Beyond the Brew

20 Jan

With the emergence of a seriously thriving micro-brewing scene over the last five years, it's a good time to be a beer drinker in Toowoomba.

Published 20 January

Written by Nicole Yap

Photography: Castle & Crown

Maybe it's the hint of hops in the air or the promise of a tantalizing craft beer; there's something about the sound of beer pouring and the thought of spending an afternoon sampling…we mean...supporting, some of our favourite local breweries that sounds like a good time.

Previously we spilled the beans on some of Toowoomba’s favourite coffee shops and roasteries. This time, we’re spilling the suds. From porters and ales to lagers and stouts, the aroma and flavour of locally brewed craft beer will make all your worries malt away and your Sundays that much hoppier.

Nicole Yap takes a look at Toowoomba's growing microbrewery scene to find out what makes some of our local brewers and brewery owners tick.

VOLCANIC BREWING

Volcanic Brewing’s story began as a homebrew supply business producing fresh wort kits, which expanded to become one of Toowo

omba’s popular craft breweries. The name even honors Toowoomba’s history and its place as the business’ home, as the city is said to have been built on an extinct volcano. From 16 taps of craft beer; to packaged core range and specialty beer; to appetizing steak sandwiches and tacos from their very own food trailer, it is part of Volcanic Brewing’s vision to source and serve their craft right here on home ground.

But their vision does not stop there. For owners Toni and Peter Burton, a brewery can be part of a bigger story: “For the events that we host, we will always look for ways to turn that into something that supports someone less fortunate than ourselves,” Toni said. Volcanic Brewing has hosted events such as the Independent Craft Beer Festival, which raised money for local charities Tony’s Community Kitchen and Emerge. Hosted recently was a Beer & Prawn Night, organised by Shitbox Rally team “Almost a Corolla”, to help Cancer Council support the funding of cancer research..

"Not only does owning our brewery give us the opportunity to help others, it gives us the opportunity to share our love of great tasting, quality craft beer with people who are new to the craft beer scene and to those who have a seasoned palate.

“We are a family-friendly, dog-friendly venue … and we pride ourselves in creating an atmosphere that everybody wants to visit again and again."

MOUSE PROOF BREWERY

“Beer: Your Link to The Land” is Mouse Proof Brewery’s purpose statement, reflecting goals of making their microbrewery and craft beer more sustainable and closely linked to agriculture. The mission, according to co-founder and head brewer John Bennett, is to “connect people better to regions and agriculture”.

While the brewery was originally intended to be based in rural towns in the Toowoomba region, cost and approval factors led the business to the city, where a venue opportunity arose that could still support their mission. “We have to work a little harder to get the regional and agricultural narrative into the ears and mouth of our punters, (but) being in the compressor room of the old Dairy Farmers establishment is a great ice breaker,” John said Currently, Mouse Proof – in partnership with the Australian Braford Society – has a brew in development that can help bring awareness to the cattle breed. Mouse Proof’s first canned beer will also have QR codes through which people can find out about the recipe, ingredients and agricultural relevance of beer, with hopes of moving manufacturing to Toowoomba.

But a love for regions goes hand in hand with a love for community. From music gigs to casual darts to comedy, Mouse Proof’s loyal customers and talented volunteers are helping to cultivate a warm, vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere within the vintage, purpose-driven brewery.

“Microbreweries are incredibly important to the places they exist in, and regional councils should do all they can to help support their growth and the establishment of new ones. The focus of the craft beer is quality, not quantity, and this sits well with the changing family values of many in the community.”

THE BREWHOUSE BY 4 BROTHERS BREWING

An all-rounder, 4 Brothers Brewing is a business ‘brew’ of manufacturing, supply and hospitality. From brewing their flagship beers, Toowoomba Lager and Toowoomba Mid; to supplying beer for Carnival of Flowers events; to running their venue The Brewhouse, Josie and Adrian Cubit are among the dedicated brewers and business owners who are making their mark in the Toowoomba beer scene. The Brewhouse offers 15 taps, from classic beer to the unique inspirations of floral, coffee and pumpkin on occasion. While they also supply to local bottle shops and events, the cosy, community-oriented taproom in the city centre is where the experience is at. “From a group of girls dressed up for a hens’ night, to some tradies having knock-off drinks in their work boots, to a couple looking for a casual dinner and a board game, it doesn't matter what you're up for - you're always welcome,” Josie said.

“We wanted The Brewhouse to be a relaxed and friendly venue …where people could connect and just chat without distractions like TV screens and pokies. For us, it's about creating meaningful connections between family, friends and our community.”

4 Brothers Brewing also runs events such as Oktoberfest and Homebrew Heroes, where homebrewers in the region come together to create and critique each other’s beer. After all, there is purpose behind the pint – to help make connections stronger and local more focal.

“Brewers tend to have good camaraderie .. and we don't feel like we are in competition,” Josie said. “We all have the same passion and we can work together to make the area a place known for really good local beer."

BONE IDOL BREWERY

Bone Idol Brewery began with a passion for good beer shared between friends Alister Ferguson and Ryan McBurney.

“With plans underway for The Plate Restaurant, that initial conversation took on a life of its own. Meeting with ‘a friend of a friend’ who owned a brewery down south. . . after a few more beers, and with ideas flowing, it was decided to include a brewery in house at the restaurant. And so began the inception of Bone Idol Brewery.”

The newest kid on the Toowoomba block, they recently expanded into their CBD location, bringing an Americana dive-bar vibe to the city’s bar scene. Check them out for live music, darts and shuffleboards.

WHERE TO GO

THE BREWHOUSE

183 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City

@thebrewhousetoowoomba

BONE IDOL BREWERY

424 Ruthven Street, North Toowoomba

@bone_idol_brewery

MOUSE PROOF BREWERY

57 Brook Street, North Toowoomba

@mouse_proof

VOLCANIC BREWING

2/161 James Street, Toowoomba City