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The Crafty Pint
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Australia's leading beer site. Putting class in your glass since 2010.

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Ahead of their 10th birthday and the imminent completion of the DOCA that allowed them to retain the business, we caught up with Bad Shepherd.

Dereck and Diti Hales open up about the challenges of recent years and the lessons they've learned since swapping the corporate world for a brewpub.
Bad Shepherd: Ten Lessons From Ten Years
Dereck and Diti Hales, the founders of Bad Shepherd in Cheltenham, will have had plenty of material to fall back upon when putting together their Ten Lessons From Ten Years reflections ahead of their ...
craftypint.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Building relationships with bars and pubs has long been a key skill in craft beer - but today, is price the only important thing?

One rep shares what it’s like working in sales and how many venues use breweries to make their margin, bargain with the biggest players and improve their cash flow.
The Secret Sales Rep: The Death Of Relationships
On occasion in the past, The Crafty Pint has run articles under The Secret Brewer banner, in which members of the beer industry have raised issues they believe needed addressing. Here the mantle passe...
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November 10, 2025 at 6:14 AM
A decade on from launching, Venom Brewing are set to have a home of their own in Melbourne’s CBD.

They’ve taken over a venue steeped in local craft beer history too, securing the lease for the former site of Mrs Parma’s, one of the city’s original crafty pioneers.
Venom To Open Taproom At Former Mrs Parma's In Melbourne
A decade on from launching, Venom Brewing are set to open a taproom in Melbourne’s CBD. The Venom Brewing Taproom will be located at 19–25 Little Bourke Street, which was once home to one of Melbourne...
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November 7, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Small breweries aren't alone in trying to find the best way to talk about why independence matters when you buy beer.

Following many years of friendship, Ryefield, Voyager and Mogwai have come together to produce a short film that highlights the importance of supporting a local supply chain.
Telling The Story Of Local, Indie Suppliers
Independent brewers have their seal, courtesy of the Independent Brewers Association, but how do those responsible for what goes into beer tell their story? Three independent, New South Wales producer...
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October 29, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Pikes Beer celebrated their tenth anniversary earlier this month, almost 140 years after the current owners' ancestor produced his first beers.

So we invited Alister, the sixth-generation Pike at the helm of the brewery, to share some of the lessons they've learned over the past decade.
Ten Lessons From Ten Years: Pikes Beer Co
Ten years in brewing can feel like a lifetime. Trends rise and fall, drinkers evolve, and what once defined a brewery can shift completely. But through it all, a few things stay constant: passion, per...
craftypint.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:08 AM
The ACCC has opposed MicroStar's proposed acquisition of Konvoy, citing concerns that the sale would lessen competition and negatively impact independent breweries.

In response, Kegstar outlined their disappointment and the potential impact on the local keg pooling market.
ACCC Oppose MicroStar's Proposed Acquisition Of Konvoy; Kegstar Respond With Concerns
The ACCC has announced it will oppose MicroStar's proposed acquisition of Konvoy, citing concerns that the sale would likely lesson competition in the keg pooling market. Microstar operates Kegstar in...
craftypint.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:49 AM
IPA is a broad beer category, and recently, you might have spotted a new style on shelves labelled as a Northern IPA. Behind it is a new limited-release yeast from Lallemand.

We chatted to them about building a style and to some of the brewers exploring the balance between crisp and juicy beers.
True North: Fermenting A New Style Of IPA
The rate might have slowed over the past few years, but the world of craft beer can still feel like a roiling sea of limited releases. New beers, often those with which brewers trial new ingredients, ...
craftypint.com
October 22, 2025 at 5:43 AM
Lion is set to close Stone & Wood's Brisbane brewpub on November 21.

The news follows a series of similar announcements from the brewer in recent years, with Lion saying the “difficult decision” was in response to rising operational costs and ongoing challenges across the hospitality industry.
Lion To Close Stone & Wood's Brisbane Brewpub
Lion will close Stone & Wood’s Brisbane brewpub on November 21. In a statement, the Kirin-owned company said the decision was driven by rising operational costs, challenges within the hospitality indu...
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October 21, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Tocumwal is a small town on the NSW and Victorian border that’s long been a favourite destination for campers.

Today, there’s even more reason to visit thanks to the arrival of Tocumwal Brewing Co.
Who Brews Tocumwal's Beers?
Located by the banks of the Murray River, Tocumwal is a town that swells whenever anyone has the time to call in. Long weekends, school holidays and even the hint of warmer weather see people flock to...
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October 20, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Barossa's craft beer – and hospitality – offering has received a welcome boost with the launch of the Old Mill Brewery.

It brings Rehn Bier, Sally Can Wait andForage Supply Co together under one roof in the heart of Tanunda.
Rehn Bier & Friends Brew A Bigger Barossa Beer Hub
Barossa’s craft beer offering just went up a notch with Rehn Bier opening the doors to a new venue inside an 1848 chaff mill on Tanunda’s main street. The move marks a major step for the brewery, whic...
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October 15, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Ballarat Bitter’s story dates back to 1857, when James Coghlan founded a brewery in the regional city.

Now, his descendant Stephen Coghlan is set to bring the beer — and its beloved mascot, Bertie — back to life after acquiring the brand from CUB's owner, Asahi.
Ballarat Bitter – And Bertie – Back In Family Hands
Ballarat Bitter is once again owned by the family that founded it almost 170 years ago. Stephen Coghlan – a descendant of brewery founder James Coghlan – has purchased the brand and its iconic mascot ...
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October 14, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Lachy Crothers has been brewing for 15 years, including as head brewer at Ballistic, where he launched a range devoted to drinking beers within two months of being brewed.

Now he's sharing that passion through FAFF Beer that sees him send tins to customers across Australia within a week of canning.
Lachy Crothers FAFFs About With Fresh Beer
How fresh is best? For Lachy Crothers, Fresh As F#ck!ng F#ck is best. And that passion has turned into a new project for the experienced brewer with the launch of his direct-to-drinker beer company, F...
craftypint.com
October 13, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Brewers are always searching for new ingredients, and Co-Conspirators have managed to secure something fresh from Fermentis.

SH-45 is a lager strain that unlocks loads of thiols from hops for a crisp and fragrant combination. Ahead of Matriarch Day, we found out more about what it delivers.
Straining At The Bit: CoConspirators' Aussie-First Yeast Experiment
“People did keep asking me what it would taste like, but it’s an experiment right? You know how it’ll work in theory, but you’re not 100 percent sure how it’ll end up.” Fortunately for Deon Smit, he’s...
craftypint.com
October 8, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Perth is set to welcome a new brewpub this week, albeit one with a familiar face behind the beers.

Ahead of Ripple Brewing's opening, Guy Southern caught up with founder and "passionate hedonist" Joel Nash to find out more.
Who Brews Ripple Beers?
Four years is a long time to wait for a beer, especially when all you want to do is open a neighbourhood joint with house made beers, friends in the kitchen, presented in a unique and welcoming locati...
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October 6, 2025 at 6:24 AM
“Nothing is a quick win for us."

This weekend sees Your Mates celebrate ten years since they launched with their flagship pale ale, Larry.

As the Sunshine Coast brewers toast to Larry and the first decade, we asked Hep and McGarry to walk down memory lane with Ten Lessons From Ten Years.
Ten Lessons From Ten Years: Your Mates Brewing
The Your Mates Brewing story is the kind of tale that draws many to craft beer. Two friends come together with an idea that maybe they should start a brewery and, as they dive in head first, they padd...
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October 1, 2025 at 7:19 AM
"The way beer is perceived in Belgium means it gets the attention it deserves”

In a new series, writer and illustrator Rob Horner examines how beer cultures from around the world impact our own.

He commences his tour in conversation with some of the Australians brewing and importing Belgian beers.
The Mash Tun & The Melting Pot: Belgian Australian Beer
As much as Australians love to see themselves as a nation of beer drinkers, a limited culture around the drink has long provided a blank canvas for brewers. By comparison, places like Belgium or Bavar...
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September 30, 2025 at 7:48 AM
A year ago, we took a look at life inside Fermentis' sensory lab.

Following the launch of the company's "Superior Yeast" project, he returns to learn more about the work of the Fermentis Campus, handling tonnes of yeast bricks, and Percy the piercing tool...
Big Yeast, Big Changes
A year ago, Mick Wüst took a look at life inside a sensory lab through the eyes of Dr Gabriela Montandon of Fermentis. Following the launch of the company's
craftypint.com
September 29, 2025 at 8:55 AM
“There’s nothing more exciting than playing with new hops… honestly, it’s one of the best things as a brewer.”

New hop varieties are dropping faster than ever before. So, as NZ's Clayton Hops NZ, bring their first two proprietary hops to market, we talk to the Aussie brewers test-driving them.
New Hop-portunities: Inside The Brewer Trials For NZ’s Newest Varieties
“There’s nothing more exciting than playing with new hops. When you see one come in and it doesn't even have a name, just an experimental number… honestly, it’s one of the best things as a brewer.” Mo...
craftypint.com
September 25, 2025 at 4:17 AM
Sobah Beverages have entered voluntary administration, citing economic challenges as the reason for their decision.

The move follows Sobah’s 2024 announcement that they would sell their production brewery to streamline the business.
Sobah Beverages Enter Voluntary Administration
Sobah Beverages have entered voluntary administration, with the non-alc beer makers citing the economic downturn and broader challenges in the beer industry as reasons for their decision. Sobah was fo...
craftypint.com
September 22, 2025 at 11:29 PM
The brewing community is like that. We all do try to give each other a hand.”

In part two of his mini-series on the beer scene in Central Queensland, Mick Wüst talks to brewers about the challenges, solutions, creativity and camaraderie that help make the region's brewing community what it is.
Besser Blocks & Brewpubs: Central Queensland's Burgeoning Beer Scene – Part II
“We cannot drop the ball on quality of beer. They need to walk in and have full confidence that they’re coming into a small brewery, but the beer’s gonna taste good.” In part two of his feature on the...
craftypint.com
September 22, 2025 at 7:42 AM
In the five years since Bec Read took over @curiouscraft, she's faced COVID, floods and a cost-of-living crisis.

But the Lismore local has also educated countless drinkers about the impressive range of beer she stocks, while bringing Northern Rivers homebrewers together to learn from one another.
Behind Bars: Curious Craft
“The pace of life is great. There’s the proximity to some of the best beaches and some of the most beautiful rainforests in the world.” There sure is a lot to love about living in Lismore, as Rebecca ...
craftypint.com
September 17, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Chatter around Queensland's craft beer scene is usually focused on the state's south east.

But, as Mick Wüst discovers across a two-part beer travel feature, there's quite the community brewing in Central Queensland too.
Besser Blocks & Brewpubs: Central Queensland's Burgeoning Beer Scene – Part I
“We’re a bit behind the 8 ball here. It is Besser block pub, Great Northern, XXXX Gold sort of country. The taps are dominated, the takeaways are dominated, the events are dominated by those brands.” ...
craftypint.com
September 15, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Sydney Brewery have announced they’ll take over White Bay Brewery’s site, turning it into Sydney Brewery Rozelle from October 1.

The move follows the Social Drinks Group’s July announcement that White Bay would depart the location to concentrate production at Hawkers Beer in Melbourne.
Sydney Brewery Acquires White Bay Brewery's Rozelle Site
Sydney Brewery have secured the lease to White Bay Brewery's Rozelle site, following the Social Drinks Group's decision to leave the location and concentrate production at Hawkers in Reservoir.  The a...
craftypint.com
September 10, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Fans of Seeker Brewing will be excited to know that their brand new brewhouse will help them brew more beers and finesse their exciting limited releases.

Better yet, after being faced with power constraints, the thermal oil system lets the Wollongong brewers make the most of their solar panels.
Going Green: Seeker's Sustainable Thermal Oil
Selecting a new brewery is never easy. How big do you go? Two, three or more vessels? Steam, direct gas or electric? For Seeker Brewing – facing challenges of a positive nature with their limited rele...
craftypint.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Reposted by The Crafty Pint
A really great read once again on the whisky industry in Australia.
A month from now, Australia's brewing and distilling industries will come together at a new industry event in the Riverina, Grainstock.

Ahead of the event, Luke McCarthy examines the challenges facing the country's whisky producers – challenges that often mirror those hitting craft beer.
Australian Whisky's Growing Pains – And The Long Road To Maturity
A month from now, Australia's brewing and distilling industries will come together at a new three-day event in the Riverina, the Voyager Craft Malt-curated Grainstock. Ahead of the event, Luke McCarth...
craftypint.com
September 9, 2025 at 9:37 AM