Six Beverages to Drink If You're Keen to Support Local Brewers and Distillers
From Brisbane-brewed beers to tropical spirits from the tropics, add these Queensland drops to your must-drink list.
Six Beverages to Drink If You're Keen to Support Local Brewers and Distillers
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From Brisbane-brewed beers to tropical spirits from the tropics, add these Queensland drops to your must-drink list.
It seems that 2020 is the year of staying local, although you don't need us to tell you that. For months so far — and for months to come — we're all making the most of our own backyard. We're eating local, and supporting local businesses. We're all travelling and holidaying throughout Queensland, too. And, whether you prefer a yeasty brew to cap off your week or a few cocktails whenever the mood strikes, you can drink the state's finest tipples as well.
We're always keen to highlight local folks doing great things, of course — and, to showcase homegrown brewers and distillers, we've teamed up with our mates at BWS to celebrate a few of the best. Here are six must-try Queensland drops that you can pick up at your nearest BWS.
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It has only been a few short years since Ballistic Beer Co first opened its doors in Salisbury, but the brewery has quickly become a Brisbane favourite. Indeed, as well as making and pouring brews at its original site, the company has expanded its local footprint, with venues popping up in both West End and Springfield. The reason: great beer. Overseen by founder and CEO David Kitchen and head brewer Lachy Crothers, Ballistic boasts a range of top-notch brews, including its standout Oaked XPA. If you like notes of mango and grapefruit (this is Queensland, after all), as well as a slight hint of vanilla thanks to the toasted American oak, then this award-winner will satisfy your thirst.
Support local makers like Ballistic Beer Co by picking up a four-pack — or a carton — at BWS.
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A great gin is dry and soft, relaxed but fragrant, and always full of flavour. And, if you’re lucky, it makes you feel like you’re miles away when you’re sipping it. That’s what Sunshine & Sons’ Original Dry Gin serves up, with the juniper spirit not only crafted from native Australian botanicals, but made in Woombye on the Sunshine Coast. In other words, it’s the gin to pour into your cocktails when you wish you were taking a local holiday, but can’t actually arrange a break just yet. And if you’re thinking about drinking it while spending time with your best mates, that’s very fitting — with Sunshine & Suns created by four firm friends who love the Sunny Coast and stellar spirits.
Support local makers like Sunshine & Sons by picking up a bottle at BWS.
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Mention Burleigh to a southeast Queenslander, and the sight of one of the Gold Coast’s best beaches will instantly pop into their head. As well as surf, sun and sand, however, the coastal spot is also home to Burleigh Brewing Co — with Brennan and Peta Fielding setting up shop in the industrial part of the suburb more than a decade ago. The focus here is on a craft-driven approach, and sticking local in terms of ingredients and materials. Also worth noting: Burleigh doesn’t use sugar in its brews. That doesn’t mean that its Twisted Palm Tropical Pale Ale won’t go down sweetly, though, with the 2016 World Beer Championships Gold Medal-winner featuring orange, mango and papaya notes. Unsurprisingly, it’s inspired by Burleigh beach.
Support local makers like Burleigh Brewing Co by picking up a six-pack — or a carton — at BWS.
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Perched way up north in the state’s far reaches, Cairns is known for many things, such as its beaches, sultry weather, close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and the nearby Daintree National Park. Among fans of spirits, at least, it should also be known for Wolf Lane and its Tropical Gin. The former was only founded in 2019, but it has been making a splash in the past year thanks to the latter. Like botanicals? If you like gin, then of course you do — and this one features 13, including coriander seed, cardamom, finger lime, lavender and mint. It’s recommended for summer, but every Queenslander knows that the weather is always sunny and summery (and perfect for gin) in this neck of the woods.
Support local makers like Wolf Lane by picking up a bottle at BWS.
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One of the veterans of Brisbane’s ever-growing craft beer scene, Newstead Brewing Co helped ignite the city’s thirst for independent brews — and keeps nudging Brisbanites to expand their beer-drinking palates beyond the obvious names. And, as a result, it has become a mainstay in the Brissie beer community, as well as a brewer with a firm community focus. You’d expect that of an outfit that’s been around since 2013 and made its first base in a former 1940s bus depot, of course. Newstead Brewing Co is also the source of the deservedly popular Out & a Bout Pale Ale, which combines a classic pale ale taste with hints of citrus, pine, grapefruit and lemon. If you’ve always thought that all pale ales taste the same, this locally made brew will show you otherwise.
Support local makers like Newstead Brewing Co by picking up a four-pack — or a carton — at BWS.
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Kalki Moon is based in Bundaberg, that cane field-surrounded coastal city that’s well and truly known for its rum. But, since 2017, this local small-batch outfit has been doing its part to serve up other kinds of spirits — including an Australian Premium Gin that nabbed prizes at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in 2018 and the International Wine and Spirits Competition. Prepare to taste a range of homegrown flavours, including lemons, cinnamon myrtle and ground ginger from the region, all in a pot-distilled tipple. The distillery suggests sipping it in a G&T garnished with orange, which sounds like a mighty tasty tip.
Support local makers like Kalki Moon Distilling & Brewing by picking up a bottle at BWS.
Check out more standout drops from Queensland suppliers at your local BWS.
