Reflecting on our work over the past year

Today is World Environmental Day, more than a day to do ‘good’, we think of today as a moment to pause and reflect on our work over the past year. As a company founded on the idea of using beer as a force for good, we’re always always looking at ways to reduce our impact, and be of better service to the environment that supports us.

Across the board we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and improving our practices. In order to keep track of our journey, hold ourselves accountable, and share our learnings with the community – each year we release our Beer As A Force For Good report. This report is open to the public so you can gain a better understanding of where we are as company, and where our focus is for the future. We believe learnings are best when shared and we love having a beer and a yarn about how we can better use beer as a force for good.

Some highlights over the past year include:

• We released NRB, Northern Rivers Beer, to the public, which is our first beer made from Certified Sustainable Ingredients. NRB is currently only available in the Northern Rivers region but is an exciting testament to our ambition for the future of sustainable brewing.
• In 2023 we diverted 90.8 percent of waste (excluding spent grain) from landfill. This is a 5.5% improvement from 2022.
• At Murwillumbah brewery, thanks to re-using treated wastewater with a UFRO system (Ultra-Filtration Reverse Osmosis system) and capturing water from our bottle rinse and pipe it through our refrigeration system and re-using cleaning chemicals recovered through a CIP system, we are stoked to be 20 percent lower than industry averages for our water usage for the year. 
• We are 32% lower than industry averages for our purchased electricity consumption this year. This is something we are super proud of for the period. At our Murbah site we run a 100kW solar system on our brewery roof and the Byron Brewery roof we run a 80kw solar system.

• This contributed to a carbon emission reduction in 2023 equivalent to an approximate planting of 2,630 trees.
• We are also pleased to announce that in 2023 our Murwillumbah brewery became certified under ISO14001, reflecting a robust and comprehensive environmental management system embedded across our main production site.

Read the full 2023 Beer As A Force For Good Report here.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the First Nations people, the custodians of this beautiful Country. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise that Indigenous peoples have protected the land, sea, and waterways for tens
of thousands of years. We show our gratitude for these strong foundations from the past and embrace guidance for the future.

‘Ngalingaa Jagun Gunuul, Arakwal Jagun’ By Nickolla Clark, a new artwork on display at Stone & Wood Byron Bay

“The artwork brings forward Bundjalung stories, Arakwal Country is well known as a meeting place for all of Bundjalung. Many tribes, would walk, rest and gather here. They walked on songlines, singing in language following the escarpments of Koonyum Range to the shorelines of Tallows and to far north Queensland for the Bunya Nut festival. They walked the Brunswick River on low tide, they twisted their feet in the sand to collect yugari (pippis). Together they shared culture and danced on this sacred ground. This painting highlights the landscape of Byron Bay, where the rainforest meets the sea and lifestyle and culture is hidden within. Arakwal Country is an abundant and versatile place, a marker telling you where you are”.

FESTIVAL OF THE STONE 2024

DAN SULTAN – BEDDY RAYS – THE BEEFS – VERGE COLLECTION
AKA LUI – MID DRIFT

Listen to our 2024 Festival of The Stone Playlist here.

Saturday 1 June, Byron Bay

Final Tickets ON SALE NOW

Music lovers of Byron and beyond, in just a few days’ time, a brilliant bunch of artists will arrive in the Bay, ready to roll out set after killer set at Festival of the Stone 2024. Yep, this Saturday 1 June, Stone & Wood’s Byron Bay Brewery is the place you’ll want to be, ready to welcome Winter with music, community and the best brews.

Set times are a go!

Why do we celebrate Festival of The Stone every year?

Festival of the Stone 2024 will raise money for Byron Shire homeless hub, Fletcher Street Cottage. Byron Shire’s homelessness rate is currently the highest in NSW and Fletcher Street Cottage provides support, information, referral and advocacy to people at risk of homelessness and those already sleeping rough.

Festival of the Stone began as a celebration of Stone & Wood’s annual release of Stone Beer and the first tapping of the keg. The 2024 Stone Beer brew is a wood-fired porter ideal for chilly winter nights. A nod to medieval brewing, it’s a tradition held dear since Stone & Wood’s humble beginnings, seventeen years ago.

Every May since Stone & Wood began, alongside others in the brewing industry, Stone & Wood brews its woodfired porter Stone Beer in preparation for winter. This is called Stone Brew Day. A decadent porter with dark roasted malts is brewed to give coffee and dark chocolate flavours to the beer. Then, on an open fire, volcanic stones sourced from the nearby hinterland are heated, before being lowered, glowing-red into the kettle, which lends smoky caramel notes to the beer. The moment the woodfired stones touch the wort with a loud hisss is a moment for celebration. A month later, Stone Beer is tapped at the annual Festival of the Stone, where the community comes together to enjoy fresh beer, live music, good food and winter cheer.

What food will be at Festival of The Stone?

Those in need of sustenance at Festival of the Stone are in for a treat with some very tasty options available. From handmade and freshly baked Byron Bay Pretzels to artisan pizza from Gunter’s Flammkuchen and delicious wurst from The Kranski Sisters food truck, you won’t go hungry! Plus, masters of the grill, Traegar will be on ground doing BBQ demos and sampling.

Festival of The Stone is Family Friendly!

Bringing the ankle biters along? Festival of the Stone has that covered too with Malt Disney Art & Craft Zone. Malt Disney is a free style creative area where kids can let their maker imagination run wild with paints, collage, mask making, drawing, crown creating, play doh and more. Plus there’s garden games galore to keep them engaged and burning up that energy!

For the easiest access to Festival of the Stone, catch the Festival Shuttle Service. For up-to-date information about road closures, parking and bus services check out the FAQ section on the website.

Final tickets on sale now. You know what to do!

FESTIVAL OF THE STONE

Saturday 1 June, 2024
Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay (Cavanbah)

TICKETS

Final tickets ON SALE NOW: $60 (18+) | $30 (12-17) | free under 12

GET TICKETS

Stone & Wood is thrilled to confirm the return of Festival of the Stone, a celebration of music, community and ancient brewing tradition, that will welcome Winter to Byron Bay on Saturday 1 June.

The 10th instalment of Festival of the Stone will see Byron locals and visitors gather to take in a major lineup of music, tantalising tastes and witness the annual unveiling of the 2024 batch of Stone Beer, while also raising much needed funds for local homeless hub, Fletcher Street Cottage. Wins all round!

Get ready to spend Saturday 1 June with…

DAN SULTAN – BEDDY RAYS – THE BEEFS – VERGE COLLECTION
AKA LUI – MID DRIFT

GET TICKETS

Image credit: Imani Givertz

One of Australia’s most loved singer-songwriters Dan Sultan’s trophy shelf holds an incredible 7 ARIA Awards, alongside NIMA Awards, Top 5 ARIA-charting albums, and an ARIA-certified gold record. With countless sold-out headline shows in his wake, he’s also toured with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Midnight Oil and Vance Joy, and played Australia’s biggest festivals including Splendour in the Grass, Blues Festival and Falls to name a few. He’ll add Festival of the Stone to that list on 1 June!

It’s almost impossible not to recognise a Beddy Rays track, a carefully curated recipe involving all the right ingredients: heartfelt lyrics, huge hooks, mosh-worthy riffs and a lingering sense of comradery and good vibes that underpins everything they create. It’s seen them land plays on triple j’s Hottest 100 and Hottest 100 Like a Versions of all time, an ARIA nomination for ‘Breakthrough Artist’ and spots on festivals around the country. With a knack for knowing how to have a bloody good time, everyone wants to be friends with Beddy Rays.

Ultimate purveyors "pub-pop" goodness, The Beefs founded their musical haven in 2018 when frontman Sammy Smith decided to round up some talented mates and cook up a musical feast for the ages. In the kitchen of their tunes, you'll find a dash of infectious pop melodies and a sprinkle of rock 'n' roll charm. Marinated together with catchy hooks and relatable lyrics, and voilà - you've got the signature sound of The Beefs. It's the kind of music that'll make you want to hoist a pint in one hand and dance with a mate in the other.

Hailing from Perth, VERGE COLLECTION balance classic pop sensibilities with working class poetry to channel the collective conscious of suburban Australian milennials. Songwriter and front-man Ben Arnold’s songs have the ability to hoist you high to the point of chills and a stupid grin, before making you plummet just as quickly into an existential nosedive.

AKA Lui seamlessly fuses disco and psychedelia to create a sound that is uniquely his own. His debut single catapulted him into the spotlight, earning critical acclaim and over 2 million streams on Spotify alone. Recent tracks like "Kick It", "Lighthouse", and "Fool" have continued to captivate audiences both in Australia and abroad and with the upcoming release of his debut EP Sapphire Blue on June 21st, AKA Lui is set to confirm his status as a rising star in Australian music.

Bursting with sun-soaked melodies and an electric live set it’s no surprise that Brisbane (Meanjin) indie-pop 5-piece Mid Drift have quickly become a crowd favourite in their hometown and are gaining a loyal fan base interstate. Get a sneak preview of their debut EP Lemon, Lime and Tanlines when they open the stage at Festival of the Stone.

Are DJs more your scene? Don't worry...Club Raiders has you covered!

With additional sets from Bean Dip, Dan Muz, Reiflex, Mase vs. Kane, and Sammond, the vibes will be high amongst the brewing tanks...so if you're ready to get sweaty, the DJs will be spinning just the tunes to get you grooving. 

Come celebrate the annual Release of Stone Beer

With meticulous care, we’ve created this limited-edition winter brew using the best ingredients we could find, including select Australian malts. Stone beer boasts aromatic notes of brewed coffee, rich dark chocolate, and hints of subtly smoked barley.

Grooving for a good cause

Festival of the Stone 2024 will raise money for Byron Shire homeless hub, Fletcher Street Cottage. Byron Shire’s homelessness rate is currently the highest in NSW and Fletcher Street Cottage provides support, information, referral and advocacy to people at risk of homelessness and those already sleeping rough.

“We believe it’s a really important time to support Australian music, events and our community. With Splendour and other festivals having a year off, we’re injecting a little more love into the music side of things this year. Live music in Australia ain’t going anywhere. And with Byron having one of the highest homeless populations in the nation, now is as important as ever to support those sleeping rough. We’re happy to support Fletcher St Cottage’s incredible work in this area for the 10th year in a row.” – James Aris, Stone & Wood Marketing Manager.

There’s nowhere better than Byron in winter! Get that group chat going and make plans to gather in the Bay for music and brews on 1 June. With first release tickets just $60 for 18+, get in early and secure the best deal.

FESTIVAL OF THE STONE
Saturday 1 June, 2024
Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay (Cavanbah)

Did we mention it's kid friendly?

P.S. Don't forget this event is kid friendly. Enjoy some brews and live music, while your grommets froth out at Malt Disney, a special area for kids to hang out and play with entertainment throughout the day.

GET TICKETS

Tickets on Sale NOW: $60 (18+) | $30 (12-17) | free under 12

You've Found The Kween. Or Did The Kween Find You?

It's not every day that you find the Kween.

Let alone the fourth iteration.

If the third time's the charm, the fourth takes it up a notch or 11.

This fourth iteration in the Kween series releases the shackles – dialling it up with the holy trinity of chile de árbol, lime zest and pineapple juice. Hops take a backseat as the Kween reminds everyone what happens when you hit pause on the rules of beer.

We invite you to join the dad dance with our Head Brewer Caolan and explore the inspiration behind the beer, the brewing technique to arrive at this version of the Kween, and immerse yourself in the full tasting notes - just click play below ...

ABOUT SPICY KWEEN

HOPS
Hops take a back seat for this one, with a very small amount of Galaxy hops added for bittering purposes only.

MALT
Australian Pale and Wheat malts were summoned for the return of the Kween.

FOOD PAIRING
This Spicy Margarita Sour works well with all of your favourite Mexican dishes, from pork and pineapple tacos, to kingfish ceviche tostadas and chicken taquitos – the Kween loves to pair with them all.

AVAILABILITY

The Kween won't be around for long, so get your hands on this new limited release at Stone & Wood online, our Byron and Brisbane Tasting Rooms, and at select venues and bottle shops while you can!

Another exciting development in our partnership is the introduction of the Eclipse hop, a recent addition to HPA's lineup. This intriguing variety has captured our brewers imagination with its unique mandarin, pine needle, and citrus peel aromas. The perfect hop for the additions our brewers were chasing when developing our Big Pale Ale.

The brewers also added Vic Secret, another hop in the HPA arsenal of magic medleys. Vic Secret brings the big pineapple flavours and tropical notes to Big Pale, creating a symphony of tropical flavours and aromas in this well-balanced yet full- flavoured pale ale.

Visiting the farms in the picturesque Ovens Valley, where HPA cultivates these beautiful hops, is always a special experience. Meeting passionate growers like Alan, whose family has been part of this legacy for generations, reinforces our commitment to supporting Australian agriculture and showcasing the best of what our country has to offer.

As brewers, our excitement peaks during harvest season, but the real joy comes when we see these top-quality Aussie hops transform into delicious beers that excite our drinkers. It's a collaborative process that highlights the artistry of brewing and the importance of premium ingredients in crafting memorable brews.

The launch of Hinterland Big Pale is not just about a new beer; it's a celebration of a decade-long partnership with HPA, a tribute to Australian hops, and a toast to the shared passion for what we do.

Join us in raising a glass to craftsmanship, quality, and the vibrant flavours of Australian-grown hops. Cheers to a journey worth savouring, and here's to many more hops-inspired adventures ahead!

Hinterland Big Pale is a limited release that is available at Stone & Wood online and in our Brisbane and Byron Bay tasting rooms. As well as at Dan Murphy's nationwide and select BWS stores.  

NRB 🦃 AVAILABILITY 

From today (21.03.24) you’ll be able to grab a carton from the following bottle shops and next week we’ll be dropping the list on where to grab it on draught...

NRB - Keeping It Local.

Since 2008, we’ve always put community, connection and sustainability at the heart of Stone & Wood. And whilst our beer can now be found around the country, the Northern Rivers will always be our home.

Our new Northern Rivers Beer is dedicated to our home, this special corner of the world. It was dreamed up by our team and brought to life through their efforts. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding region and its people, we’re keeping this one local. NRB will be exclusively available in store, within the bounds of the Northern Rivers, stretching from Tweed River in the north to Yamba in the south. Of course, it’s not limited to this region alone; you can still find it in our online store.



Community has always been at the heart of our mission. We strive to forge meaningful connections by collaborating with kindred businesses and organizations in our area. NRB is another avenue through which we can achieve this. Since 2018, we’ve contributed $2.1 million to local grassroots, environmental and social charities, both near and far, all through the Ingrained Foundation. For every 100 litres of beer sold from our portfolio, Stone & Wood donates $1, and NRB will proudly continue this tradition.

About Northern Rivers Beer.

This is what we call a Northern Rivers Lager, taking inspiration from the region surrounding us and the people within it. NRB has light floral aromas, subtle malt flavour and low bitterness, but to put it bluntly, it’s a beer that is simply good to drink, with no fuss.

This beer is the perfect drop to wet the whistle. A bright, crisp beer that’s easy to drink and have a yarn over. And the best part of this local brew, other than its taste, is that it’s made from at least 70% malt that has been Certified Sustainable and 100% Ryfield Certified Sustainable hops; crops that take things easier on the soil and water that they’re produced from.

Who Is Certified Sustainable & What Is Certified Sustainable Malt?

Certified Sustainable (CS) is a nonprofit certification program, working with growers that are passionate about sustainable farming practices and the long-term health of their land and communities.

CS works across the supply chain from growers, to makers, and providers, independently verifying and validating positive practices regarding environment, social and governance outcomes.

Through yearly audits, CS growers are required to maintain standards with regard to six key areas. These include traceability, soil health, water conservation, emissions, monitoring, and social/community responsibility. CS growers demonstrate outcomes and practices that balance the material impacts of conventional farming with the wellbeing of people and the natural environment.

Positive practices that are found at a Certified Sustainable Farm include soil nutritional programs that build soil structure and organic carbon levels, cover cropping, minimal to no tillage, water conservation, and adherence to additional regulation and guidance for the use of agrochemical inputs.

That’s why, for us, it makes sense to work with Certified Sustainable when sourcing our malt for this beer. We hope you enjoy this beer as much as we enjoyed bringing it to life!

Explore the Hinterland: A Guide to Our Favourite Northern Rivers Hikes

We’re stoked to welcome Hinterland Hazy to the core range. From today you will start to find Hinterland Hazy in bottle shops and venues nationwide. Keep your eye out and if you haven’t tried it, get ready…she’s a keeper (for good reason)!

To celebrate Hinterland Hazy joining the Stone & Wood range permanently, we're sharing our team's favourite Hinterland hikes in The Northern Rivers.

Escape the ordinary and dive into the lush wonders of the Byron Bay Hinterland, a haven for nature enthusiasts and seekers of breathtaking landscapes. We've curated a guide to the best bush walks and hikes near Byron Bay, perfectly paired with the vibrant and juicy Stone & Wood Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale – a beer inspired by the essence of the Northern Rivers.

1. Mount Jerusalem National Park:

Discover the enchanting Mount Jerusalem National Park, just a short 50-minute drive from Byron Bay. Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Tweed Valley, offering idyllic settings for bushwalking, horseback riding, and waterfall chasing.

Traverse the diverse landscapes of Mount Jerusalem National Park, where towering eucalypt forests intertwine with subtropical rainforests along the winding creek lines. Dip into refreshing creeks or cascade-fed pools post-hike, all while keeping an eye out for rare species like Albert’s lyrebird and the red-legged pademelon.

Accessible from Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, and Uki, this park beckons day-trippers, bird enthusiasts, equestrians, and nature lovers alike to explore its captivating wonders. Take your pick between the Rayners and Unicorn Falls walking tracks, both of which take between 1 and 2 hours to complete.

Learn more & get directions from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

2. The Pinnacle Walk:

Take a leisurely 0.6 km return stroll through the seldom-visited Border Ranges National Park to reach the Pinnacle Lookout. Marvel at epic views of both sides of the state line, showcasing millennia-old crater escapements and the volcanic Mount Warning (Wollumbin). The easy trail is perfect for a sunrise adventure, witnessing Australia's first rays kissing the ancient volcano.

Reach new heights on The Pinnacle Walk, where stunning panoramic views await. Sip on the Hinterland Hazy as you take in the vast beauty, the golden haze of the beer mirroring the warm glow of the sun setting over the hinterland.

Learn more and get directions from NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services

3. Border Ranges National Park: A Wilderness Gem

Nestled within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, Border Ranges National Park stands as a sprawling testament to untouched rainforest beauty and the biodiversity linked to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana.

This expansive wilderness offers a plethora of opportunities to immerse yourself in the wonders of the rainforest. Travel along the Tweed Range Scenic Drive, a part of the Rainforest Way, providing the flexibility to stop and explore at your leisure. Take a leisurely stroll along the short Palm Forest walking track, meandering through subtropical rainforest, or opt for a more challenging adventure with the Booyong walk, commencing from the Sheepstation Creek campground.

Discover picturesque spots for a relaxing picnic or barbecue lunch, and don't miss the chance to pause at the park's lookouts, offering breathtaking views of the magnificent crater escarpment. Photographers, in particular, will relish capturing the ethereal beauty of billowing waterfalls, panoramas of Wollumbin-Mount Warning, and the lush greenery of the rainforest.

Accessible from Kyogle and Lismore, the park also beckons those seeking an immersive overnight experience. Choose to camp under a blanket of stars, awakened by the symphony of birdsong, for an even more intimate connection with this natural haven.

Learn more and get directions from NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services

4. Killen Falls Walking Track:

Embark on the 1.2 km return Killen Falls Walking Track to discover a hinterland cascade plunging into a refreshing swimming hole. A gentle trail leads to an elevated viewing platform for a mesmerizing view of the fast-flowing water. To make the most of your adventure, traverse the rugged track towards the bottom for a rejuvenating swim. 

Chase the allure of Killen Falls on this scenic walking track. Refresh your senses with Stone & Wood's Hinterland Hazy, a beer that mirrors the cool cascades with its low bitterness and full-bodied finish.

Local Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

5. Goonengerry Waterfalls:

Dive into the hidden gem of Goonengerry Waterfalls, where the surroundings echo with the secrets of nature. Let the vibrant and juicy aromas of Hinterland Hazy be your companion, enhancing the adventure with each sip.

For a captivating 10 km loop adventure with intermediate skill level, explore the Goonengerry Waterfall loop in Goonengerry National Park. Starting from the Garrong Road car park, the trail boasts two infinity falls and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Opt for an anti-clockwise direction on the North Boundary Trail to conquer uphill sections first and savor epic waterfall views in the second half of the hike.

Learn more and get directions from NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services

6. Minyon Falls:

Embark on the Minyon Falls Loop, a 6.8 km return journey through the enchanting Nightcap National Park. This rugged track winds through thick rainforest-shrouded escarpments, offering pristine vistas of old-growth brush box trees and fern-lined creeks. For a more relaxed experience, a viewpoint near the car park provides breathtaking scenes of the thundering cascade. And if you're up for more exploration, don't miss the nearby Protestors Falls.

Conquer the majestic Minyon Falls, a true spectacle of the hinterland. Celebrate your achievement with Stone & Wood's Hinterland Hazy – a golden elixir that mirrors the beauty and grandeur of the falls.

 Learn more and get directions from NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services

As you traverse these enchanting trails, let Stone & Wood's Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale elevate your hiking experience. Embrace the golden haze, relish the tropical fruit notes, and immerse yourself in the perfect harmony of nature and craft. Because in the Northern Rivers, every step is a journey, and every sip is a celebration.
For more Byron Bay Hinterland Trails, check out Alltrails.

The best post hike drink? Try Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale

After an exhilarating hike through the Byron Bay hinterland, there's nothing quite like indulging in the refreshing taste of Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale. And, the best place to enjoy one after a long day trekking in the Northern Rivers region? The Stone & Wood Byron Bay Brewery. Come on by, say g'day, enjoy a tasting paddle of our finest brews, sit back and relax. You deserve it. 

Want to know more about our Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale? 

Crafted with a meticulous blend of Pale, Regen Pale, Munich, and Wheat malts, this brew boasts a full-bodied yet well-balanced finish, offering a soft and satisfying mouthfeel. Infused with three distinctive Aussie hops—Vic Secret, Eclipse, and Galaxy—each sip bursts with vibrant tropical fruit aromas and flavors, perfectly complementing the post-hike relaxation. With its low bitterness and golden haze, Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale is the ultimate reward for a day of exploration, best enjoyed freshly chilled from the fridge. Cheers to the perfect end to an adventure-filled day in the hinterland!

Learn more about Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale here. 

When it rains, you smell petrichor.
When you open a can, you smell Petrihop.

You might have heard of petrichor – the nostalgic scent you experience when it starts raining. But we bet you haven’t heard of Petrihop – mainly because we just made it up. As soon as you open Petrihop, the aroma transports you to all the places you’ve experienced fresh hops before. Be that straight from the hopbine or enjoying a few beers with mates.

THE TASTING NOTES 

Our latest Counter Culture release Petrihop combines some of our favourite hops –Citra, Idaho 7, Riwaka, Eclipse, Simcoe and Mosaic all combine to deliver tropical and stone fruit flavours, while the light and hazy malt body allows the hops to shine. Couple that with a soft, pillowy mouthfeel and a 7.5% ABV, and you’ve got the perfect beer to share with some hop-loving mates.

Join Stone & Wood Head Brewer Caolan for a full run down of the inspiration behind the beer, tasting notes and food pairing suggestions for this new, limited release Hazy IPA...

AVAILABILITY

This limited release is available from Stone & Wood online and select craft beer bottle shops throughout NSW, QLD and VIC.

Every few months, one of our brewers, this time it's Ira Wurtz, takes charge in Byron. They get to brew up whatever tickles their fancy and run the whole Pilot Batch thing. Cool, right?

Over the last three months Stone & Wood Byron Bay has been graced by Ira's presence as part of our rotating brewers program. He's delighted our tastebuds with several unique beers, including a hop-centric West Coast inspired IPA brewed with rosemary plucked from his very own backyard. Wittily coined the 'IRA', a West Coast IPA with rosemary. 

Give us a bit of background about yourself…(how long you been brewing, what got you into it, where you from etc)

Believe it or not, I actually wasn't much of a beer drinker until I moved over from Canada. Splitting cases of beer was the thing to do when you're a 19 year old backpacker in Byron Bay. It ended up being all I'd drink and I eventually started brewing with those cheap homebrew kits from Big W. My friends had to pretend my beers weren't terrible, now that I know what I'm doing they don't have to fake it anymore!

What are your favourite styles of beer and why?

I love the diversity of aromas and flavours that different hops bring to the table so I'm always keen to try a new pale or IPA. On a hot summers day I can't say no to a refreshing gose.

What will you be brewing during your time here in Byron?Any beers you’re really excited about brewing and why?

In the short time I've been down here I've already had the opportunity to brew a variety of different styles. As for my own recipes, I'm looking forward to putting my spin on a west-coast IPA... Perhaps a gose for the summer months. Stay tuned!

What do you like about using the Pilot Batch brewery to experiment?

In a world of technology and automation, I love the analogue component of the pilot kit. Having the control of pushing buttons and spinning valves is part of the art of brewing!