Brewpub to open late 2017

Canberra district is to get a new brewery in the heart of Murrumbateman wine country.

It’s the brainchild of developer and proprietor of Shaw Vineyard Estate, Graeme Shaw. He says a brewpub, with restaurant, will be part of Fairlie, a mixed residential–tourist development on Murrumbateman’s north-western edge.

The project will include 110 houses on blocks of “1200 square metres plus”, says Shaw. And a planned commercial development will comprise a 52-room hotel, a visitor centre, cafes and restaurants, a bakery, a medical centre, and park as well as the brewery.

Housing construction on stage 1 of the residential area, along with site works on stage 2, commenced in early March. And by the end of April Shaw expects to lodge a development application for the commercial component.

Shaw believes the development, on the north-western boundary of Murrumbateman, will be the “first expansion of the village since the 1870s”.

The commercial site sits on the corner of the new Fairlie access road and the Barton Highway. The hotel will be on the right hand side of the new road, opposite the brewery and other components.

“The brewery will be prominent and clearly visible from the highway. It’ll be part of a significant tourist attraction supporting local wineries”, say Shaw.

The brewery, targeted at tourists, will produce draft beer for consumption in its bar and restaurant, and packaged beer for the take-away trade and potentially wider distribution.

Shaw expects construction to commence during the last quarter of 2016, with first drinks flowing by spring 2017.

Shaw is currently in discussions with Fyshwick brewer, Christoph Zierholz.

Beer reviews

Rabbit and Spaghetti Brewing Co The Fox Hop and Rye Lager 500ml $11.80–$13
We’d all like to believe in Grange for $10 or – as Naked Wine (owners of this beer label) claims – that their customer-funded business model translates to lower prices and higher quality. It’s a clever, and apparently successful, vertically integrated direct-marketing business. The Fox offers a full, malty flavour with assertive hops bitterness.

4 Pines Brewing Company Pale Ale 500ml 6-pack $20
Drinking our last bottle of 4 Pines on its expiry date tested its durability. The tropical- and citrus-like hops aromas enjoyed in the young brew had faded, leaving the rich, sweet malt flavours to the fore. However, the hops bitterness remained, offsetting the malt sweetness perfectly on the rich, creamy palate.

Copyright © Chris Shanahan 2016
First published 9 and 16 March 2016 in goodfood.com.au and the Canberra Times