Scottish craft brewing juggernaut BrewDog has set paw in Australia, last week opening its first venue Down Under, adjoining its shiny new state-of-the-art brewery.
Established in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, the independent brewery is striving to make other people as passionate about great craft beer as they are, and become the #1 craft brewery in the world. It now exports to over 60 countries.
Situated on banks of the Brisbane River at Murarrie, DogTap Brisbane is the brewer’s 94th venue globally – but only its fourth attached directly to one of its breweries. The expansive DogTap offers comfortable leather booths and communal high-top tables, and a 485sqm outside patio featuring artwork from resident artist Fisher.
There is also an arcade area, innovative beer cellar made from a shipping container, and full shop of BrewDog merch, complete with beer fridges.
The Dog is establishing solid Australian roots. In addition to its famed permanent line-up, including the industry-shaking Punk IPA and small-batch brews, the best craft beer from around Queensland will be pouring from the dedicated guest taps, seeing the likes of Range Brewing, Currumbin Valley Brewing, Balter, Aether, Brouhaha and Black Hops.
Furthering its ambition to both showcase and learn from Australian independent breweries, BrewDog is committed to playing an active supporting role, helping to promote the local brands overseas.
“Brisbane’s craft brewing industry is booming, with an impressive line-up of innovative and dynamic brands producing phenomenal beers,” states co-founder James Watt.
“We’re pumped to join the incredible community and work closely with these breweries to champion Queensland-made beer – whether that’s through events, collaborations, knowledge-sharing or stocking their beers in our bars across the globe.
“DogTap Brisbane is one of our best and biggest bars yet and we can’t wait for locals to experience it.”
The wine list follows local suit, with an all-Aussie line-up, supporting a strong turnout of Australian distilleries on the spirits list.
On the menu is a classic selection of burgers, dogs, salads and buffalo wings, alongside a “bunch of small and large plates designed just for Brisbane” and a brunch menu every weekend. All are made with locally-sourced and Aussie-grown produce.
BrewDog’s growth has been fuelled by its Equity for Punks crowdfunding initiative, amassing more than 123,000 likeminded beer geeks and raising the equivalent of over $137 million since 2009.
The company’s $30 million expansion into Australia has been supported by the Queensland Government through the Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund, and Brisbane City Council. The brewery expects to create 100 jobs based out of Murarrie within the year, and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner suggests it will add to Brisbane’s appeal as a leisure and lifestyle city.
“Every business that establishes a base in Brisbane is driving local jobs and economic growth, which has a significant trickle-down effect in the local community. This is why Brisbane City Council’s support of businesses both large and small is so important.”
DogTap Brisbane is the first phase in the brewer’s Australian plans. The fully automated four-vessel 25HL brewery will be up and running in January 2020.
To celebrate the launch last Thursday, the company offered local fans a chance to win free beer for a year. The prize was open to the first 100 people to visit DogTap Brisbane on opening day.
And in light of the bushfires sweeping swathes of Queensland, the first day’s sales – $35,000 – was donated to Bushfire Relief.
