Meet Fin Patalano, a good mate of Stone&Wood and a filmmaker whose work blends captivating visuals with the vibrant energy of surf culture.
Hailing from Cairns but now based in Newcastle, Fin’s unique approach to storytelling captures the raw beauty and in-between moments of the ocean, along with the laid-back lifestyle that surrounds it. His latest project, Solly—a short film about surfing, board design, and doing things differently—has been making waves.
After its recent premiere, we linked up with Fin to explore his filmmaking journey, his deep connection to the ocean, and, of course, his go-to knock-off beer—a cold Pacific Ale. Read on...
Q: Hey Fin, thanks for connecting! Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and where you're from?
A: Hey legends, I’m Fin, a filmmaker who grew up in Cairns, North QLD.
Q: What did you love about growing up in Cairns, and what do you dig about where you live now (Newcastle)?
A: I loved the adventurous lifestyle we lived! When the weather was good, we’d be out on the reef spearfishing, and when it wasn’t so good, we’d be hiking up secluded rainforest streams looking for waterfalls. There was always something to do!
Q: How did you get into cinematography/content creation? What made you first pick up a camera?
A: I always seemed to have a camera on me from a pretty young age. There was something about capturing moments and how I saw them that just fascinated me. I spent the last couple of years of high school working on a charter fishing vessel out of Cairns, then kept working at sea during my gap year because we couldn’t go too far due to Covid. I always had my camera with me while at work and soon saw an opportunity to pursue filmmaking at sea full-time.
Q: You shoot a lot on Super 8. Do you prefer shooting film or digital, and what film stock do you like to run?
A: I only recently got into shooting Super 8 but I am definitely obsessed already! There’s just something so special about it. No matter how hard you try, you can’t fake the look of Super 8 with other cameras. I like the entire process and the patience required to even see the footage you’ve shot. It’s very gratifying.
Q: A lot of your work revolves around the ocean. What draws you to the water, and what elements do you seek within a frame when shooting surfing and the energy of the ocean?
A: I guess it’s in my blood. Growing up around the ocean in a seafaring family makes it a part of who I am. I love how much the ocean is able to calm me and how quickly it can humble you. My favourite elements to capture when shooting aren’t even the hero shots or surfing but the in-between moments. The offshore winds blowing spray off the top of a wave, which, when shot from under the surface, looks like it’s raining. The bubbles that catch the morning sun. The smiles between sets. Anything that helps create a feeling and tell a story.
Q: Your short film Solly has been generating a bit of buzz—what inspired you to create it, and how did the project come together?
A: I’ve always wanted to piece a short surf film together but was either strapped for time or misaligned with the story I wanted to capture. I love surf films—the idea of bringing two art forms together (film and surfing) has always fascinated me. When I got introduced to the Sollys through a close friend, I knew almost straight away that they were who I wanted to film! I also fell in love with the coastline we shot at.
Q: Is there a moment or frame from Solly that stands out as particularly noteworthy for you?
A: I think probably the segment where the song Highway Child by a local band and good friends, Lily Anna & the Maverick Queen, is playing. It’s cool to collaborate with such talented artists and use music produced in the same place where the film was shot. It was one of those meant-to-be moments.
Q: You screened Solly for the first time at your friend Matthew’s photo show. What was it like collaborating with friends on an event like The Island Lives?
A: There’s a quote by Rick Rubin that goes, “Competition serves the ego, collaboration serves the highest outcome,” and that’s exactly what it was like. Bringing like-minded artists together to create something bigger than themselves. Without collaboration, an event like this would never have happened.
Q: Can you give us a quick rundown of The Island Lives? Did you have a hand in the project or the rollout of the event?
A:The Island Lives was a collection of prints that Matt took while over in Tahiti. This was Matt’s event, and we were just lucky enough to be invited along to screen some films on the night! I remember him and me jamming out on the idea of “art in person” vs. “art online,” and we both loved the idea of bringing an online audience into a physical space together—using art as the excuse to bring real people together. With the whole online world today being so driven by views, likes, and validation, it’s easy to forget why we even do this in the first place. So, through this event, we were able to celebrate the grassroots of art and creativity. It was pretty cool to see an idea come to life, and I can’t thank everyone involved in bringing the night together enough!
Q: Tell us more about the evening. How was the turnout... Any highlights?
A: It was definitely one for the books! To see around 200 people come through the doors that night was incredible. A highlight for me was just seeing everyone mingle. I don’t remember seeing anyone sitting there on their phone scrolling Instagram—just genuine, real human connection. You could walk up to anyone, whether you knew them or not, and just have a chat. That’s what these events are all about for me!
Q: After a big day on the tools, where do you go to unwind and enjoy a sunset brew?
A: The front deck of my house in Newy!
Q: Favourite knock-off beer?
A: Stone & Wood Pacific Ale—always has been, always will be!
Q: Dream shoot—pick a subject, a location, and a camera setup. Who, where, and what are you shooting?
A: Torren Martyn or Mikey February, an empty right-hand point break somewhere in a tropical climate. My Sony FX3 with underwater housing.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received when it comes to shooting outdoor content?
A: Shoot the things you want to see in the world, not what you think someone else wants to see.
Q: What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you can share with us?
A: A couple of short films lined up for next year! Can’t say too much yet, but I’m very excited for these ones!
Check out Fin's work on his website https://finlaypatalano.com.au/ and give him a follow here. We're stoked to get to work with Fin as part of our ‘& Friends’ program, make sure to check out his film, Solly, above.
Got adventure on your mind now? This Summer, we’re giving five lucky adventurers the chance to score 1 of 5 $10,000 Aussie getaways. Simply, head here and tell us where you want to go for a chance to win.
Meet Fin Patalano, a good mate of Stone&Wood and a filmmaker whose work blends captivating visuals with the vibrant energy of surf culture. Hailing from Cairns but now based in...
Pacific Ale & Seafood = The perfect combo. Try this easy ceviche recipe perfect for those warm days and evenings with cold Pacific Ale.
RECIPE
Pacific Ale Cevichè
Citrus Cured Prawns, Crab, Kingfish & Tuna
BEER
The Original Pacific Ale
INGREDIENTS
450g raw prawns, peeled & deveined
170g crab meat
150g raw salmon
1 cup fresh lime juice (about 5 limes)
1.5 cups Pacific Ale
1 tsp salt
1 jalapeño, minced
1 cup red onion, minced
1 cup yellow capsicum, diced
1 cup red capsicum, diced
½ bunch coriander, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin, toasted
¼ cup olive oil
METHOD
Cut the prawns in half lengthwise.
In a bowl, combine the prawns, salmon lime juice, beer, and salt.
Mix well and chill for 60–90 minutes to cure the seafood. While the seafood is curing, combine the remaining ingredients, mix well, and chill until needed. The prawns will be bright white and firm once cured. Salmon may have also changed in colour, this is the natural acidity of the cure.
Drain the liquid from the prawns (reserving ½ cup).
Combine the reserved crab meat/salad mixture with the seafood, add the reserved curing liquid, and mix well.
Pacific Ale & Seafood = The perfect combo. Try this easy ceviche recipe perfect for those warm days and evenings with cold Pacific Ale. RECIPE Pacific Ale Cevichè Citrus...
Our recent Pilot Batch Brewer hopping around the Byron brew deck
Our Pilot Batch beers are experimental brews created by our team of talented brewers, with occasional help from collaborators within our community, all at our Pilot Brewery in Byron Bay.
These small batch brews are special, limited and, once gone, may never return. The Pilot Batch brewery is a space for our brewers to get creative – an opportunity to trial weird and wonderful things, turning the brewery into an experimental playground to get a little fruity.
Every three months, one of our brewers takes up the helm in our Byron brewery, running the day-to-day operations. During this time, they have the chance to brew their favourite beers and run the Pilot Batch program.
Meet our recent Pilot Batch brewer, Tom Iacono.
Give us a bit of background about yourself…
I’m originally from the Yarra Valley in VIC (home to some of Australia’s best wines).
Prior to coming to Stone & Wood, I’d been working as a cheesemaker for about 10 years across VIC, NSW and QLD. Most recently, I was running my own cultured butter business out of Byron.
I accidentally fell into beer, starting off in kombucha and then making my way to the big brewery in Murwillumbah. I’ve been brewing for about 5 years now and, like cheesemaking, I love the variety it brings.
What are your favourite styles of beer and why?
I’m a lover of IPA’s and hop forward beers but I also enjoy and appreciate all beer styles.
What will you be brewing during your time here in Byron?
As many different types and styles as possible!
Any beers you’re really excited about brewing and why?
I recently created a Whole Hop Cone English Pale here at Byron. This requires taking fresh hop flowers (or leaf) and using those in the brew rather than a pellet. They are a more intense flavour, so it means adjusting brewing techniques to get it just right.
What do you like about using the Pilot Batch brewery to experiment?
I love the hands-on experience and manual labour that working in a smaller brewery brings.
Searching for a delicious recipe you CAN dazzle your mates with? Look no further than our Pale Ale Beer Can Chicken. Beer can in a chicken???? Yes, you CAN friends.
RECIPE 🧑🍳
Pale Ale Beer Can Chicken
BEER
Cloudy Pale Ale
INGREDIENTS:
Fresh Whole Chicken
Cloudy Pale Ale
Butter
Lemon Rub mix:
2 tbsp brown sugar
3 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 sprigs fresh thyme – stems removed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
METHOD:
Prepare grill for medium-high heat.
Mix dry ingredients in a small bowl.
Pat and dry chicken inside and out.
Under the skin, slice small incisions to slide in slithers of butter.
Season chicken with spice rub all over inside and out.
Crack and pour half of a Cloudy Pale Ale can into a separate glass - drink the glassed beer while cooking, and keep the remaining half in the can.
Searching for a delicious recipe you CAN dazzle your mates with? Look no further than our Pale Ale Beer Can Chicken. Beer can in a chicken???? Yes, you CAN friends....
Stone & Wood Brewing Co. are recalling the above product. The recalled product has been available for sale; online nationally; in Bottle shops and retail outlets in NSW, VIC and QLD; and Paul’s IGA Ringwood East in VIC.
Problem: The recall is due to the presence of an undeclared allergen – Milk. Food safety hazard: Any consumers who have a milk allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed.
What to do: Consumers who have a milk allergy or intolerance should not consume this product. Customers should return the product to the place of purchase for a full cash refund. We apologise for any inconvenience.
For further information contact: Stone & Wood Ph: (02) 6685 5173 Email: [email protected]
Celebrating International Women’s Day With Our Crew.
This year for International Women’s Day
In celebration of IWD held on Wednesday 8 March, we’d like to shout out to all the amazing women who are a part of the Stone & Wood story.
From the Tasting Rooms, to the Quality Lab and the Brew Deck, Stone & Wood have over 50 permanent female employees who are making their mark on what can traditionally be a male-dominated industry.
This year, to celebrate their efforts, a crew of Stone & Wood employees and industry friends came together in early February to create this year’s International Women’s Day Beer. At both our Byron and Brisbane breweries, they began to brew an epic Czech Bohemian Imperial Pils to mark the occasion.
After a few weeks’ fermentation, 2023 IWD will be tapped in both breweries for staff and visitors to enjoy on March 8.
For anyone in Brisbane looking to kick up their heels in celebration of IWD, our Fortitude Valley brewery is the place to be after the workday is done. Keep reading on to find out more!
Whether you can make it to one of our breweries and sample our 2023 IWD beer, or if you’re just enjoying a quiet one at home, let’s raise a glass to all the amazing women in our lives who are out there making change, making beer and generally just making things great.
About International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. IWD 2023’s theme of Embrace Equity challenges people to deeply believe, value, and seek out difference as a necessary and positive element of life. To embrace equity means to understand the journey required to achieve women’s equality.
With fresh beers and wine, great food and DJ Anna Sonnenburg on the decks into the night, it’s the perfect place for women (and allies!) to come together and #embraceequity.
Just in time for St Patrick’s Day, the bustling brewers behind our Counter Culture range have created a beer that pays homage to the beloved island of Ireland – Éirinn.
That such a green and misty island could play home to such rebellious hearts,
And bear generations of saints, scholars and sinners fond of ale.
To your fine traditions, we pay homage from across the seas.
A brew of rich, dark beauty that swells with the spirit of Éire and continues the tapestry the exiles of Erin have stitched across the world.
Éirinn is an Irish Cream Stout with notes of Irish cream, coffee and chocolate. Pouring black, with an off-white head and a silky-smooth finish, Éirinn comes in at 7% ABV making it a beer to be savoured, to be sure.
The STATS:
Irish Cream, Roasted coffee, chocolate aromas.
Dark, roasted malts.
Certified Sustainable Grain.
7% ABV
Vanilla, and Caramel notes.
Contains: Lactose
Availability
Éirinn is available from today on our online store, hallowed venues and bottle shops around the country.
Over the next two months, Rossco, our main man with the flowing mullet, is bringing a slice of summer to a beer garden near you.
Revving up old Trev the Troopie, Rossco will be hitting the open road, visiting epic East Coast locations and spreading the delicious word about Stone & Wood beers.
Not just there for refreshments, Rossco has also organised live music and giveaways for each place he pulls up, so every stop will feel like a party.
Starting early Feb in Melbourne, Trev & Rossco will be visiting the South Coast, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Newcastle, Coffs Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
It’s free entry, just round up the crew and turn up.
Supporting local communities
Working in partnership with legendary venues along the way, Trev’s Troopie Tour will also be supporting local clubs or charities at each stop, with money from each beer sold from a Karma Keg going straight back into the community.
Before the endless summer begins, let’s get to know the enigma that is Stone & Wood’s Rossco.
Where in the world do you hail from?
I’ve lived all over this wide, brown land! Born and raised in country SA, but completed my high schooling and university degree in Ballarat, Victoria. Since then, I’ve quite literally ‘seen the light’ 😁 and moved to Ballina in 2020, and I’m lucky to now call the Northern Rivers home.
What inspired your move up to the Northern Rivers?
There aren’t too many Aussies that didn’t feel the impacts of COVID-19, Victorian’s especially! 2020 was meant to be a big year for my athletic career (basketball), and I had grand plans for the season ahead.
When the lockdowns hit, I had plenty of reflection time (and beer drinking time!). I had a change of heart and decided I was more suited to the laidback surfer lifestyle that Byron promises. Mum’s side of the fam also live in Ballina, so it made a lot of sense to relocate up here.
What’s been your greatest adventure?
When I finished high school in 2014, I decided to take a gap year and backpack Europe. This would easily go down as my greatest adventure! I was young, naive and had a hunger for exploration and new experiences. This adventure taught me so much about the world but also about myself and so I always recommend travelling as much as you can!
Some of the lessons I learned along this journey weren’t cheap. In Beijing I was scammed by two sweet old Chinese women – but that’s a story to share over a Pacific Ale…or 3!
Favourite place you’ve discovered on a road trip?
This is an easy one! When I was 11, my parents sold the house and bought a caravan to circumnavigate Australia. It was on this voyage that we stopped in a small place in northern WA called Ningaloo Reef. Ningaloo was nature’s theme park to an 11-year-old grommet like myself. We went diving with whale sharks, snorkelling with sea turtles, reef sharks and dolphins…right off the beach we were camping on!
What’s your all-time Aussie holiday spot?
For this one I would have to go with Kangaroo Island in South Australia. I have an uncle and Aunt who live in Kingscote there and my family have holidayed there for as long as I can remember. I have so many special memories from that place such as learning to fish and catch crabs from my uncle’s boat. The beaches are pristine and the island itself has such a low population that you can escape all the noise of the mainland.
You’ve just come in from a swim on the beach, what do you choose for lunch – fish & chips, old school burger or vegan sushi?
Fish & Chips is a timeless classic but to be completely honest, I would have to say that a burger hits the spot most often. Anything from Wagyu patty with the lot or something southern-fried…I think the burger wins! (Providing it comes with chips). Check out our fav Fish & Chips recipe.
And finally, best beer to crack open after a long day on the dusty road?
Nothing beats a Pacific Ale after a day on the road! I’ve been drinking these from back in my Ballarat days and I haven’t found a better beer to share a sunset with.
Stay tuned for more details and to follow Ross & Trev’s on the road adventures, make sure you’re following us on Instagram & Facebook.
Donning your new merch or posed up in front of Trev? Tag us in your posts on Insta, Facebook & Snapchat @stoneandwood
Fresh from the marvelous minds of our best brewers, Disco Queen is the latest addition to our Counter Culture limited edition beer range.
On the floor of 54, a majestic beauty rules them all.
A dancing queen with a bright, pink presence, fills the room with her effervescence.
She lures you in with her berry scent then spins you round with her tart intent. The coolest cat on the scene, never pass up a dance with the Disco Queen.
DISCO QUEEN – The Beer
Disco Queen is a pink, lemonade sour that is fruity, vibrant and tart. Made with pale and regenerative malts, handle this Queen with the respect she deserves by enjoying slowly or with a lover.
Raspberry and Lemon aromas
Pale Malts
Certified Sustainable Grain
6% ABV
Availability
Like all the limited-release beers in the Counter Culture range, Disco Queen will be sold in packs of two 500ml cans and cartons our online store, in their Byron Bay and Brisbane breweries as well in excellent venues and bottle shops across the country. Disco Queen is now SOLD OUT online, you can try our breweries or selected stockists.
And for the true disco lovers, we have a VERY limited run of Disco Queen shirts to collect, but as all.
About Counter Culture
Launched in March 2019, the Counter Culture beers will release a new brew every 10 weeks or so, after which they’ll disappear. The range will also feature recipes never tried at Stone & Wood, as well as popular Pilot Batch beers from the past, collaboration brews and beer inspired by the broader brewing community.
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. In fact, as the craft beer crowd prefer cans, our limited-release range,Counter Culture,is a can-only release.
At time of writing, our two most recent Counter Culture can-only releases.
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.
STONE & WOOD’S RANGE OF BOTTLES AND CANS
Currently, we offer our Pacific Ale, Cloud Catcher and Green Coast Lager in both bottles and cans, with our Jasper
Ale, Garden Ale and Counter Culture beers all exclusively can-only. Take a look at ourfull range of beers today, all available for
purchase online!
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.
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 toThe Common Good, the fundraising initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane.
For 33 years, theRoyal 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 atThe Prince Charles Hospitalin Brissie.
Catch Strawberry Sundae Kisses at our Brisbane Brewery from Thursday 4 August and at the Royal Queensland Show from Saturday 6 August.
We’re stoked to announced an epic $15,000 was raised at Murbah Open Day 2022 to support Tweed Palliative Support & Wedgetail Retreat.
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.
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 fromHusk Distillery(serving up Ink Gin & Husk Rum Cocktails),Little Dragon Ginger Beer,Sunly Seltzer,Treehouse Ciderand a coffee cart for midday caffeine kicks, soda/water refill stations and ice-blocks for the kids.