If you’ve cracked open a can of Weasel Juice WCIPA, then you’ve already had a taste of Te Aro Brewing—a small-but-mighty brewery from Wellington that’s been crafting big, hop-forward beers since before hazies were a thing.
But who are the folks behind the beer? And why, exactly, did they almost name one of their best-selling IPAs Moist Gusset?
Pour yourself something cold, and let’s get into it.
From Homebrew Shop to Full-Fledged Brewery
Back in 2013/2014, Te Aro wasn’t a brewery—it was a homebrew supply shop helping Wellington’s beer-curious crowd craft their own concoctions. But as these things tend to go, the love for beer quickly evolved into something bigger.
They moved into a tight little space on Tory St in Wellington’s Te Aro district—hence the name—and started brewing their own stuff. The goal? Big beers with character, designed to take your taste buds on an adventure.
And that’s exactly what they’ve been doing ever since.
Weasel Juice WCIPA: A West Coast Classic That Almost Had a Very Different Name
Let’s talk about the beer in your fridge.
Weasel Juice WCIPA is a classic, resinous, unapologetically bitter West Coast IPA. This one doesn’t mess around—it’s packed with Mosaic & Simcoe hops, layered with citrus peel, pine, and tropical notes, and finishes dry with just the right amount of bite.
But here’s the thing—Weasel Juice almost had a much… wetter name.
According to the Te Aro team, the original working title was “Moist Gusset.” Why? Nobody’s entirely sure (probably best not to ask), but somewhere along the way, sanity prevailed, and Weasel Juice took its rightful place in the lineup.
Whatever the name, the beer itself hits the spot.
What’s Next for Te Aro?
Right now, the team is gearing up for Fresh Hop 2025—one of their favourite brews to make, and one they promise will be well worth the wait. Details are still under wraps, but keep your eyes peeled come late March.
In the meantime, they’re busy brewing, pouring beers at their Brewtown Tap Room, and continuing to prove that, yes, an Irishman, a Scotsman, and an Englishman can work together to make bloody good beer.
(And if you want to hear all the stories they didn’t share with us, you might have to buy them a pint or three.)
Final Thought: The Perfect Pairing
According to Te Aro, Weasel Juice WCIPA is best paired with a juicy beef burger, a little sunshine, and good company. If you’re feeling fancy, try it with something spice-based—think spicy pulled pork or sticky gochujang wings.
Or just crack one open, sit back, and appreciate the fact that your beer almost had a far more questionable name.
Show Te Aro Some Love
If you liked Weasel Juice, give the brewery a follow and check out what else they’re up to:
🍺 Instagram: @tearobrewing
🍺 Facebook: Te Aro Brewing
🍺 Website: www.tearobrewing.co.nz
📍 Tap Room: UNIT 14a | Brewtown | Upper Hutt | 5018