The Crafty Pint Podcast

"The Kiwi hop industry has really focused on what flavours people are chasing in their beers." Demand for New Zealand's hops has been soaring in recent years [https://craftypint.com/news/3623/choice-az-the-rise-of-kiwi-hops], with old varieties revitalised, new ones hitting a sweet spot in the current market, and innovative products coming thick and fast. While in the Nelson region for the 2026 harvest, The Crafty Pint team visited a number of farms and processing facilities, recording interviews as we went. The aim was to capture a snapshot not just of this crucial time of year for growers, but also various facets of the industry. This episode features three guests, starting with Andrew Sutherland of Oasthouse Hops, a farmer who switched from wine to hops around a decade ago. We talk terroir and timing, the intense nature of managing two farms at harvest, growing experimental hops as part of NZ Hops Bract Brewing Programme, and his love for Nelson Sauvin. Next up is Lauren Yap, who started out brewing in Portland, Oregon, switched between wine and beer for a while, then ended up in New Zealand. These days, she leads all things quality and innovation at Clayton Hops [https://craftypint.com/business/1382/clayton-hops], one of the country's largest growers, trialling new hops on their tiny but hi-tech pilot system,  assisting their sales team and brewers, and when we rocked up, fixing a forklift... Wrapping things up is Dave Dunbar, another American who married a Kiwi and ended up in the Nelson region. He's the CEO of Freestyle Hops [https://craftypint.com/news/2933/the-collaborators-freestyle-hops], which has been at the forefront when it comes to innovation and experimentation as they seek new flavours and aromas from existing varietals, explore how different hops perform in different regions, and create their own advanced hop products. Taken together, we hope the interviews paint a broad picture of a booming industry at its most hectic time of year. Back in Melbourne, Will and James kick off the show with a reflection on the second half [https://craftypint.com/news/4024/craftys-postcards-from-new-zealand-part-ii] of their NZ trip [https://craftypint.com/news/4023/craftys-postcards-from-new-zealand-part-i] as well as the latest features to land on Crafty: a deep dive [https://craftypint.com/news/4025/tasting-beer-how-to-spot-the-flavours-in-your-glass] into identifying flavours and aromas in your beer; a new listing for Venom Brewing Taproom [https://craftypint.com/bar/1508/venom-brewing-taproom] on the former site of Mrs Parma's; and the return of The 86 Tram Crafty Crawl [https://craftypint.com/news/1230/crafty-crawls-the-86-tram-gertrude-and-smith-streets]. We also preview some upcoming events: a cellar deep dive [https://craftycabal.com/member-events] for Cabal members at 3 Ravens; the first ever Pint of Origin Festival Launch Party [https://craftypint.com/event/14012/the-2026-pint-of-origin-festival-launch-party]; and the return – in a new form – of the Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival [https://craftypint.com/news/4026/be-part-of-adelaide-beer-and-bbq-festival-when-it-returns-in-july]. Start of Segments * 0:00 – The Week On Crafty * 16:25 – Andrew Sutherland * 32:53 – Lauren Yap * 41:41 – Bowimi ft On Tap * 47:33 – Dave Dunbar To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"We want to be inclusive, and be a place where people can feel comfortable and proud to be themselves." We had Stomping Ground penciled in for a chat later in the year when the Melbourne-based brewery turns ten. But when they announced they were launching a crowdfunding campaign – one with an ambitious maximum target of $4 million – we decided to bring the episode forward. It gave us a chance to discuss their decision to go down this route, as well as their views on the often-vexed topic of crowdfunding itself, their expansion plans should the campaign go well (including the proposed location of their first brewpub outside Melbourne), the maturing of the business as it approaches the decade milestone, plus the "brutal" experience and silver lining of their proposed merger with Good Drinks Australia. Sitting down with co-founders Guy Greenstone and Justin Joiner, plus marketing manager Abbey Packer, also gave us the opportunity to explore the way they've built a brand synonymous with their hometown, their come one, come all ethos, the importance of good governance, and forging strong relationships with customers – Friday fuck-ups and all. This week's intro comes from Nelson, where Will and James have been hopping between hop farms at harvest time, checking out beating heart of the vibrant NZ hop industry while recording a few podcasts along the way. It covers our feature on the launch of Ryefield Hops' first exclusive hop variety [https://craftypint.com/news/4020/a-new-frontier-ryefield-hops-release-their-first-exclusive-variety], a postcard from an honorary Aussie Export [https://craftypint.com/news/4017/aussie-exports-cassie-oneill] in London, and the lessons learned [https://craftypint.com/news/4018/ten-lessons-from-ten-years-newcastle-beer-fests-luke-tilse] from ten years running Newcastle Beer Fest. Start of segments: * 0:00 – Intro * 11:57 – Guy, Abbey and Justin part 1 * 45:10 – Preview of The High Country Hop Technical Symposium * 51:49 – Guy, Abbey and Justin part 2 To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"When people are happy and passionate then the experiences that you have are just going to be better." The story of Molly Rose Brewing [https://craftypint.com/brewery/457/molly-rose-brewing] and the man behind it, Nic Sandery, has been one of constant evolution, all in the pursuit of delicious flavours and delightful experiences. Launched initially as a subscription service while enough pennies were put away to open phase one of the brewery's home in Collingwood, that original brewpub has since been joined by an ambitious, high-end bar, restaurant and beer garden, then a pilot brewery and rotovap for creating small-batch spirits. By the time we sat down with Nic for the show – almost a decade on from the first article he wrote for us as he embarked on global travels to study beer, food and drinking cultures around the world – Molly Rose had evolved once more. The team has revamped the "brew-restaurant" part of the venue into what the team refers to as "Collingwood beer hall chic": more casual, more laid-back, more European in feel. It felt like the perfect time to chat to one of the finest flavour merchants and most thoughtful figures in the beer world, not just to talk about the recent changes, but also his belief that people will always want nice things, his grandmothers' values that infuse the business, the turbulence of recent years that saw Molly Rose restructure and go into liquidation at one point, and the importance of community and collaboration. Prior to sitting down with Nic, we look back at the week that was – and a little further too: to the Royal Queensland Beer Awards [https://craftypint.com/news/4011/royal-queensland-beer-awards-amend-result-of-champion-large-brewery-trophy] and the good news [https://craftypint.com/news/4010/all-happy-in-the-valley] that trophy-winners Happy Valley shared afterwards; a feature on KAIJU! brewer Kat Howes as she joined the brewery's women to create a beer for International Women's Day; a new beer history tour by one of our writers; Tilray's purchase [https://craftypint.com/news/4013/tilray-acquires-brewdog-australia] of BrewDog Australia; and our involvement in the upcoming High Country Hop Technical Symposium [https://craftypint.com/event/13975/the-high-country-hop-technical-symposium-2026]. Start of segments: * 0:00 – The Week On Crafty * 14:22 – Nic Sandery Part 1 * 32:52 – Philter on their Australian International Beer Awards [https://www.melbourneroyal.com.au/beer] success – Part 1 * 33:55 – Nic Sandery Part 2 * 59:11 – AIBAs Part 2 To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"The brewpub model has proven itself to be the right model over the last few years." Few people have been through as eventful a few years as Dave Padden. The founder of Akasha Brewing spearheaded a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2022 which enabled the acquisition of two new venues, only for one of them to later close overnight, followed by a period in voluntary administration, and a subsequent merger with fellow Sydney operation Wayward. Soon afterwards, both businesses were acquired by the Powder Monkey Group [https://craftypint.com/news/3829/powder-monkey-lock-in-akasha-acquisition-wayward-taproom-to-shut], a UK-based operation whose Australian wing, headed by Southern Highlands Brewing founder Ben Twomey, now owns all of the above plus Willie the Boatman. Confused? You've every reason to be, but help is at hand. Dave is now the GM for Powder Monkey Australia, so we joined him at the soon-to-open Powder Monkey brewpub in Camden to find out how the brands are working together within the group, as well as what its founders' goals are – both here and overseas. We also trace his time in the beer industry, from the pioneering 77 and 777 IPAs he created at his first brewery, Riverside, to the recent roller-coaster at Akasha. And we explore his approach to brewing while seeking his thoughts on the state of the wider industry. There was plenty for Will and James to discuss in this week's intro too: the launch of HPA's new hop Luna [https://craftypint.com/news/4002/hpa-shoot-for-the-moon-with-new-hop-luna]; Cheeky Monkey's plans [https://craftypint.com/news/4005/cheeky-monkey-to-open-a-new-venue-in-perths-cbd] for a fourth venue; Loam and Voyager's success [https://craftypint.com/news/4004/loam-and-voyager-fly-the-flag-for-australia-at-2026-malt-cup] at the 2026 Malt Cup; the launch of the Cross Keys Hotel [https://craftypint.com/news/4000/newcastle-beer-hospo-legends-open-their-latest-pub] in Newcastle; and Stoic's acquisition of Bass Point Brewing [https://craftypint.com/news/4003/stoic-brewing-expand-into-shellharbour-by-acquiring-bass-point] in Shellharbour. In fact, so much has happened in the week since our last show that we even forgot to talk about the launch of the lineup for our very own festival, Pint of Origin [https://craftypint.com/news/4006/mark-your-diaries-pint-of-origin-returns-in-may]… Speaking of festivals, look out for a High Country Hop Technical Symposium [https://thehighcountryhop.com.au/technical-symposium-1] preview with festival founder Ben Kraus midway through the show. Start of segments: * 0:00 – Intro * 18:55 – Dave Padden Part 1 * 38:50 – The High Country Hop Technical Symposium * 42:16 – Dave Padden Part 2 To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

In this exclusive series - The New Hop Order, presented by HPA - The Crafty Pint Podcast explores what's happening on the cutting edge of hop innovation from breeding and processing to brewing.  In this episode, we're celebrating the launch of Luna®, a new flavour hop from HPA's powerhouse breeding program, tracking its fascinating 20-plus year journey to commercialisation with HPA's Head of Breeding & Research Dr Simon Whittock.  We also talk with Bright Brewery's Operations Manager Lewis Kerr, for his insights on the new hop.

"We built a business that was really there to be connected directly to the community, and I think we succeeded in that." There are plenty of family-owned and run businesses in the local beer world, but few in which so many family members are as directly involved as Five Barrel Brewing in Wollongong. As if to prove the point, on the day we visited to record this podcast, Jane (mum) and Mike (dad) were setting up the bar and beer garden. Meanwhile, two of their three kids working in the business, Phil and Lucy, took a break from work to join us upstairs above the brewpub where, at various times, both Phil and his parents have lived. And it wasn't long before brother Tim got a mention too, in relation to a new side business he and Phil have just launched (which we learned about from Mike). The O'Sheas first opened Five Barrel in December 2015, just the second brewery in the Illawarra. Now, as they celebrate their first decade [https://craftypint.com/news/3959/five-barrel-ten-lessons-from-ten-years], they're part of a far larger local beer scene, which itself forms the start of an ever-longer South Coast Ale Trail stretching most of the way to the Victorian border. It's a scene in which they helped pave the way for the others, the evolution of which is just one of the topics covered in this episode. As well as reflecting on the ten years-and-counting – from the early days pouring samples in a restricted tasting room, releasing Hoppy Amber, and winning best brewery at the 2016 Sydney Craft Beer Week – right through to the launch of brewery software platform Abbl [https://craftypint.com/business/1320/abbl-brewery-management-software] and plans to find a new home in the coming years, Lucy and Phil share insights on all manner of subjects relevant to anyone working in the craft beer community – all in typically thoughtful style. Prior to that chat, our look back on the week that was takes in our man in the South West's day spent soaking up the sights and smells [https://craftypint.com/news/3995/margaret-rivers-bines-amid-the-vines] of Margaret River Hops, part two [https://craftypint.com/news/3996/crafty-crawls-melbournes-metro-tunnel-part-ii] of our Metro Tunnel Crafty Crawl, the new-look Molly Rose [https://craftypint.com/brewery/457/molly-rose-brewing], and our jam-packed, inspiring trip to NSW [https://www.instagram.com/p/DVKgZ12k-wG/?img_index=1]. If you enjoy the show, please feel free to like and subscribe, rate and review wherever you watch or listen. And feel free to get in touch with ideas and feedback. Start of segments: * 0:00 – The Week On Crafty * 12:56 – Lucy & Phil Part 1 * 34:21 – Bowimi [https://www.bowimi.com/crafty-pint/]: Managing Multiple Drinks Brands With An All-In-One Sales CRM * 39:37 – Lucy & Phil Part 2 To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"How rock n' roll to take our largest space and fill it with 20,000 litres of barrel-aged beer." There's little in Australian beer like Felons Brewing [https://craftypint.com/brewery/443/felons-brewing-co]. First appearing as part of the Howard Smith Wharves (now Artemus Group) development on the Brisbane River as it flows under the iconic Story Bridge, the brewery's home has steadily gobbled up more of the riverbank to the point its multiple venues can host thousands. Since late 2024, they've been steadily taking over [https://craftypint.com/bar/1469/felons-manly] the equally iconic Manly Wharf, most recently opening the Barrel Room live music venue (in addition to the Barrel Hall [https://craftypint.com/bar/1171/felons-barrel-hall] in Brisbane) and a seafood restaurant for which they've devised a way to pour their lager at sub-zero temperatures for maximum crispiness. Such grandiosity, especially in an era of frugality for many, might seem at odds with much of the indie beer industry. Yet, as our chat with head brewer Tom Champion and brand director Dean Romeo – two of the Little Creatures alumni brought into the business before it launched – shows, they're community players, in beer and elsewhere, driven by a belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. Or, in this case, indie brewers. What's more, there are few breweries in Australia with similar potential to act as a first point of contact for newcomers to craft beer. Our conversation takes in their story to date, their approach to hospitality, events and collaborations, maintaining one of the country's largest barrel programs within such a large commercial entity, their thoughts on the wider beer industry, beer tourism and more. On the eve of a trip to New South Wales to record more podcasts, catch up with beer world mates old and new, and host an event with Wildflower and Garage Project, Will and James open the show with a look at the week on Crafty: a new Crafty Crawl [https://craftypint.com/news/3990/crafty-crawls-melbournes-metro-tunnel-part-1] via Melbourne's new Metro Tunnel; an entertaining tenth anniversary Brew & A with Young Henrys' head brewer [https://craftypint.com/news/3991/brew-and-a-jesse-searls-marks-a-decade-at-young-henrys]; and the launch of Allday Brewing [https://craftypint.com/news/3989/who-brews-allday-beers] by the mates behind Forward Hops beer importers. Start of segments: * 0:00 – The Week On Crafty * 14:05 – Dean & Tom Part 1 * 44:08 – Pint of Origin Festival 2026 Promo * 45:00 – Dean & Tom Part 2 To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"I really love this industry and I love the people." Steve Jeffares requires no introduction for pretty much anyone working in the Australian beer world – or, for that matter, for many of the country's beer drinkers. Since relaunching his pub in St Kilda as The Local Taphouse back in 2008, inspired by legendary US venues like Toronado, he's been part of the small team responsible for creating the GABS festivals and Hottest 100, as well as Stomping Ground Brewery and its multiple venues. Last year, he struck out on his own to create a new venue [https://craftypint.com/news/3967/creating-a-venue-iv-huzzah-at-last] with beer at its core: Huzzah [https://craftypint.com/bar/1503/huzzah] opened on the former site of Deed Brewing on January 2, combining indoor beer garden, dining areas, a vast bar, pool table, darts, bocce and more. And, while we discuss his approach to opening a hospo venue in 2026 compared to 2008 in this episode – how times have changed but how certain core principles remain the same – we also take the opportunity to pick the brains of this most experienced and creative of operators in other areas. The chat covers the rise of vast, homogenous hospitality groups and the opportunities this opens up for smaller, indie owners, his take on the future of GABS after the 2026 festivals were cancelled, and the health of the wider craft beer industry in Australia. Prior to welcoming Steve onto the show, we discuss James' new position [https://www.instagram.com/p/DUXKao9k0Gf/] as a director of the Independent Brewers Association as well as the week's news, including Kegstar's fresh bid [https://craftypint.com/news/3985/kegstar-resubmit-proposal-to-acquire-konvoy] to acquire Konvoy, our new Building A Brewery [https://craftypint.com/news/3987/building-a-brewery-striking-the-black-match] series, a feature on Hawkers' well-travelled head brewer [https://craftypint.com/news/3986/brew-and-a-alex-lovelock-hawkers] ahead of the brewery's 11th birthday, and the upcoming High Country Hop Technical Symposium [https://craftypint.com/news/3984/the-high-country-hops-technical-symposium-returns-for-2026-stones-jeremy-moynier-to-headline]. Start of segments: * 13:08 – Steve Jeffares Part 1 * 37:13 – Bowimi [https://www.bowimi.com/crafty-pint/] on Froth Distribution * 42:48 – Steve Jeffares Part 2 To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"We want to pay proper homage to the ten years of people that have come and made this their home." When Wildflower co-founder and visionary Topher Boehm announced he was to close the Marrickville venue [https://craftypint.com/news/3980/au-revoir-not-goodbye-wildflower-to-close-marrickville-home-in-may] the brewers and blenders had called home for a decade, it didn't just send ripples through the beer world – the story was picked up by mainstream media too. Perhaps that's only to be expected: in terms of impact made per litre of beer sold, there can be few operations anywhere on the planet that would come close to this magical corner of the Australian beer world. That impact can be measured by the quality and sheer delightfulness of their many releases, the transformative nature of their Marrickville base, the team's advocacy for other producers and growers, as well as for better ways of producing and growing [https://craftypint.com/news/3910/episode-068-going-with-the-grain], and in the generous manner in which they would share their experiences, knowledge and learnings. As soon as we got word Wildflower was to close at the end of May – at least for now, and in its current form – there was no question we'd invite him back onto the show. So grab a glass – or bottle – of your favourite mixed-culture beer and settle in as Topher tells us what led him here, how he thinks Wildflower might evolve, and shares stories and reflections from the past decade-plus. It's our longest episode to date – which won't surprise anyone who knows our guest – but we're sure you won't be calling stumps early. Before we get to Topher, James and Will discuss the impending opening of a venue [https://craftypint.com/news/3979/sobremesa-to-open-reservoir-taproom] by an operation with similarities to Wildflower, the ongoing rise of non-alc beers [https://craftypint.com/news/3981/tapping-into-non-alcs], the arrival in the Crafty directory of Melbourne bars Rose Island [https://craftypint.com/bar-bottleshop/1498/rose-island] and mates. [https://craftypint.com/bar-bottleshop/1267/mates-bar-and-bottleshop], plus the opening of entries [https://craftypint.com/event/13963/entries-open-for-the-2026-australian-international-beer-awards] for the 2026 Australian International Beer Awards, and the latest events and giveaways for our Crafty Cabal beer club members. Please like, subscribe and tell your beer-loving mates if you enjoy the show too! Start of segments: * 16:18 – Topher Boehm Part 1 * 54:04 – The High Country Hop 2026 [https://thehighcountryhop.com.au/] Preview 1 * 59:31 – Topher Boehm Part 2 To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"We're all from here, and we want to give back." When Ryefield Hops started producing hops commercially on land formerly used for dairy in the South Coast region, they were the first to do so in New South Wales. A decade on from launching the business, the family operation run by Jade McManus and Morgan and Karen Taylor remains the only grower in the state. Now the third largest producer of hops in the country, admittedly with just 0.5 percent of the market, they're standard-bearers when it comes to sustainability – in all facets of the business – and part of a small but growing band of indie suppliers working alongside the local brewing industry. James joined them at their farm in the beautiful Bemboka Valley just as much-needed rain arrived – thankfully wrapping up the chat just as the heavens really opened. The trio took him through the genesis of the project, their first customers (Batch and Wildflower), subsequent growth, installation of a pelletiser, and plans for the future. They addressed the challenges of being first-generation farmers, dealing with buying plants that weren't as advertised, the steps they take to give back to the land as well as their local community, their delight at seeing Ryefield Hops [https://craftypint.com/business/1492/ryefield-hops] introduced into core range beers, and partnering with fellow indies [https://craftypint.com/news/3918/telling-the-story-of-local-indie-suppliers], such as Voyager Craft Malt and Mogwai Labs. The discussion of the week's news looks back at the weekend's Hottest 100 countdown [https://craftypint.com/news/3974/mountain-culture-maintain-the-status-quo-with-a-fourth-straight-gabs-hottest-100-win] and forward to the impending launch of The Beer Championships [https://craftypint.com/news/3975/leading-figures-in-aussie-beer-to-launch-new-awards-competition] – a new competition for the beer industry conceived by two of the country's best-known brewers and judges. Start of segments: * 13:51 – Ryefield Hops Part 1 * 36:59 – Enter the Royal Queensland Beer Awards * 38:04 – Ryefield Hops Part 2 To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"Anything that's happening in our area we try to be a part of." The Crafty Pint Podcast returns for 2026 in the company of Renn Blackman, one half of the powerhouse husband-and-wife team behind one of the sunniest and funnest breweries in the country. The family influence at Blackman's [https://craftypint.com/brewery/250/blackmans-brewery] runs deeper than just Renn and Jess too: parents and others helped get the business up and running – quite literally when it's come to knocking their venues into shape – and some are acknowledged in core range beer names. They're also big on community, sponsoring many causes and clubs, as well as partnering with events big and small throughout the Surf Coast and Geelong region. They've brewed beer for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and you can now enjoy their beers at the Cats' stadium – a major achievement for lifelong Geelong fan Renn. As well as discussing the ethos that's helped Blackman's evolve to where they are today, Renn tells us how he and Jess first met while working a snow season, about their travels both within Australia and overseas, the genesis of the brewery, their decision to operate multiple venues before such an approach started becoming commonplace, diversifying, running fun events, and the secret (or not-so-secret) to making great beer. At the start of the show, Will and James round up the stories we've published so far this year: the return of a Hop Nation founder to his winemaking roots [https://craftypint.com/news/3965/hop-nation-co-founder-duncan-gibson-departs-to-return-to-his-roots]; the launch of one hospo pioneer's new venue [https://craftypint.com/news/3967/creating-a-venue-iv-huzzah-at-last]; a bucolic experience on Phillip Island [https://craftypint.com/news/3966/green-gully-get-greenlight-for-their-phillip-island-farm-bar]; and a new culture club in Tassie [https://craftypint.com/news/3968/fermenthq-tasmanias-new-culture-club]. If you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe, rate and review on whichever podcast platform you use. Start of segments: * 18:44 – Renn Blackman Part 1 * 39:36 – Enter the Royal Queensland Beer Awards * 40:40 – Renn Blackman Part 2 To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"The whole craft beer industry is built around community." We wrap up The Year In Beer 2025 series with a look at what's been going on in the Canberra region and the Northern Territory. The episode kicks off with James and Will joined by Mat Farrington from CanBEERra [http://www.canbeerra.com/] for a discussion about openings and closures in and around the capital, some of the festivals large and small he's enjoyed in 2025, the growing prevalence of terpenes in beer and more. Sticking in Canberra, James is then joined by Paul Docherty from craft beer and pizza joint To All My Friends [https://craftypint.com/bar/990/to-all-my-friends] at the end of a year in which he and the team have created a number of collabs with some of their favourite brewers. The final stop for the series is at Purple Mango [https://purplemangocafe.com.au/], a brewery and café set in bushland just over an hour from Darwin on the way to Kakadu. Co-owner Adam Asanovski reflects on their ongoing expansion, use of local ingredients, and the challenge of trying to secure tap points in the Top End. We also reveal the final winner of the year in our Bluestone Yeast [https://bluestoneyeast.com.au/] Brewery of the Month campaign, with the podcast now taking a break until the second half of January. Thanks to everyone that's watched and listened; if you've any feedback, we'd love to hear from you via this survey [https://craftypint.com/news/3805/the-crafty-pint-podcast-tell-us-what-you-think]. Start of segments: * 2:45 – Mat Farrington * 20:09 – Paul Docherty * 34:07 – Bluestone Yeast Brewery of the Month * 37:36 – Adam Asanovski To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"That nostalgia is really hitting super-hard after COVID because everyone really misses going to the pub." Regular podcast hosts James and Will are on home turf for the last state-based episode of The Year In Beer 2025 series [https://craftypint.com/beer-knowledge/insight-and-analysis/year+in+beer+2025] before we wrap up the series in the Territories. While trying not to retread topics covered in the National Trends article and episode, we discuss the year's openings, closures, sales and expansions, the success of smaller festivals, good pubs and taproom activations, acknowledge the breweries in or entering their third decade as independent small businesses, awards triumphs and more – while also doffing our caps to all the people who've helped make the show possible in 2025. James is then joined by Ben Carwyn and Ben Duval from Carwyn Cellars [https://craftypint.com/news/3792/carwyn-cellars-back-with-the-carwyns] to hear about their ongoing efforts to recover from the collapse of Fox Friday and their plans for 2026. Last but not least is Conna Mallett, one of Love Shack's [https://craftypint.com/brewery/644/love-shack-brewing-co] founders, who joins us from the front bar of his Castlemaine brewpub hot on the heels of a highly entertaining collab [https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ8PnxKDRKG/] with Tropical Fuck Storm. We touch upon luck, nostalgia, branding, community, good hospo and more. Mid-show we also unveil the identity of the last good beer citizen to be crowned this year in Have You Done A Rallings? And as the podcast wraps up for the year, we're keen for feedback via this survey [https://craftypint.com/news/3805/the-crafty-pint-podcast-tell-us-what-you-think]. Start of segments: * 0:00 – James & Will * 27:27 – Ben Carwyn & Ben Duval * 43:53 – Have You Done A Rallings? * 47:30 – Conna Mallett To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"Breweries who are spending time and effort on making their venue really good and increasing the quality of their beers are doing really well." Our audio-visual travels across the country continue as we reach Queensland in The Year In Beer 2025 series. First up, Will Ziebell is joined by Craig Williams and Mick Wüst, both of whom work with The Crafty Pint. Mick has long been a Crafty contributor, at one point based in Sydney but more recently back in Brisbane, while Craig looks after partnerships for the site as well as working with several indie brewers on the Sunshine Coast. The three of them discuss some of the highs, lows, trends and changes in Queensland's beer scene. James then speaks to Deale Stanley-Hunt and Gavin Croft from Slipstream Brewing [https://craftypint.com/brewery/363/slipstream-brewing-co]. Slipstream have enjoyed an incredible couple of years with several major trophies taking up residence in their Yeerongpilly brewery and taproom. As well as reflecting on another successful year, they talk about the impact of the taproom they opened on the Sunshine Coast late in 2024, their recent rebrand, favourite styles, and hopes for the future. Then it's back to Will, who catches up with Ivy Macario [https://craftypint.com/news/3198/craft-beers-next-generation] from Fortitude Valley's good-times haunt, the craft beer bar-meets-arcade-meets-diner that is Netherworld [https://www.netherworldarcade.com/], for a chat about their year in beer and ongoing efforts to support artists. In the middle of the show, we hear from Beer30 [https://craftypint.com/business/1322/the-5th-ingredient-beer30] with more of their tips for brewers. If you enjoy this episode, please like, subscribe, rate and review on whichever podcast platform you use. Start of segments: * 2:01 – Craig Williams & Mick Wüst * 24:12 –  Deale Stanley-Hunt & Gavin Croft * 29:04 – Beer30 * 37:12 –  Ivy Macario To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"I'd love to see craft beer become a little bit more approachable." We turn our focus to New South Wales as we hit the midway point in The Year In Beer 2025 series. Crafty Pint contributor and one of the key players in the Inner West Ale Trail [https://innerwestaletrail.com/], Jason Treuen, kicks things off. As well as discussing the role trails and tourism [https://craftypint.com/news/3723/episode-036-beer-tourism-on-the-brookie-trail] can play in the local beer world, we cover diversification, rightsizing, openings, closings, mergers and more. From there, we head to the north of the state for a chat with Bec Read of Curious Craft [https://craftypint.com/news/3879/behind-bars-curious-craft] to hear who's been impressing there in what's been another roller-coaster year. Bec also shares her fears for the future of larger beer festivals, notes on changing tastes, and a desire for craft – or indie – beer to tell its story better. Our final guests are Sunday Road Brewing [https://craftypint.com/brewery/487/sunday-road-brewing] founder Brad Walker and head brewer Mick O'Rance, who've enjoyed another awards-flecked 12 months. They're in the middle of a significant expansion and upgrade to their brewery and venue in The Shire ahead of the brewery's tenth anniversary in 2026. In the middle of the show, we hear from Beer30 with some more tips for brewers, while there's still time to get nominations in for our final Bluestone Yeast Brewery of the Month [https://craftypint.com/bluestone] and Have You Done A Rallings? [https://craftypint.com/rallings] celebration of good beer citizens of 2025. Start of segments: * 2:01 – Jason Treuen * 24:12 – Beer30 * 29:04 – Bec Read * 37:12 – Brad Walker & Mick O'Rance To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"People are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel." Having leapt all the way south and east from WA to Tassie, we find ourselves back in the middle of them for the third instalment of our state by state by territories tour of Australia for The Year In Beer 2025. Beer gurus Briony Liebich (Flavour Logic [https://craftypint.com/business/1402/flavour-logic]) and Steve Brockman (AMSAT Character Malts [https://craftypint.com/news/3273/amsat-adelaides-new-locally-focused-maltster] / Tour Dad) reprise their starring roles from 2024, casting their gaze far, wide and deep across the state's scene. While acknowledging it's been another tough year – Big Shed's announcement they'd been locked out of the brewery by their landlord came just after we recorded the chat – there's plenty more to cover, from the rise of small, often collaborative events to the growing popularity of local ingredients and advanced hop products. They're followed by Alex Marschall and Josh Talbot, who this year oversaw major expansion of Bowden Brewing [https://craftypint.com/news/3855/birthday-bonanza-a-bigger-bowden-brewing] on the one hand and celebrated ten years of indie-supporting beer bar NOLA [https://craftypint.com/bar/386/nola-adelaide] on the other. They discuss the changing beer scene, exploring new styles, and hopes to see indie brewers lead the next generation of beer festivals. Speaking of which, the duo behind Adelaide's biggest beer festival, Beer & BBQ [https://www.beerbbqfest.com.au/], are our final guests. Gareth Lewis and Aaron Sandow look back at the event's tenth anniversary, drop hints about its potential future, praise the loyalty of beer fans, and offer some tips for ways state governments can easily throw their weight behind local producers. This episode is presented by Mogwai Labs [https://www.mogwailabs.com.au/]. Start of segments: * 1:40 – Briony & Steve * 21:05 – Alex & Josh * 37: 36 – Aaron & Gareth To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

For stop two in The Year In Beer series for 2025 [https://craftypint.com/beer-knowledge/insight-and-analysis/year+in+beer+2025], we take a trip across Bass Strait. Tasmania's beer scene is one that mainlanders tend to have to watch from afar, with just a tiny handful of the dozens of breweries operating there sending beer off the island; indeed, many don't sell anything too far beyond their own taprooms. The state's brewing industry did catch the eye of the beer world further afield in 2025, however. Fox Friday, which launched in Hobart before changing hands in 2019 and embarking on an ambitious national expansion, collapsed under a weight of questionable funding; Mountain Culture acquired their assets [https://craftypint.com/news/3779/mountain-culture-acquire-fox-friday-from-administrators], although have since halted production in Hobart. Another Hobart-based operation, Overland Brewers & Distillers went into liquidation, too, while 2025 also saw the pioneering Seven Sheds welcome their last customers, although founders Willie Simpson and Catherine Stark [https://craftypint.com/news/3806/episode-050-seven-sheds-and-countless-stories] left on their own terms and in credit with the drinkers who'd passed through their bucolic Railton home over the previous 17 years. Meanwhile, as the year drew to a close, Tassie craft beer pioneers Moo Brew celebrated 20 years [https://craftypint.com/news/3937/episode-072-two-decades-of-moo-brew] of beers. In this episode, Matt Fielding from Science Made Beerable [https://www.beerablescience.com/] once again joins us to chat about the not-for-profit he founded with Kelsey Picard as well as what's exciting him locally. We then hear from Hobart Brewing Co's marketing manager, Nick Devereux, who talks about the brewery's acquisition of The Hope & Anchor Hotel [https://craftypint.com/news/3858/history-ahoy-hobart-brewing-co-take-over-the-hope-and-anchor] while hinting at other future plans given the state's "will they-won't they" stadium is set to be built over their Red Shed brewery venue. Our last guest is Sam Reid, who alongside Will Horan runs Launceston-based Du Cane Brewing [https://ducanebrewing.com.au/], which featured in a three-part guide to beer [https://craftypint.com/news/3821/crafty-crawls-launceston] in the state's north earlier in the year. He tells us about the brewery's busy events schedule, his decision to step back from Willie Smith's Cider, and their forthcoming ramen bar. Midway through the show, James and Will reveal the latest Bluestone Yeast Brewery of the Month [https://craftypint.com/bluestone] too. Start of segments: * 2:48 – Matt Fielding * 11:17 – Nick Devereux * 20:45 – Bluestone Yeast Brewery of the Month * 24:10 – Sam Reid To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

The state by state by territories part of The Year In Beer series kicks off, as ever, in Western Australia where we're joined by Crafty contributors Guy Southern and Jono Outred to give us the lowdown on the state's beer scene. Their wide-ranging report takes in chaos, collaboration and consolidation, beer venues gaining accolades in the wider hospo world, new openings and big name comebacks, fruity beers, West Coast pilsners, "naughty" beers and more. They're followed by Rocky Ridge [https://craftypint.com/brewery/334/rocky-ridge-brewing-co] co-founders Hamish Coates and Mel Holland, who reflect on a mammoth year for the brewery and its expanding venue offering. We discuss balancing acts, brewing 100-plus beers in a year, their focus on people, concerns about the potential impact of climate change on ingredients, and their desire to help others become more sustainable operators by sharing their learnings from over the years. Wrapping up the episode is Chris Bausor, who operates events company Bar Pop with wife Jemma. They celebrated ten years of Froth Town [https://www.froth.town/] this year, enjoying rare ongoing success in the challenging major events space. As his team prepared to host Franz Ferdinand at the Ice Cream Factory, Chris spoke about the importance of keeping the "Holy Trinity" happy as well as the decisions they face about where to take the festival in its second decade. We also unveil the latest good beer citizen in our Have You Done A Rallings? campaign [https://craftypint.com/rallings]. The Year In Beer 2025  series will run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until December 23. After that, we'll be taking a few weeks off before The Crafty Pint Podcast returns in the second half of January. If you enjoy this episode, or indeed any of the 50ish we've published in 2025, please like, subscribe, rate and review – think of it as an early Christmas present for us! Start of segments: * 1:53 – Guy Southern & Jono Outred * 27:22 – Have You Done A Rallings? * 31:18 – Mel Holland & Hamish Coates * 43:41 – Chris Bausor To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"This has been a year of holding patterns, of people trying to work out how they fit into the new reality."  If you've read The Year In Beer 2025: National Trends article, you already know many of the topics that are the starting points for discussion as we kick of our end-of-year podcast series. If not, you can check it out here [https://craftypint.com/news/3947/the-year-in-beer-2025-national-trends].   This episode gives us an opportunity to expand on many of the trends and issues raised there, as well as a chance to look back at the news of the past week and our most read articles of the past 12 months. When it comes to the news of the past week, the main talking point was the change in ownership of GABS and the subsequent decision to cancel all 2026 festivals [https://craftypint.com/news/3946/gabs-2026-cancelled-new-owners-planning-reimagined-event-in-2027] with the intention of returning with a refreshed concept in 2027. The other story we discuss is one that hasn't made it to the pages of The Crafty Pint, but has taken up much of our time: the launch of the Daughter beer brand by Chuck Hahn and his family. In terms of the articles that were read most widely in 2025, it goes without saying that the vast majority occupying the upper echelons involve sales, VAs, openings, closures and mergers, but elsewhere it's encouraging to see what topics really engage readers: travel articles; deep dives into styles; features on fascinating folks doing cool things; awards winners and more. The show features another Bintani [https://www.bintani.com.au/] Brewery Booster as well as James and Will's hopes for beer in 2026, and acts as the precursor for our state by state by territories shows kicking off next Tuesday and running through until just before Christmas. Start of segments: * 07:58 – National Trends * 34:26 – Bintani Brewery Booster * 38:36 – Biggest Stories Of 2025 * 47:24 – Hopes For 2026 To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"Little Creatures is iconic, and I think we'll always have that iconic status." Ask people who've been working in, or merely enjoying the delights of, the Aussie beer world for a decade or more which beers turned them onto craft beer in the first place, and if any beer is referenced more than Little Creatures Pale Ale we'd be surprised, if not amazed. Little wonder then that Russell Gosling, head brewer at the brewery he joined two decades ago, uses the word "iconic" in this episode – timed to coincide with the Freo-based operation's 25th anniversary. The impact of that beer, and indeed the the Little Creatures approach to hospitality, has been game-changing – arguably only Stone & Wood's Pacific Ale has come close since. Russell joined us from Freo amid the "chaos" as a major overhaul of the brewery's original site nears completion – at the same time as a Little Creatures brewpub opens in Perth's Elizabeth Quay. As well as discussing the challenges of stewarding Little Creatures Pale Ale [https://craftypint.com/news/1273/the-story-of-little-creatures-pale-ale] through the years, we look back to the brewery's earlier days, its evolution – half of which has been as part of Lion, his favourite beers – including some that never took off, recent projects involving the regen agriculture space, and the excitement that came with working amid a group of pioneers aiming to change beer culture in Australia. We also head back in time pre-Creatures to Russell's earlier days as a brewer in the UK, where he notched up spells at marquee breweries such as Harvey's, Fuller's, and his hometown heroes Everards. With Will on holiday, James was joined by Guy Southern, one of our WA contributors and a man with his fingers in pretty much every beer-flavoured pie in the state. He provides some local context on the way Little Creatures has influenced so much and so many, as well as chatting about this week's other stories on the main Crafty site: a look at the growing importance of events [https://craftypint.com/news/3938/roll-up-roll-up-how-events-are-keeping-taprooms-pumping] to beer venues; the opening of 27 South's taproom [https://craftypint.com/news/3943/27-south-brewings-brisbane-taproom-opening-this-week] in Brisbane; and soon-to-open Melbourne bar Donny's [https://craftypint.com/news/3936/the-beer-slingers-donnys]. If you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe, rate and review. Start of segments: * 15:25 – Russell Gosling Part 1 * 35:51 – Russell Gosling Part 2 To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.