Good beer may be our reason for being, but great people are at the heart of our company.

From the dedicated Sales Crew out on the road to the friendly voices on the phone in our Customer Service team, every member of the passionate Stone & Wood family has a story to tell.

With that in mind, we thought we’d open the brewery gates and introduce some of the legends who bring their best to our beers every day.

Introducing Hugh “Hughie” Doyle, one of the O.G’s of Stone & Wood and basically part of the furniture here at the brewery.

WATCH ON FOR A DAY IN THE LIFE OF HUGHIE:

Hughie started with the business during our humble beginnings back in 2012, a huge 10 year milestone we’ve all had the pleasure to be a part of.

From his infectious laugh to his one-liners, Hughie brings tonnes of energy and fun to not only the business but the pubs and venues he visits regularly during his weekly rounds of Brisbane.

In honour of Hugh and his 10 year milestone with Stone & Wood, he had the opportunity to hit the brew deck with our Brisbane Brewer, Barnsy, and brew is very own Kolsch, a favourite style he has always loved.

“I’ve always been mesmerised how it’s a lager style beer, brewed like an ale,” Hughie Says.

Get to know Hughie and check out our next episode of Meet The Crew.

ROLE:

Brisbane Sales Team Leader

LOVES:

• House beats
• Mowing the lawn
• The smell of pubs
• And a cold Green Coast Crisp.

THE BEST PART OF WORKING FOR STONE & WOOD:

The Crew. The crew here are all A-1. We’ve all got a similar buzz and we’re all here for the same reason, for something better.

HUGHIE’S DAY-TO-DAY:

Taking care of his Brissie Sales team and hitting the road making sure we’re getting the good stuff out into the hands of those thirsty Brisbanites!

WHEN HE’S NOT AT WORK, YOU CAN FIND HUGHIE:

Enjoying the fruits of his labour in the backyard at home or smelling the taps at some of Brisbane’s best establishments.

HUGHIE’S 10 YEARS WITH STONE & WOOD!

Hugh has been flying the flag for Stone & Wood in Brisbane for 10 years and as tradition goes, if you make it to 10 years with S&W, you get to brew your very own beer.

With Brisbane head brewer Mick Barnes at his side, Hugh turned his hand at brewing his very own German-style Kolsch. After four long weeks of waiting, you can now sample Hugh’s Island Kolsch at our Brisbane and Byron Breweries.

If Hughie’s tale has inspired you to become a part of the Stone & Wood family, head here to check out our current vacancies.

THE FINAL RESULTS OF HUGHIE’S SPECIAL BREW?

A delicate Kolsch but with a tropical twist. Steering away from tradition, this delightful number boasts all the nostalgic characteristics of a Kolsch but is bolstered by tropical aromas of passionfruit, mango and coconut. Sorry if you wanted to try this one, frothers, it’s all gone.

We’ve collaborated with HPA to create Edge Of The Galaxy. A strong hazy pale ale with 6% ABV, and 20 IBU. Delivering aromas of tropical stone fruit and a juicy lifeforce that holds the bitterness at bay for a full body finish.

MALT

Voyager Regen Malt, Barret Pale Malt, Barret Wheat Malt, Big O Malted Oats, Carared, Munich T1.

HOPS

Galaxy, Vic Secret, BRU-1

Brew Notes from Head Brewer – Caolan

“Mash high to achieve full-bodied flavour and mouthfeel, and dry hop at start of fermentation to promote a stable haze.”

FOOD PAIRING

Beef, chicken or veggie burger with a side of chips.

With a beer in hand we invite you to immerse yourself among the bines of the HPA farm in Tasmania. From seedlings, to harvest, and on into the packing shed, let us take you on the journey

Since Day One at Stone & Wood, connection to community has always been a driving force for our business. Each year, we receive enormous support from the close-knit communities that surround us, here in our home base of the Northern Rivers, in Queensland and across the country. Because of this, we’re always looking for grassroots ways we can get involved and give back.

Likewise, we’ve always aimed to keep the environmental impacts of our brewing processes as minimal as possible, as we believe nurturing and protecting the environment that surrounds you is an integral piece in doing good business.

The B Corp certification provides guidelines and standards of what it means to be a great business and helps us to keep returning to these principles.

 You’ve probably noticed the B Corp symbol popping up on more and more of the things you love lately. But what exactly is it ? Let us help you break it down.

SO, WHAT’S A B CORP?

A B Corp is a company that is certified for meeting high standards of transparency and accountability, as well as excellent environmental and social performance across all aspects of the business.

The B Corp movement exists to inspire businesspeople to balance purpose against profit and to empower consumers to make ethical choices.

So how do we incorporate these guidelines into our aim to use beer as a force for good?

We engage in best environmental practices in our day-to-day through our Green Feet sustainability program and we connect to our communities through our not-for-profit arm, the inGrained Foundation. inGrained is where we work with local charities at a grassroots level to help improve the lives of those around us.

 After all, helping out our mates is in our company’s DNA.

WHAT IS A B CORP CERTIFICATION?

B Corp certifications are issued by a not-for-profit organisation called B Lab, whose mission is to harness the power of business to impact the world for the better.

Around the globe, there are approximately 5,000 B Corps like Stone & Wood that lead the way to achieving this mission by embracing a ‘we over me,’ mentality.

WHAT DOES A B CORP CERTIFICATION MEAN FOR BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY?

A B Corp certification is not just recognition, but rather a symbol of ongoing commitment towards sustainability and ethical practices. And there’s no time for sitting on your laurels – B Corp certifications get reviewed every three years!

To get re-certified, B Corps are provided with a roadmap to aid them in identifying key areas of improvement and setting new targets.

At Stone & Wood, we were able to improve our score from 82.1 to 83.7 when we were last recertified, with our results underlined by a strong performance in the environment category.

We were stoked to see the actions we’ve taken in innovating our manufacturing process to reduce our use of water and electricity and output of waste has us on the right track.

Overall, we’re pumped to keep improving our practices and furthering our impact for years to come!

WHY STONE & WOOD BECAME B CORP CERTIFIED

We knew that getting our efforts formally acknowledged by BLab could help Aussie beer drinkers make informed decisions that aligned with their own values.

It was a no brainer for us as B Corporation certification is so closely aligned with what we value most; our community, our people and the natural environment we all rely on.

JOINING THE B CORP COMMUNITY

We’re extremely proud to be recognised as part of the outstanding B Corp Community and to be continuing to push for even better scores in the future.

Now that’s something to raise a glass to!

Shop our full range of ethically-produced products, all available to purchase online.

If you or someone you know is busy making the great city of Brisbane even better, this one’s for you.

We’re stoked to announce our inGrained Foundation is launching its Large Grants Program into the River City this August, offering a $100,000 funding pool to eligible Brisbane not-for-profits.

inGrained are on the look out for a diverse range of organisations who are keen to apply for a grant between $5,000 and $25,000 in order to continue, or improve, the amazing work they’re doing in the community.

For this inaugural round of Brisbane Grants, inGrained are seeking to support projects that fall into the following categories:

• Conservation of natural resources and habitats.
• Action on climate change.
• Mental health and wellbeing.
• Accommodation and homelessness.
• Inclusion and diversity.

To be successful, applicants must operate within one of these categories and be able to provide information on how the inGrained funds will have a tangible outcome for the community.

James Perrin from the inGrained Foundation said of launching the Grants Program in Brisbane, “After running grants programs in the Northern Rivers for the last four years, we are so excited to be expanding to the Brisbane community, just as Stone & Wood did a few years ago.

We encourage applications from a wide range of social and environmental organisations in the region and look forward to hearing about the incredible work we can support.”

Founded as a separate not-for-profit by Stone & Wood Brewing Co (Fermentum Group) in 2018, the inGrained Foundation works to attract, generate and direct donations to grassroots charities.

Earlier this year, the inGrained Foundation held their fourth Northern Rivers Large Grants program where they donated over $200,000 to 10 organisations.

From Monday 15 August, Brisbane social and environmental not-for-profits with DGR status are encouraged to read the guidelines and apply before Friday 9 September by visiting the inGrained Foundation’s website.  

Watch the video below to see how grants have helped last year’s successful recipients.

Back for its third year, our strawberry and cream sour sensation – Strawberry Sundae Kisses – has returned and is bubbling away in our Brisbane Brewery, getting ready for an early August release.

Packed with 60kg of Queensland strawberries, this gorgeous little limited-edition is not only delicious, but has a heart of gold.

Each year, proceeds from our Strawberry Sundae Kisses, sold exclusively from our Brisbane Brewery, are directed to The Common Good, the fundraising initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane.

For 33 years, the Royal Queensland Show- the Ekka –  provided The Common Good with one of its biggest fundraising drives of the year, with the sales of its iconic Strawberry Sundaes going direct to the charity.

So, in 2020 when the Ekka was cancelled (for the first time) due to Covid restrictions, our Brisbane Head Brewer, Mick Barnes got curious about how we could get on board to help the cause.

The result: Strawberry Sundae Kisses.

Based on the traditional Berliner Weisse beer style, brewed with fresh strawberries, lactose and vanilla added during fermentation for a creamy, delectable beer with hints of Ekka strawberry sundaes.

For the past two years, the legends of Southeast Queensland have absolutely got behind our delicious homage, with the brew selling out both years in a matter of weeks.

This year, with the Ekka back on (touching wood, crossing fingers), we’re thrilled to continue to be a part of The Common Good story, with the 2022 Strawberry Sundae Kisses batch being sold not just at our Fortitude Valley Brewery, but also at the big old show itself!

You can grab a glass of SSK in the phenomenal Craft Beer Alley at this year’s Ekka while chomping down on the original Ekka classic, Strawberry Sundae.

As with previous years, all proceeds from the sales of Strawberry Sundae Kisses will go towards The Common Good and all the amazing work that takes place at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brissie.

Catch Strawberry Sundae Kisses at our Brisbane Brewery from Thursday 4 August and at the Royal Queensland Show from Saturday 6 August.

Follow our Brisbane brewery on Insta @stoneandwoodbrisbane

Just like the Willy Wonka of beer, we’re opening our big brewery gates to let the public in for a peek at our Murwillumbah Open Day on Saturday, 6 August.

Though we’re short on Oompa Loompas, we do have some of our best brewers on hand ready to show you all the behind the scenes treats of our Murwillumbah (Murbah) Brewery with Brewery Tours being held on the day by our crew.

This is where your favourite Stone & Wood beers get brewed and bottled so there’s no better place to enjoy a few fresh ones among friends at one of the many pop-up bars spread across the site.

Also pouring for one day only, will be Murbah Session Beer. An easy-drinking kolsch lager, MSB is brewed in honour of the resilient legends who reside in our beloved Murbah. We’re proud to have this Northern Rivers enclave as the home of our brewery and MSB is our way of saying thanks to our local community.

Bringing the fiesta to the festival will be an awesome local musical line up and the region’s best selection of food trucks and market stalls, further details to be announced in the weeks ahead.

A day for all the family, there will be a designated area for the kiddies, with face painting and arts and crafts, so parents will also get a chance to kick back. 

Entry to the day is by gold coin donation with all profits from the festival going towards an amazing local cause: Wedgetail Retreat.

Wedgetail Retreat provide free palliative care to the Northern Rivers community, giving locals and their families a warm and welcoming environment to call home. Operating without government funding, Wedgetail relies on the support of its community to keep its doors open and continue with the amazing care they provide.

MALT DISNEY

At our dedicated kids area, Malt Disney, hosted by Kidz Klub, provides little ones with fun workshops, arts and crafts and garden games, and a special guest appearance from Shorty Brown the Clown. Parents will be required to supervise their little ones. 

LINEUP & SET TIMES

11am – 12:45pm Luke Bennett

1pm – 2:45pm Nightshade: Animal Ventura x Chloe West

3pm – 4:30pm Dan Hannaford Music

FOOD TRUCKS, BEERS & DRINKS

For a gold coin donation, you will be able to tickle your tastebuds across several food trucks: Gunter Flammkuchen, Yummo! Bratwurst; Hummingbird & Co Catering, Fern Coffee, Wedgetail Retreat BBQ– Classic BBQ and so please be sure to wear your elastic-waisted pants.

Needless to say, there will be beer. Pop-up bars will be pouring brew straight from the source and for those looking for something beyond the froth, there will also be pop-up bars from Husk Distillery (serving up Ink Gin & Husk Rum Cocktails), Little Dragon Ginger Beer, Sunly Seltzer, Treehouse Cider and a coffee cart for midday caffeine kicks, soda/water refill stations and ice-blocks for the kids.

MARKET STALLS

Get your shop at some of the region’s best market stalls: BoB Beauty On Board, Tropical Fruit World, Mad Mountain Family Farm, The Chilli Chick Shop, Mennie, Every Little Bit, Praia Kinis, My Vintage Attic, Retro Vintage, Polly & Co and Poni Ceramics.

TRANSPORT

We encourage patrons to Park & Ride to S&W Murwillumbah Open Day.

See bus transfers operated by Singhs Bus Service below.

MAP

If you’re a Northern Rivers local, or lucky enough to be passing through this amazing region, come and celebrate with us this August.

SAVE THE DATE + STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFO ON THE MUSIC LINE-UP!

Good beer may be our reason for being, but great people are at the heart of our company.

From the dedicated brewers on the brew deck, to the friendly voices on the phone in our Customer Service team, every member of the passionate Stone & Wood family has a story to tell.

With that in mind, we thought we’d open the brewery gates and introduce some of the legends who bring their best to our beers every day.

OUR FIRST LOOK IN OUR MEET THE CREW SERIES, MATT ATKINS

One of our talented Pilot Batch Brewers, working across our Murwillumbah and Byron breweries. Tune into the video below.

While our big brewery in Murbah is busy bottling up your Stone & Wood favourites, our smaller brewery at Byron operates like a testing lab. It’s here that our brewers get to cook up all our weird and wonderful limited-releases, Counter Culture beers and Pilot Batches.

Matt started out as a home brewer almost 20 years ago, before coming on board with Stone & Wood as one of our brewers 10 years later. Now Matt’s using that depth of knowledge to help bring our Byron Pilot Batches to life.

On brewing, Matt said, “I like the process, the same with anything – I like to know how things are done.

And it’s quite basic as well. Beer has four ingredients, and to get different flavours and styles, it just takes slight tweaks in the recipes. I like that side of it. The simplicity of it.”

After hours of research, Matt has created a delicious limited-edition delight in the form of a Strawberry Cheesecake Sour. Using a sour beer base to start, Matt added strawberry puree, crushed-up biscuits… and cheesy corn chips …into the mix to bring out that Strawberry Cheesecake flavour.

For those lucky enough to be in or near Byron in the next few weeks, Matt’s Strawberry Cheesecake Sour will be on tap in our Byron Brewery for a limited time!