Brewery a gathering place for locals

FOR Adam Craze and Kerry Moggach, owning a brewery has always been a dream. When the opportunity arose to buy such a business in Mansfield more than 18 months ago, the Buller Road Brewery & Taphouse was created as a place for locals to gather. The pair are both passionate about producing a quality beer brewed onsite as independent operators from locally sourced ingredients and supporting Mansfield businesses as much as possible. “As a member of the Independent Brewers Association we are proudly independent,” said Kerry. The association boasts more than 600 members and provides a united voice for independently owned brewers and their supply partners nationwide. Adam points out the logo on one of their cans as proof of their independence. Proudly, they use the tagline #tastethehighcountry to promote their brand Buller Road Brewery, with the mountain looming on the horizon, leaving no doubt about the location. Not ones to overcomplicate things the brewers have a down to earth philosophy. “Simply, beers true to the style that people want to drink,” said Kerry. The venue has been transformed from the former Social Bandit Brewery into a place where locals can drop in, relax, and catch up with friends for a drink or a bite to eat. Those who are passing through are always welcomed, too. There are 12 beers on tap, with a core six on offer and specialty and seasonal beers making up the rest. Tasting paddles are available and offer a great way to try all the different types of ales Buller Road Brewery specialises in. “Our beers offer a quality alternative, no chemicals and no additives; only malt, hops, yeast and water,” said Kerry. Kerry and Adam are very invested in being a local business for locals. They own the family business with their wives Natalie and Kirsten, respectively, who are also directors of the business. The business supports up to seven industries in the town by buying locally and employs Mansfield district staff for the hospitality side of the business. “For us we are proud of the business and its engagement with the local community,” said Adam. “When people walk in here it is the brewers who are pouring the beers,” said Kerry. Patrons can also see where the beer is made, and the brewers are more than happy to do a tour of the brew house for those who want to learn more about the process of brewing. “We use a German salm brewhouse which is one of the most energy efficient units in the world and considered to be the holy grail for repeatability and consistency,” Adam explained. “Our beer does not leave this place during brewing." Packaged sales are also an essential part of the business, and there are five distributors in Mansfield, including the two supermarkets. Earlier this year, Buller Road Brewery was a first-time entrant in the prestigious Australian International Beer Awards, the second-biggest event in the world. The event attracted 2500 entries from 400 brewers and 23 different countries, and Buller Road Brewery walked away with three bronze medals. This was an exceptional outcome for the newcomers, who entered only five beers but were recognised for their Stockman’s Lager, Hereford Amber Ale, and Adventure Nectaron Pale Ale. Adam and Kerry have built this business to also “offer exceptional quality food” and “good value for money,” which the locals and passing trade are appreciating. “We do simple things well,” said Adam. This includes hand-stretched Italian-style pizza bases, onsite smoked meats, soft tacos and melt-in-your-mouth chicken wings. As the business grows and more locals book Buller Road Brewery for a variety of special events, including birthdays, Christmas in July, and wakes, the business has hired a venue manager to look after that side of operations, which will free up Adam and Kerry to focus on brewing. Another new venture they have started is the introduction of custom-made beer cans for any fundraiser or special event. For two blokes who met online several years ago through a call out for anyone interested in a four wheel drive trip in the high country and met for the first time in person at the Mansfield BP service station, they are now living their dream of owning a brewery. The brewery at 223 Mt Buller Rd is open Thursday to Sunday. Check their Facebook page for opening hours.

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