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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

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. 

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!

We’re stoked to announce our Festival of the Stone held on Saturday 3 June, raised $20,000 for Byron’s homeless and rough sleeping community service, Fletcher Street Cottage.

Over 1800 people passed through our gates to come together, shake off a tough start to the year and dance the night away for a good cause.

With an awesome musical line-up that appeared across two stages, local legends Drop Legs and Death By Denim packed out the mainstage with Melbourne rockers, The Delta Riggs capping off the night with an epic set.

Inside the Brewery, our brewtanks became the illuminated backdrop for one heady dancefloor as the Club Raiders DJS, Cashew and Yazmin dropped some fresh and frothy beats.  

Most importantly, in the process of this revelry, all ticket, beer and raffle sales were steadily raising funds to go directly to Fletcher Street.

Outside of Sydney, the Byron Shire has the largest rough-sleeping population in Australia (even bigger than Melbourne’s), making the Fletcher Street Cottage and its services such a crucial part of the Byron community. They’re open every day, ready with breakfast, hot showers, laundry and counselling services for those in need.

Our Events Guru, Sally G, was blown away by the happy vibe brought by the big crowd on the day.

Sally said, “It’s such an honour to put on an event where locals can come together and really enjoy themselves. Holding it in support of such an important issue for our region, just adds that extra layer of meaning.

There was such a happy spirit here on Saturday, a good sign that big events in Byron are back and here to stay.”

Stone & Wood is proud to support Fletcher Street Cottage and other local grassroots organisations through our not-for-profit arm, the inGrained Foundation.

Cheers to our mates at Red Stockholm for capturing the night. Visit our Facebook page for the full collection of photos from the night.

STONE BEER 2022

Pouring dark brown, this decadent brew begins with rich and chocolatey aromas, followed by dark chocolate, coffee, caramel and toffee flavours on the palate and finishes with a firm bitterness.

But there’s much more to this beer than just delicious indulgence.

For the first time in Stone Beer history, we’re thrilled to announce Stone Beer 2022 is made using regenerative grain. Sourced from farms that replenish and restore the earth they toil, it is our hope with further adaptation to this way of farming, there will be many more vintages of Stone Beer to come. 

While we’re embracing the future, Stone Beer will always be a homage to the past. Created each year using ancient brewing techniques, our brewers set volcanic rock into a burning hot fire, before adding them glowing red to the kettle. This rouses the boil and intensifies the beer’s malt character.

Best enjoyed with mates by a fire somewhere, we also suggest pairing this dark beauty with a rich chocolate cake or a serving of nonna’s tiramisu.

 

STONE BEER VINTAGE PACK

A very limited number of Stone Beer Vintage Packs is only available from our online store. For the Stone Beer devotee, the Vintage Pack comes with a traditional ceramic crock filled with our delicious 2021 Barrel Aged Stone Beer brew, plus a cheeky taster of 2022 Stone Beer on the side.

WHERE TO GET STONE BEER 2022

You can now buy Stone Beer 2022 through our online store or find your nearest stockist below. Give them a call before heading out to ensure it’s in stock. It’s also available from our Brisbane and Byron Bay Tasting Room.

STONE BEER 2022

Wood Fired Porter 

HOPS: Tettnang

MALTS: Barret’s pale, Voyager Chocolate, Voyager Voodoo, Voyager SM40, Voyager Biscuit, Voyager Amber.

YEAST: New England Ale Yeast

OTHER: Ground Wattleseed

ALC/VOL: 6.4%

STONE BEER 2022 STOCKISTS

Find your nearest stockist below, and give them a call before heading out to ensure it’s in stock! Note: Listing will be updated in the weeks ahead as word gets out.

We love Winter here at Stone & Wood.

Because as the darker days of the year start to creep in, it’s a signal to our brewers that the season of the Stone has begun.

It starts with the brewing of our decadent, limited-release wood fired porter and ends in our biggest party of the year – Festival of The Stone.

Every year, our brewers begin the Stone Beer brew by employing ancient techniques of setting fire stones in the kettle. On this year’s Stone Brew Day, we invited legends of the local hospitality game down to help us start the story of Stone Beer 2022 and breathe fire into this year’s legend.

We make a slight twist to the Stone Beer recipe each year, but the element of 2022’s brew we’re most proud of is the use of regenerative grain. Grain is the base of every great beer and the crop we sourced from this year, comes from farms that replenish and restore the earth they toil, a way of farming that’s soft on the soil and sustainable for years to come.

Stone Beer 2022 was made with a range of the highest quality Australian malts from Voyager Craft Malt and native wattle-seed. Pouring dark brown, this decadent brew begins with rich and chocolatey aromas, followed by dark chocolate, coffee, caramel and toffee flavours on the palate and finishes with a firm bitterness. 

WATCH: STONE BREW DAY 2022

STONE BEER 2022 RELEASE

Of course, not everyone is able to drop all their plans for a decadent porter, so the great news is Stone Beer will be available in our online store and at select bottle shops and venues this June. Stay tuned for a release time.

FESTIVAL OF THE STONE

Of course, there’s no better place than try Stone Beer than right at the source.

Festival Of The Stone marks the tapping of each year’s Stone Beer and also doubles as Byron’s biggest neighbourhood block party. This year, we’re stoked to have Melbourne rockers The Delta Riggs headline an amazing lineup that also includes Death By Denim, Drop Legs, South Summit, Club Raiders DJs, Cashew, Spacie, Yazmin and the Stone & Wood DJs.

Wherever you are this winter, we invite you to enjoy Stone Beer 2022, preferably around a fire, with mates…or on a Byron dancefloor with hundreds of strangers 

Born in Southern France but stationed all over the globe, international can of mystery – Wayne Dubois – recently fell into the hands of the fiends at Counter Culture.

Deep in their dark lab, he was transformed into an intriguing hybrid of French sophistication and Australian good times.

A sparkling shiraz at heart, Wayne underwent a rigorous and experimental fermentation process that resulted in a personality so dry and refreshing that one encounter with this smooth operator is never enough.

Sour by name, not by reputation, there are few who can resist a night with Wayne Dubois.             

An international can of mystery…who really is Wayne Dubois?

AVAILABILITY

The Counter Culture Lab have lost control of Wayne.

WAYNE IS NOW SOLD OUT ON OUR ONLINE STORE. If you’re lucky you might be able to find him at selected bottleshops and venues and our Byron Bay Tasting Room and Brisbane brewery.

LISTEN: WHO REALLY IS WAYNE DUBOIS? PLAYLIST

Counter Culture by Stone & Wood present the Who Really Is Wayne Dubois? Playlist: music inspired by the latest limited release, the intriguing hybrid of French sophistication and Australian good times. Crack open a cold can of Wayno and press play.

Be sure to follow @counterculturebeer to be the first across all the brewing magic.

APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 5PM FRIDAY 6TH MAY

Many of you who are fans of our beer also know that being a useful part of the community is an important measure of who we are as a business.

It’s why we started a separate, not-for-profit arm called the inGrained Foundation, an organisation designed to help tackle the challenges faced in the areas where we work and live.

This year, more than ever before, our backyard of Northern NSW, needs support. That’s why, we’re pumped to announce the inGrained Foundation’s 2022 Northern Rivers Large Grants program.

With a funding pool of $200K, grassroots organisations from the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley can apply for a cash grant between $5 – $30K to assist with programs that directly benefit our community, or the environment that surrounds us.

Obviously, flood relief and recovery will be top of mind for a lot of people, but inGrained are encouraging applications for a wide range of causes from not-for-profits with DGR status.

This year’s categories for grants are:

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

Applications are open today so to find out more and apply, head to the inGrained website.

Know of a Northern Rivers not-for-profit with DGR status that would be interested? Share using the share buttons below.

Outside of this program, Stone & Wood are committed to helping the recovery efforts in the region by running a fundraising program over the bars at both our Byron and Brisbane breweries for the foreseeable future and lending a hand on the ground whenever we can.

If you’re keen to find out how you can connect to some of the great organisations in Northern NSW who are working directly with the community, visit our recent blog for some helpful links.

FOR A LITTLE FEEL GOOD INSPIRATION… WATCH THE STORIES OF PAST RECIPIENTS 

In the past 10 days, the heartland of Stone & Wood – the Northern Rivers region – has faced a disaster unlike most of us have ever seen before.

The recent floods have touched all of us here, either directly or through family, friends and neighbours.

We are immensely proud of our Stone & Wood team who have been out on the streets, in community halls and people’s homes doing everything they could to help their communities through the rescue and recovery efforts.

While for some of the region, the first stage of recovery is coming to an end, we know that for many people, this will be a process that takes months.

So, what can we do as a Northern Rivers business who wants to be a part of the solution? This is what we’ve been asking ourselves since day one.

From an immediate financial perspective, our not-for-profit arm, the inGrained Foundation, has donated $150,000 to community organisations operating in some of the most flood affected areas. Some of the initial organisations we’re working with include the Mullumbimby Community Centre, the Northern Rivers Community Gateway, the Murwillumbah Community Centre and Ngunya Jarjam.

Later this month, the inGrained Foundation, will be launching its annual Large Grants Round where local not-for-profits can apply for funding for long-term-projects. Those who are operating flood recovery projects are encouraged to apply.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

As the situation continues to unfold, we will be doing all we can to support our community and show up for each other as best we can throughout 2022 and beyond.

On Sunday 13 March, our breweries in Byron and Brisbane both held Flood Relief Fundraisers with all profits from the events going to the amazing people at Orange Sky, who are on the ground with mobile laundries and showers, getting those affected fresh clothes for their backs. Stay tuned to find out how much was raised on the day.

For a little snapshot of our day in Byron and how our community are holding up, we pulled together a quick video.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you’re looking for some direction on how you can help, below is just a small list of some of the great people out there working directly with the community. 

It Takes a Town: Helping affected families directly with supplies and essential items.

Resilient Lismore – Lismore Helping Hands: The Lismore community-run disaster response network are coordinating with services across the Northern Rivers and are building systems to assist across the region.

Bundjalung Community Flood Relief – by Koori Mail. Funds go directly to the people and communities.

The Byron Rangers are mobilising 3,000+ local volunteers to organise crisis accommodation, supply food packages, transport goods for people and wildlife, and the massive clean up.

The Echo Go Fund Me Raising funds and distributing them as quickly as possible to help the community organisations on the ground.

Human Nature Adventure therapy – Ballina: Support for affected young people who may not engage in conventional clinical mental health support.

Upper Main Arm Flood Relief

GIVIT is managing offers of donated goods, services, volunteering and funds.

For some resources you may find helpful during these times based on your situation, visit the Enova Energy website

Cheers!

A limited release available now.

Stone & Wood and Afends present: Crop Circles, an experiment that chooses to believe in a sustainable future for beer and fashion.

Together, the brewers and style makers turned to the crops that are making green waves in their industries – regenerative grain for beer and hemp for clothing – to create something out of this world.

Not from the future and need to know more about regenerative grain?

For the making of Crop Circles, Stone & Wood sourced Certified regenerative grain from farms that are replenishing their natural ecosystems, soil biodiversity and organic matter. This means the land they use has a greater ability to regenerate and recycle nutrients, decreasing their dependence on outside resources and reducing methane and carbon emissions. Watch the making of Crop Circles here.

Charged up about the future of farming? Good, now let’s talk about the beer.

A perfect companion to the end of summer, Crop Circles is a juicy pale ale with flavours of mango, subtle hints of macadamia and a dash of locally-sourced hemp seed. Pleasantly aromatic, its taste is not only out of this world, but it’s also a sessionable brew at 5% Alc/Vol.

The clothing, a hemp capsule collection created by Afends in collaboration with Stone & Wood, is a limited release that’s ready to transport you by design. A small selection of merch is available online today in the Stone & Wood online store, but if you’re after the total Afends experience, head to their earthly offering here.

Tune into the Crop Circles Playlist: music to teleport you. Best enjoyed with Crop Circles limited edition beer and eyes to the future.

Availability

Ready to believe?

Good news, the future is now: From today you can purchase Crop Circles from our official online store or at our Byron Bay Tasting Room and Brisbane brewery, where the Crop Circles flows freely on tap.

For more info and to track down the location of Area 51 and your closest stockist of Crop Circles head here.

But be quick believers, Crop Circles is only earthside for a short time.

Christmas is just around the corner and it’s time to fill those stockings with beery goodies. Give the gift of craft beer this season or rock some new Stone & Wood merch!

We all know you can’t go wrong gifting that beer lover in your life with the latest and tastiest craft beers from yours truly. However, if you also like the idea of giving them something to keep, then our Stone & Wood gift packs can offer you the best of both worlds. 

Beat the Summer heat and grab your mate their very own Stone & Wood Beach Pack. We also have a couple Oversized Beach Towels that are great for lazing on the sand or grass with friends or family.

Good barware is always a hit with home bar owners. We have put together the home bar essential Stone & Wood Pub In Box gift. Spice it up a little with a Stone & Wood Bottle Opener Fridge Magnet, Pacific Ale Cap or Counter Culture Specialty Glass.

Want to go a little bigger? How about 16 beers in a mix of styles? With more of our beers now available in cans, create your very own Stone & Wood mixed carton with Build Your Own Mixed Carton.

And if you are unsure, you really cannot go wrong with either a Beer Club Membership or Gift Card, or check out our Gifts & Merch Collection for more ideas. You are bound to find something beery they will appreciate and enjoy this Christmas.

We Canned Springtime.

At Stone & Wood, we’re pretty excited about the growing trend of native Australian produce being used in new beers.

That’s why we were stoked to team up with our Byron neighbours – Australian Macadamias – in dreaming up this new limited-release malty lager: Malty Mac.

Based on a traditional German dunkel style beer, Malty Mac was modernised for the Aussie palate by adding roasted macadamias to the brewing process and the result: a buttery smooth, malty lager that pours with dark golden hues.

Our Byron brewer, Josh Waters, was instrumental in creating this delicious drop and believes he’s brewed an approachable beer that’s perfect for food pairing or just cooling off on one of those balmy Byron afternoons.

Those familiar with our part of the world in the Northern Rivers, would recall the green Macadamia Farms that stretch out across the Byron Hinterland. In the past 50 years, these farms have helped propel this humble little nut into becoming Australia’s 4^th biggest horticultural export.

Our brewers have had so much fun working with this homegrown hero so needless to say, we’re excited to get it out to the public today. Available in our Byron and Brisbane tasting rooms for a limited time, drop by for a glass of Malty Mac while you can. It would be rude nut to. Pouring in our Tasting Rooms from Monday 15 November.

MACADAMIA TASTE MAKER & BREWER, JOSH WATERS

Our brewer, Josh, was at the helm in creating Malty Mac. Watch the video below to get the full story.

Availability

This limited edition brew is available from today (Monday 15th November) at our Byron Bay Tasting Room and Brisbane brewery, only while stocks last.

Knowing how to make a beer batter is an easy and straightforward process. You will only need a couple of ingredients to make something you that has the potential to eclipse the taste from your local fish ‘n chip takeaway.

And we recommend considering beer batter fosh, an incredibly tasty vegan alternative to the typical fish and chips.

Our easy beer batter recipe takes under five minutes to prepare and is ready in another five minutes. Just enough time between half time whistles to whip up a couple of servings for you and a few mates.

WHAT TYPE OF BEER IS BEST FOR BEER BATTER?

Ultimately, the best beer for the batter depends on the type of fish or vegan alternative you’ve got on hand.

Use lighter, fruitier styles of beer for delicate or subtle foods such as tofu and lighter vegetables. While a dark stout can make a great combination with mushrooms or even poached stonefruit (oh yes!), it can smother more delicate flavours.

It’s also key to use beer you like to drink! This might sound obvious, but it really makes a difference. Plus, there is always the half glass left for the chef… For a full vegan alternative, our Brisbane Brewery chef recommends three different Stone & Wood brews – the Jasper Ale, Pacific Ale and Green Coast Lager.

The firmness of the tofu can take the stronger flavours of the Jasper, while the fennel will love the bright fruity notes of the Pacific. If you’re also cutting some potatoes to go with the fry, these will match with the bitter notes of our Lager.

PRO TIP

One of the fundamentals in a beer batter recipe is to keep the beer cold. This little trick of mixing the cold beer with the hot oil, causing the batter to go extra-crispy has been a well-known culinary secret for years. For best results, leave in the fridge for at least two hours prior to cooking.

STEPS TO MAKING BEER BATTER FOSH

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup of your choice of beer
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¾ cup of self-raising flour
• ¼ potato starch or rice flour
• Canola/vegetable oil blend
• Your choice of fish (boneless and skinless) or vegan alternative

STEP 1

Combine the dry ingredients and whisk until there are no lumps. You don’t want to whisk the batter for long at the risk of over-developing the gluten.

STEP 2

Gradually whisk in the beer until smooth and leave to the side.

STEP 3

It’s time to fry! Heat the vegetable oil over high heat to 190º C for the best crunch.

STEP 4

Dunk the fish or tofu in batter to coat well. Add to oil and deep fry until golden.

STEP 5:

Remove and drain any excess off.

STEP 6:

Season with a touch of flaked sea salt and serve with some crisp lettuce or rocket, and a side of vegan tartare sauce.

STEP 7:

Don’t forget to pair it with the same ice-cold beer you used for the batters – you deserve one after all that hard work!

Want to leave the work to someone else? Try out the Stone & Wood Pacific Ale Beer battered fish available from our friends at Beach Byron.

We’d also love to see your creations! Be sure to tag us on insta #beerbatter