Labour leader Andrew Little takes it seriously as he brews a craft beer for next month's Beervana festival.

They say the test of a political leader is whether you would want to have a beer with them.

But Labour leader Andrew Little has gone a step further, making the beer to share.

Little spent two hours on Wednesday learning the basics of creating a craft beer for boutique brewers Funk Estate to sell at next month's Beervana festival in Wellington.

Monique Ford/Fairfax NZ Labour leader Andrew Little takes tips from brewer Shigeo Takagi as they create a craft beer at The Occasional Brewer in Wellington.

He toyed with the idea of calling it A Little Brew but in the end decided on (best said slightly slurred) Leader of the Hoposition.

Decked out in an apron and under the eye of tutor "Shiggy" (Shigeo Tagaki), Little said he was planning to create a pale ale, adding quickly; "When I say a pale ale, it won't be a light imitation or anything."

And his tasting notes? "Hoppy, exciting and gives a sense of hope for the future. You'll wake up with a clear head from this one."

Monique Ford Andrew Little keeps his eye in as he tries his hand at craft beer brewing.

The official version is less spin, more froth.

"A light-bodied malt base provides simple bready notes, a range of New Zealand hops showcase, mandarin, passionfruit and grapefruit and tropical fruits on the nose followed by a spicy and zesty medley on the palate."

So is he planning to emulate Prime Minister John Key, who gets in crates of his PM's Pinot as Christmas gifts, including for thirsty press gallery reporters?

"We are only making about 50 litres. We'll bring a thimble around," Little said.

It might be a transparent attempt to boost Little's credentials as an ordinary guy while lifting his profile. (Its 4.7 per cent alcohol by volume is just under half his preferred prime minister ranking).

But Little said he was keen to get into craft brewing and could set up a kit in his garage, though he might need to clear it with his wife.

"I'll have to ask Leigh. Or maybe I won't."

.