Viaduct Rooftop Bar Dr Rudi's Launches its Own Microbrewery

It's a bar, a restaurant, a bowling alley, and now a microbrewery — there's no ailment Dr Rudi's can't treat.

The owners of the Viaduct rooftop bar originally wanted a place where they could showcase local beer. While that has been achieved through collaboration with Matakana's Sawmill Brewery, they decided to bring that process a step closer by building their own brewery, appointing an expert brewer and crafting a selection of beers that taste best on a sun-drenched deck overlooking the harbour. The three tonne brewhouse has been under wraps for the past eight months, and now sits as the only functioning microbrewery in the Viaduct.

Alex Biedermann has been enlisted to pump out the goods. He is one of only five qualified Braumeisters (brewmasters) in the country and has previously worked his beer magic across six continents.

Under the Dr Rudi's label, Biedermann has created three new beers: the Bright Light German Pale Ale, an unfiltered fruity pale ale brewed with German hops and malts; the Bier Fest Lager, a Marzen-style lager which is traditionally served at Oktoberfest and best accompanied with fatty meats; and the Grapefruit IPA, a collaboration with Hallertau's Steve Plowman that combines new German hop varieties with Riwaka hops and grapefruit.

Dr Rudi's beers brewed offsite with Sawmill include: Lady Louise Lager: Self Titled Pilsner: Dutch Courage IPA: No Sleep Till Brooklyn APA and Kiss Me I'm Irish Red Ale. And the beer doesn't just flow at Dr Rudi's; you can also expect to find taps popping up at bars around the city. Also serving Rudi's brews are: Xuxu Dumplings, The Chamberlain and Hallertau.

You'll find five rotating varieties on tap now at Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co. Try them all at Level 2, 204 Quay Street, Viaduct Harbour.