Stone Beer is back! Brewed using one of brewing's oldest traditions, Stone Beer 2026 is a rich porter made with wood-fired stones, delivering layers of roasted malt, dark chocolate, coffee and subtle smoke.
In mid May, we gathered in the brewery for one of our favourite annual rituals: Stone Brew Day. Heated over a wood fire before being lowered into the brew, the stones caramelise the malt, creating the rich, distinctive flavour that makes Stone Beer what it is.
Brewed just once a year and worth the wait. Stone Beer is available soon online, in our Byron Bay Tasting Room and at select bottle shops.
Chicken & Pineapple Grilled Skewers with Pacific Ale BEER The Original Pacific Ale 🍺 INGREDIENTS: Marinade: 3 tbsp Soy Sauce ½ cup Brown Sugar 2 tsp Ground Ginger 2 tsp...
We’re stoked that most drinkers can spot a chilled Pacific Ale in the fridge from miles away, but when it comes to our other beers, well…they get a bit lost.
That’s why we’ve decided to give our othercore range beers–Green Coast Lager,Cloud Catcher Pale Aleand Crisp – a glow up, so you can spot them, grab them and drink them, because…they’re also ridiculously refreshing and deserve some of the spotlight.
The upshot of this – is now all our core beers look like a family. One big, delicious family.
SO, WHAT’S CHANGED?
We’ve dialled up the Stone & Wood logo in the middle, so you know you’re in good hands straight away. Next, we’ve made the style of the beer (lager, pale ale, crisp) more obvious to take away any of the guess work.
HAVE YOU CHANGED THE LIQUID?
Crisp is staying as refreshing as it is, but we are giving Green Coast and Cloud Catcher some minor tweaks aswe move to include regenerative grain(sustainably grown malt) into these beers. In doing this we know we are doing the right thing by the only planet we know with beer on it, and are 100% sure our drinkers are with us on this environmentally positive move. With this change in the malt bill they may even notice a slight change in taste that’ll help how refreshing and drinkable the beers are too.
WHAT ABOUT PACIFIC ALE??!
Nothing aboutPacific Alehas changed: it’s all staying the same, brew method, taste, design. You don’t mess with an icon.
DOES THIS MEAN I’LL BE ABLE TO FIND THESE BEERS IN MORE PLACES?
That’s the plan, but it’s a journey we’re just at the beginning of. Keep your eyes peeled and ask your local to get them in if they don’t stock them.
WHEN WILL THESE BE AVAILABLE?
Our new look tinnies and bottles are hitting the shops this week, so you can take us everywhere with you this summer.
No doubt, one of the most heated debates in beer over recent years has been: what’s better – cans or bottles?
With the rise of brewers packaging up brews in both options these days, the attitude of ‘beer tasting better in bottles’ seems to be on its way out, as the preference for cans is on the rise.
Like most breweries, we started out only producing Stone & Wood in bottles, but over the last few years, we’ve released most of our range in cans as well.
So, does it have much of an effect on the final product? Some people think so – and no doubt you probably have a preference too. Let’s dive into the some of the key differences.
THE BREWING PROCESS
Let’s start at the beginning of our journey – the brewing process. Traditionally, beer was always brewed in dark glass bottles to prevent over-exposure to sunlight and oxygen – both of which can upset the delicate brewing process and turn beer bad.
Aluminium cans are very effective at blocking out sunlight and oxygen, due to their totally opaque outer shell and airtight seal. However, dark glass bottles are similarly effective. So, there’s no clear winner in this category, both hold the liquid effectively.
WINNER: Draw
STAYING COLDER FOR LONGER
Due to the thickness of your typical glass beer bottle, there is a natural resistance to heat that can help keep your beer colder for longer when compared to an aluminium can.
This is likely more of an issue when enjoying a beer outside in the sun, or when you’re without a stubby cooler to insulate from the Aussie heat.
WINNER: Bottles, just.
Please always remember to be sun safe and protect your beer from the heat.
Beer cans and bottles come in a range of different sizes and pack set ups, all of which can affect the price point, as will the quality of the product.
In our case, our cans hold 375ml and come in a block of 16, with bottles holding 330ml and come in a case of 24. Our cans come in at a cheaper price point, making it the better choice for the hip pocket… but you do get slightly less beer.
WINNER: Cans for the cash concerned.
PORTABILITY AND EASE OF TRANSPORTATION
There’s no hiding the fact that beer bottles come in a bit heavier than cans. Although the difference when you’re holding just one is negligible, it’s definitely more noticeable when carrying 16 or 24 in a carton.
As a result, cans are the probably the better choice if you’re packing up an esky or if you’re taking some beers away with you on your camping trip.
WINNER: Cans (for the froth lover on the go).
FRIDGE STORAGE
If fridge space is at a premium, stackability of cans gives it the edge here, unless you have a big fridge where you can stand all those beautiful bottles up on one shelf. Nothing quite like opening the door to that sight after a long summer’s day.
WINNER: Cans.
THE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
The great news here is that both beer cans and bottles are recyclable.
With most Australian states now having can and bottle buyback schemes either already in place or planned for the future – recycling your beer cans and bottles has never been more accessible to the Aussie public.
WINNER: Draw.
OUTCOME
Judging by this criteria, cans come in as the rational choice in the Cans vs. Bottles debate, but how we love our beer is the same as how we love a lot of things in life – with the heart. So as rational as these facts may be…maybe you’re just a bottle-lover? And we’re quite ok with that.
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.
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 ourcurrent 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
Pouring like sunshine into the glass, bursts of banana, citrus and spices fill the air as we slow down and take time to appreciate the fruits of our labour.
Combining tradition and progress, Counter Culture has taken the centuries old Belgian-Witbier and brought it into the future with the use of regenerative grain in the brew and adding lashings of Yuzu for its zesty twist.
Made with Hallertau Hops, After the Harvest is juicy, fruity and spicy with a dry finish, making it the perfect house guest.
AVAILABILITY
After The Harvest, Imperial Yuzu Witbier is is NOW SOLD OUT ONLINE. You can still try finding this release at ourByronandBrisbanebreweries, and other excellent venues and bottle shops.
To be the first to hear about our next Counter Culture limited release, sign up below!
Be sure to follow @counterculturebeer to be the first across all the brewing magic.
We believe that beer can be a force for good - and it’s been a key part of who we are since we opened our doors.
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?
AB Corpis 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.
TheB Corp movementexists to inspire businesspeople to balance purpose against profit and to empower consumers to make ethical choices.
We engage in best environmental practices in our day-to-day throughour Green Feetsustainability 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 calledB 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 theactions we’ve takenin 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.
Down below the Strait, dark whispers beckon you into the last great wild, a place where the veil between the known world and the beyond becomes thin. Past flourishing bines and cool mountain streams, you venture ever south.
A land of ancient mystic, your passage crosses mountain ranges and decaying sandstone walls. This journey takes you places never seen. It takes you to the Edge Of The Earth.
Born in the hop fields of Tasmania, Edge of the Earth flourishes with intense aromas of citrus and tropical stone fruits. Pouring bright and golden with a thick white head, it was consciously brought to life with sustainably grown Australian malt which gives it a subtly sweet, malty backbone.
Of course, there’s more to the tale than just this, but to know more, you’ll have to surrender your senses andlet us take you on a journey…
Availability
Edge Of The Earth is NOW SOLD OUT ONLINE, you can still try finding this release at ourByronandBrisbanebreweries, and other excellent venues and bottle shops.
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 theinGrained Foundation’s website.
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.
