Overview
The Mornington Peninsula now has its own gluten-free brewpub thanks to Twøbays Brewing. The public tasting room in Dromana is set amongst the production brewery, which began operation in 2017. It's stainless steel tanks are visible from the brewpub side, and the entire facility overlooks the picturesque Arthur's Seat.
Founder and beer enthusiast Richard Jeffares was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2016 and became inspired by similar gluten-free taprooms found in The States. Jeffares signed on head brewer Andrew Gow, whose resumé boasts 20 years in the business, including at Mornington Peninsula Brewery, Mountain Goat and Five Islands in Sydney's Wollongong.
While most beers use gluten-containing malted barley, Twøbays instead uses gluten-free millet, rice and buckwheat — imported from Colorado and California — in all its beers.
The brewpub boasts a range of core and specialty tap beers, from a lager and an XPA, to limited-edition creations like the Ball Park Bloom Belgian witbier. To try a few at once, patrons can nab a four-pony tasting paddle.
Apart from brews, there's locally produced Quealy wine and Ten Sixty One cider to enjoy. And, adding to theme, there's also a wood-fired oven slinging gluten-free pizza. The taproom is a cash-free environment, though, so make sure you come with card in hand.
Twøbays sells a selection of its beers online — all of which are Coeliac Australia certified — so keep an eye on the brewery's website for updates. If you're a keen home-brewer, Twøbays is also selling and shipping its gluten-free brew packs and malts across Australia.