This is the story of co-founders Kyle, Sarah and the best bunch of supportive family and friends, all thirsty for a locally made beer.
Kyle, a homebrewer since 18, becomes a rep for a beer giant in the NT and Vic. Moves to The Alice for a short time, never leaves. Had a thirst for a 'fresh from the source' beer in The Alice but such a thing didn't exist. Crazy idea gets into his head to brew an Alice Springs beer. Four years later, in 2018, the first draught, Almost Summer Ale, is on tap at the Jump Inn. Centralian Ale follows. The ultimate goal, to build the Alice Springs Brewery, is in progress.
why build a brewery in the centre of australia?
We love beer. We wanted to drink a fresh beer from the source. We thought others might like a beer made in The Alice too. Simple right? Ha. Now remember where we are. In the centre of Australia, surrounded by desert, far from everything, where anything to do with alcohol is a bit of a challenge...Let the story begin.
thirsty for a fresh beer
Multiple challenges were faced, like building in an isolated location (freight is a killer), water quality in the desert is questionable (the science of reverse osmosis destroys that problem) and liquor regulations (that one really hurt) delays the opening. Thanks to the Jump Inn and other incredible community supporters, the beers were available on tap during this time.
Finally in early 2019 the Brewpub opens. We did it!
we brew some more & ship australia wide
Demand for a locally sourced beer in The Alice continues. We add more brews to our line-up. Post Office Pale Ale, a Stout, Batch #37, Ochre Ale, Saison to name a few.
And we get multiple requests from thirsty fans for our beers to be available when they're not in The Alice. So we package them. First one is our Centralian Ale stubby. Then Almost Summer Ale, Batch #37 and Stout join the gang. We now package in cans only because they are easier to ship and keep beers crisp and cold, just how we like them. If you can't find us in your local bottle shop, ask for them to stock us or we can ship directly to you!
Then covid and lockdown happens. Didn't see that one coming.
After we got past the initial shock, we got straight back to doing what we do best - brewing, kegging, canning, shipping, installing new tanks and helping out where we can.
BREWERY & BREWPUB EXPANSION
It was a difficult time for many in the hospitality industry. Social distancing doesn't work well for our business...But we managed, thanks to the huge support from the Alice Springs community.
Now we are in the next stage of our development. We expanded and renovated the Brewpub to accommodate more thirsty and hungry people (which includes a bigger pizza oven). Getting stocked in more retailers around Australia. And of course, more time brewing damn good beer, made at the source. After all, We Make Beer Here!
WHO'S WHO IN THE ZOO
Kyle - Co-founder, one with the crazy idea, gm/brewer/sales/etc.
Sarah - Co-founder, enabler of the crazy idea, behind the scenes work horse.
Ben - Head brewer now calling NT home after testing out brewing in WA & NSW. He knows where the fun's at and where thirsty people live...
