- Local Loves
Local Loves: Dan Hampton, Young Henrys
Behind the brand that specialises in good beer for good people.
It started over a beer. Friends Richard Adamson and Oscar McMahon shared a drink while lamenting on the stagnant state of the Australian beer scene, and decided to take matters into their own hands, soon bringing on Dan Hampton as a co-founder. Thirteen years later, the trio’s brewery Young Henrys in Sydney’s Newtown is thriving, and their beers are poured in hundreds of venues (and stocked in bottle shops) around the country. Their Aussie Pale Ale is regularly crowned one of the best Aussie craft beers on the market, while their slightly hazy and tropical IPA is an MVP for summer. Here, Dan takes us behind the scenes.
Why did you start Young Henrys?
We didn’t feel there was a beer company that spoke to us as people. We’re passionately independent and love live music, sessionable beers and good times.
What sets Young Henrys apart?
There are now more than 700 breweries in Australia and I don’t know that we’re remarkably different, but we’ve managed to stand out from the crowd by being authentically alternative, always doing things “the YH Way” and having a hell of a lot of fun in the meantime.
What’s the one Young Henrys product everyone needs to try?
The Newtowner is our flagship, plus we’ve recently released Cold XPA which is a bloody belter of a beer – just in time for a long hot summer.
Describe your ideal Saturday morning in Sydney?
Early tee time at Coast Golf Club, before meeting my wife and daughters at Little Bay to swim and explore the rockpools.
What’s your favourite local watering hole in Newtown?
Very controversial question – that’s like picking a favourite child (which is the older one by the way!) Safest answer is the Young Henrys Tasting Bar.
What’s one thing that surprises people about Young Henrys?
Probably all of the sustainability projects we’ve got running, in particular the glowing algae tanks in the brewhouse as part of the Beer Positive initiative with UTS.
How do you give back to the local community?
We work closely with each pub that pours Young Henrys to support communities up and down the east coast: fundraising for footy teams, new artist launches, urban gardens…
What’s the best souvenir to bring back from Sydney?
A slight hangover from all the amazing bars and pubs.
What’s the perfect food to pair with Young Henry's Natural Lager?
Beer battered fish and chips on Coogee Beach.
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