus a select range of other drinks on tap, including wine, soft drink and the occasional cocktail, made in-house or as close to as possible. 

Shortjaw Brewing is a West Coast Brewery, with all the heart of the West Coast and the warmth of Buller.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Our Name and Logo:

Shortjaw is borrowed from a species of Whitebait endemic to New Zealand; the Shortjaw kōkopu. Found in rivers and streams around the West Coast it is rarely seen, spending its time in shady spots in quiet areas. It's not a metaphor for us, it's just a cool fish that we wanted to celebrate. 

Our logo features a mature version of the fish, illustrated by our friend, Andrew Saltmarsh.