Local craft brewers are collaborating to create Wānaka’s first Craft Beer Advent Calendar.

The twist on the traditional Christmas advent calendar which will raise funds for Wānaka’s volunteer search and rescue service is the brainchild of locals who came up with the idea while having a beer.

“It seemed like the perfect way to promote the amazing brewing scene in the town, while raising money for a great cause,” Adam Sharman, one of the men behind the initiative, said.

The craft beer advent calendar contains a mixed case of 24 craft beers from local brewers Wānaka Beerworks, Ground Up, Rhyme x Reason and b.effect, providing a beer a day in December in the countdown to Christmas.

“In this collaboration, the Wānaka Craft Beer Advent Calendar enables people to experience the best of what the breweries have to offer while raising money for a great cause,” Adam said.

Profits from the sale of the advent calendars will be donated to Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR).

Simon MacFarlene, one of the brains behind the idea, said he moved to Wānaka to be among the mountains. “Wānaka SAR provides an important service for all of us who love being out there so it’s great to be able to support them with this.”

“Wānaka SAR is wholly dependent on grants and donations to allow our volunteers to be properly trained and equipped,” Wānaka SAR chair Aaron Nicholson said. 

“Getting this sort of support from a local industry - especially one many of us are pretty keen on - is a great Christmas present as we approach the search and rescue busy season.”

The Wānaka Craft Beer Advent Calendar is available now and can be purchased on the respective breweries’ websites listed below, with collection from November 14.

Ground Up Brewing

Rhyme X Reason Brewery

b.effect Brewing Co

Wānaka Beerworks

IMAGE: Supplied