The Grand Ridge Brewing Brewery
Grand Ridge is an enthusiastic brewing company interested in making quality
beers rather than money. The Grand Ridge Brewery and Restaurant are situated in
a redeveloped butter factory in the small town of Mirboo North, about two hours
drive east of Melbourne. It is perched atop the high end of town in the rugged
high country of Victorias Gippsland region. The brewery, which released its
first beers in 1988, was established by the Strzelecki Brewing Co. Pty Ltd.
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This business failed soon afterwards and was wound up. The Grand Ridge
Brewing Company lead by Eric Walters and a band of enthusiastic locals and
beer enthusiasts (which included the baker, mechanic, solicitor, bean
counter, a mum and a home brewer) took over the operation. Happily the
local brewery has continued successfully ever since. Noel Richards, who
was an accomplished home brew and wine maker was the creative spark behind
the first beer recipes. The group began its brewing the creation of a
traditional Czech pilsener. Noel insisted that the beer be higher in hop,
"golden and delish with a crisp finish" for the Australian climate.
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The result was a aromatic beer that has garnered many awards over the years -
and was named "Brewers Pilsener" in honour of Noel's vision. Many more beers
were to follow all sharing the success of the first brew.
The Grand Ridge Brewery produces a large range of full-malt beers, and these are
available on tap and in 330mL bottles at the bar in the brewery-restaurant
complex. The bar also features a special gallery from where operations in the
brewery can be viewed. On weekends the brewers provide a casual talk on the
Grand Ridge brewing process and matching their beers to foods. When Australian
Beers attended it was a glorious country day and an enthusiastic crowd was
gathered around the bar enjoying all the flavours of beer Grand Ridge had to
offer. Australian Beers recommends that the Grand Ridge Brewery is a great place
to stop on a tour through country Victoria as an alternative to the cellar door
shuffle.
Beers:
Moonlight (3.3% alc)
A full-flavoured pure malt beer with a distinctive English taste. Brewed using
the renowned English golding hops.
Gippsland Gold (4.9% alc)
An Australian-style bitter ale with round full flavour and pleasant hop
bitterness from Tasmanian and New Zealand hops.
Brewer's Pilsener (4.9% alc)
The Grand Ridge Brewers first beer. European style, light straw in colour with a
delicate floral aroma achieved using 100% malted barley, Czechoslovakian saaz
hops, and cold fermentation. Great with spicy flavours - particularly chicken
and fish.
Moonshine (8.5% alc)
Brewed to compete with the flavours of such the classic dark brews like Duvals
and Chimays. This beer along with its stronger stable mate, Supershine, should
be sipped and NOT guzzled. Extra strong pure malt beer in the style of a scotch
ale or barley wine.
Hatlifter Stout (4.9% alc)
The brewers second beer released in the 90's and which in 1997 won grand
champion at the AIBA. A full-flavoured, creamy, Irish-style stout.
Supershine (11.0% alc)
A full flavoured, extra-strength beer, brewed in the tradition of an English
barley wine. For sipping - share a bottle between a few friends.
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