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Born to Brew: Meet Australia’s Craft Brewers
Young Henrys
Like most good stories, this one started over a beer. Richard Adamson and Oscar McMahon got talking in a pub. It turned out they shared a love of beer and a view that the Sydney craft beer scene needed a kick up the proverbial. As luck would have it, Richard knew how to brew, and Oscar knew the ins and outs of hospitality.
In 2012, they got the green light to brew craft beer in a warehouse in the Sydney suburb of Newtown and Young Henrys was officially in business. It quickly gained a reputation for good quality beer that the local community was thrilled to claim as its own.
Young Henrys now has five signature beers (including the becoming-iconic Newtowner) plus limited-release brews, many of which have been produced in collaboration with bands such as AC/DC, You Am I and Frenzal Rhomb.
Young Henrys Newtowner
Brewed for the suburb’s 150th birthday, this Newtown-brewed pale ale encompasses a blend of English and Australian malts. Three varieties of local hops are added to make it fun, fruity and even a little bitter.
Gage Roads
Now one of the country’s largest independent brewing companies, Gage Roads in South Perth kicked off from humble beginnings. It was established in 2004 by brothers John and Bill Hoedemaker in a former margarine factory that it still calls home.
Today, Gage Roads produces millions of litres of great beer every year and has the claim to fame of being Australia’s only brewery listed on the ASX. Over the years, the brewers have enjoyed exploring new styles inspired by their part of the WA coast, winning a stack of trophies in the process.
The current core line-up features an IPA, a cider and four pale ales including the perennially popular Single Fin Summer Ale, which scooped a Silver Medal at the Craft Beer Industry Association Awards in 2016.
Gage Roads Single Fin Summer Ale
More refreshing than the Fremantle Doctor, this is brewed with summer days in mind. Light- bodied and chock full of aromatic Galaxy and Enigma hops, the fruity aroma is balanced by subtle bitterness and a clean finish.
Coopers
Having dedicated more than 150 years to the art of brewing, this family of Australian brewers can claim it’s beer, not blood, that runs through their veins. Since Yorkshire-born emigré Thomas Cooper brewed his first batch of ale in 1862 (originally as a tonic for his sick wife), the passion of six generations has seen the brewery through recessions, wars, government imposts, changing tastes and the occasional hostile takeover bid.
The fusion of traditional brewing methods with cutting edge production technology has helped Coopers grow capacity while delivering consistent quality and flavour and has seen it become a favourite with the global audience. Now based in the Adelaide suburb of Regency Park, Coopers is the only wholly Australian-owned major brewery. Bestsellers Pale Ale and Sparkling Ale are proudly supported by a cast of smaller output beers that are perfect for a summer barbeque.
Coopers XPA
With its famous Coopers Ale yeast and smooth malt character, Coopers XPA exhibits citrus undertones with aromas of grapefruit and a hint of mandarin. This beer is all about extra hop flavour while maintaining balance.
Coopers Sparkling Ale
The old ‘Red Label’ is something to celebrate and the ale by which all others should be measured. Featuring a fantastic balance of malt, hops and fruity character, with cloudy sediment this craft beer needs to be rocked!
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