Trending – Craft Breweries and Distilleries
If you’re thirsty for a drop of oak-aged rum or perhaps prefer to sample a botanical-infused gin, then you are in luck. You may have spotted an array of craft breweries & distilleries taking off in Australia. This surge in the local beverage market has prompted the South Australian government to fund the development of a ‘SA Spirit Industry Blueprint’ to map future growth in the local sector. Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister, David Basham, stating that SA could become the leading ‘Spirit State’. However, this title is still up for grabs as QLD, VIC, WA & TAS produce their own paddock to bottle alcohol. For distilleries & breweries, it’s not just the product that is attracting attention. Distilleries are opening their cellar doors to regular tours featuring deluxe tasting rooms for private whisky experiences and masterclasses. Breweries have successfully cut out the middle man by opening taphouses so local communities can quench their thirst for Australian craft beers. So, with a billion-dollar industry continuing to thrive and develop, how can you add value to your facilities?
Tours
Australian’s are excited to learn, sip & share in the production of their favourite beverages. Facilities tours are quickly becoming a fun weekend activity that locals and tourists are indulging in. It’s also a chance for owners to showcase their impressive industrial tanks or their collection of charred oak barrels. While opening your cellar doors to the public can add a revenue stream to your business, it is important to guarantee that your facilities are presented in the best light. This may mean reconfiguring the layout of your building to provide space for tour groups, adding tailored rooms or installing statement features such as viewing windows. Distillers can capitalise on what makes their spirit or beer unique and incorporate the business’s ‘spirit’ into a private tasting room that fully embodies its brand through design.
Restaurants & Cafes
While the highlight of any tour is to taste the selection of beverages on offer, it is an excellent idea to give guests a place to unwind and dine post tour. After all, learning does work up an appetite! Instead of sending visitors away for afternoon tea, why not extend your offering by setting up a restaurant or café that serves an assortment of goodies that pairs perfectly with your signature drink? Husk Distillery in NSW offers a beautiful seasonal cocktail list and a simple lunch menu. Guests have the opportunity to soak up the outdoor lawn space or book a table for some alfresco dining on the rural property. For those who have the unfortunate (but very important!) duty of being a designated driver or simply prefer to learn than drink, you should consider establishing a comfortable café for patrons to enjoy. Whipper Snapper Distillery in WA has a great Whiskey & Coffee Bar that serves locally sourced coffee blends and baked goods. If you’re feeling adventurous, the bar also offers a guided tasting of exclusive prototypes and new product releases. This opportunity is perfect for patrons to savour their experience by purchasing a bottle of their favourite drink to take home.
Taphouses & Events
A logical extension of a successful brewery is its own taphouse. The Burleigh Brewing Taphouse in QLD is open three days a week and has become a popular destination for locals and visitors to share a beer. The taphouse boasts an entertainments area, a merchandise stall, plenty of seating and a selection of Burleigh beers on tap. This space incorporates the local coastal surf style and provides a canvas for Australian artists to illustrate their work. Events like skate competitions, live music, comedy nights & an outdoor cinema have added value to the brewery and are thanks to the maximisation of space & careful design. Meanwhile in Woolloongabba, Easy Times Brewing Co (pictured above) recently refurbished a 100-year-old former violin repair shop in partnership with Unita. Within spitting distance of “The Gabba”, this Brewpub perfectly balances business with pleasure. The ground-floor is dedicated to brewing their signature craft beer with a grain-milling machine and six large fermenters. Their facilities then feature a spacious bar, relaxed downstairs seating and an upstairs mezzanine level. The microbrewery serves Kentucky-style barbeque brisket & ribs and a whole menu of much-loved bar snacks. It’s the ideal location for hosting pre-game drinks & after game kick-ons as the entrance is opposite the Stadium, with signage you can’t miss.
