Barrel-aged brews come to Burleigh.
Barrel-aged brews come to Burleigh.
Who would have thought just a few years ago that the Gold Coast would now be a legitimate hot spot for craft beer breweries as well as bespoke distilleries? This trend has been watched with fairly startled eyes; however, it’s also been well received by thirsty locals and Australians nationwide. Good on ya, Gold Coast.
One such brewery that has undoubtedly set the pace is Black Hops Brewery. Now, if you haven’t heard of these guys, then we presume you have been living under a rock. Therefore, we encourage you to taste their stuff right away and do your homework because there will be questions at the end. Jokes aside, Black Hops has seen great success in the last six years, opening new venues and extending into a capital city, winning national praise and accolades, and being one of the local’s favourite go to’s when the mercury starts to rise.
With all this said, you’d be right to assume the brewery is happy to soak in the success and keep pumping out premium beer just like it always has been — except in this instance: you’d be wrong!
After a trip over to the US in 2018, owners Dan, Eddie, and Govs came to learn about — and love — barrel-aged beer. Hardly a new concept but one we don’t see too often here in our lucky country. Like the inception of the original Black Hops, the trio planted the seed of their new barrel-aged beer project over a few cold ones and the rest, as they say, is history!
Almost three years later and AWOL (absent without leave) promises to give Gold Coasters a unique taste and beer-making experience. The venue is merely steps away from the original brewery on Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads on the adjacent street of Hibiscus Haven. With ample storage space leading back into several warehouse spaces, the new brewery boasts over 100 different barrels of beer, all in various stages of fermentation.
Barrel-aged we hear you say? Yes, so the clever guys at Black Hops take one of their tasty beers and use it as a base to then be aged in wooden barrels that have had exciting past lives from around the globe. There are red wine barrels from France, whiskey barrels from the US, and gin barrels from Tasmania and many more! Meaning the flavour profiles and characters of the beers you can expect at AWOL will not fall short of captivating your tastebuds.
With a modest selection of four original AWOL beers to choose from and a couple of exciting spin-offs — even including a cider — there is sure to be something for every taste. These beers are complex and packed with flavour, so be sure to put on your big boy pants. Expect a whiskey barrel-aged stout by the name of Rebellion Stout at a pretty impressive 9.5% abv, or if that’s not quite up your alley, how about a hibiscus cherry sour by the name of Haven Sour (only 4.4% abv this time) inspired by the street the venue calls home no less!
The space has a rustic-chic-inspired fit-out with polished concrete floors and neutral but straightforward tones throughout. You’ll notice some incredible mural action by local creative designer/muralist Kiel Tillman who has cleverly encapsulated the raw yet refined character of what AWOL is all about.
The team are currently running a series of pre-booked tours for the next few Saturdays before then opening to the public, where tours and an open bar will be the mainstay. Keep an eye on their socials and website for more information as it becomes available.
It looks like beer is here to stay on the Gold Coast folks, and to say we are excited is an understatement.
Where: 4 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
When: Tours every Saturday. See Black Hops website for details.
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
All hail the almighty amber ale!
Fan of a frothy? Us too, and if there’s one thing the Gold Coast does just as well as its beaches, it’s breweries. From hinterland hideaways to beachfront beer havens, we’ve scouted the ultimate list of spots for you to sip, sample, and savour. Whether you’re chasing a session ale, a crafty IPA, or just a place to chill with your mates (and maybe your dog), these breweries have got you covered.
So ‘hop’ on down to one this weekend. And every other weekend after that.
The Northern GC’s (not so) best kept secret is undoubtedly the Aussie farm styled Hound & Stag. The Coast’s largest taproom and live music precinct, it’s famous for its abundant beer (28 beer taps) and cocktail options, stellar Modern Aussie food menu, huge family-friendly outdoor beer garden, and hosting epic live music events. Always bulging at the seams, even Aussie music royalty like Darryl Braithwaite grace the stage regularly.
Beer to sip: Struggling to pick the perfect pint from the huge range on offer? You can’t go wrong with the award-winning Red Baron for a spritzy and refreshing brew.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
The good times keep on keeping on at Laughing Lizard with over 150 different beers! The best part, however, is that none contain any nasty chemicals or preservatives (yay, no hangover…well, that’s our story and we’re sticking to it…), and there’s even a gluten-free option #CeliacsRejoice! Here you’ll find a micro-brewery, beer and spirits shop, and every party planner’s besty – a keg hire service!
Beer to sip: You can’t go wrong with the Skini – light bodied, low carb, but full flavour.
Where: 27 Sinclair Street, Arundel
A hidden gem on the beer scene here on the Gold Coast, we reckon SOPO Brewing Co is one of the suburb’s best kept secrets. They’ve got house brews as well as monthly releases to keep those tastebuds on their toes, with the microbrewery delivering a tasty range of craft beers, lagers and ciders exclusive to the venue.
Beer to sip: When in SOPO one must drink the SOPO IPA of course!
Where: 146 Scarborough St, Southport
The ultimate Belgian beer experience awaits at Ashmore’s Madocke! Starting their commercial brewery in a tiny garage, proud owners Jimmy and Annelies are a bona fide local success story! Enjoy the complex flavours and richness of their brewskis at Thursday trivia nights, and pair your pitcher with some belly laughs at live comedy night every Friday. Skohl!
Beer to sip: The creamy and refreshing White IPA Celebration is the perfect night starter – see you on the d floor.
Where: 286 Southport Nerang Road, Ashmore
You’re always close to the action at The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines! Standing loud and proud on the ex-Hard Rock Café digs, this $6.5 million super venue serves up the ultimate trifecta; brews, bites, and a bumper line-up of the best sports viewing. Pouring everything from crisp Japanese-style lagers through to some sunny state-inspired limited release brews, this family-friendly sports bar is a beer (and sports) lover’s happy place.
Beer to sip: 4 Pines Pacific Ale
Where: Cnr Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Beers near the beachfront – you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend an arvo on the GC arvo. Whether you’re a local or playing tourist, Surfers Brewery, formerly BOB’s Beer, is one of the best joints in Surfers for a cheeky brew. Nestled just a short stroll from the beach at Elkhorn Ave, it’s all about craft beers galore,16 in-house creations, all served alongside pizza, pasta and burgers.
Beer to sip: The Surfers XPA of course – a deliciously easy drinking pale ale with hints of passionfruit, perfect!
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
In case you haven’t put two and two together, this brewhouse brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, the rogue swindler James Squire (cue ‘aha’ moment). Celebrating quality craft beers and modern pub grub, the custom-designed full-functioning microbrewery pumps out small, exclusive batch brews, and it’s a cracking spot to round up your crew for an arvo sesh.
Beer to sip: Check out their limited-release small batch brews rotating the taps. Our current fave is Chivalry – because of course it’s not dead.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Bursting onto the Miami arts precinct scene with a rapacious welcome, Precinct Brewing now has solid status as the place to pull up a stool, grab a freshly made beer, and forget all of life’s woes. They make matters much more bearable with the tastiest of pizzas, stand-up comedy, and some captivating, limited releases like their recent Big If True, Hazy IPA — yummy!
Beer to sip: Check out their weekly Friday releases for exclusive flavours!
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami
Step into the backstreets of Tokyo, without leaving Miami, at Roji Cat, the Gold Coast’s very own Japanese beer den. This vibey laneway bar brings together the holy trinity of izakaya dreams: cold Japanese brews, sizzling street eats, and neon-lit nostalgia. With twelve taps pouring Japan’s finest and over twenty sakes on standby, it’s a sip trip you won’t forget. Add in a mouthwatering menu of Robata skewers, karaage, sashimi, and the now-iconic Bug Burger (yes, with actual tempura Moreton Bay Bug), and you’ve got a spot that’s as cool as it is crave-worthy.
Beer to sip: Japanese Rice Lager
Where: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami
The runaway success of the original Black Hops in Burleigh spurred the creation of its spacious and upscale sibling, Black Hops II in Biggera Waters. Both serve up 16 beers on tap and have popular food trucks on site to feed hungry punters. So whether you’re north or southside, round up your mates, the fam and even your pooch for some award-winning amber ales.
Beer to sip: Black Hops Send It Session Ale, light, fruity, and not too strong
Where: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads and 671 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters
With gold medals for days from the World Beer Championships, you know you’re in for a good ale here! Famous for their paddle boards, relaxed atmosphere, big smiles and super friendly service, it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday arvo (or Friyay / Saturday sesh). There’s even awesome live music to set the mood while you quench your thirst. Cheers!
Beer to sip: Burleigh Brewing Burleigh Bighead – no carb, no-fuss big flavoured thirst quencher.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
This Varsity based microbrewery may produce ‘petite’ batches, but their list of return customers is anything but small! Consistently producing and supplying chemical and preservative free beer and cider that exceeds expectations, the boutique beers here are on point. The staff are uber friendly and knowledgeable and the prices will blow ya mind (in a good way).
Beer to sip: For something fresh, opt for the GC Crisp – a seriously refreshing light coloured, crisp beer perfect for a brewery sesh.
Where: 13 John Duncan Court, Varsity Lakes
With awards up the wazoo, the amazing Balter Taproom never disappoints. Its line-up of founders includes some seriously famous sporting legends, and it just oozes chillax and cool in equal measure. Whether it’s from the tap or can, there’s a variety of styles to get your tastebuds singing. Kick back in the beer garden and enjoy live beats with your brew, along with food truck goodness.
Beer to sip: Balter XPA – Balter’s most awarded beer can be yours fresh from the production line.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin
Complete with a 10hL Rolec copper cladded brew house (brew-speak for ‘legit’), the Currumbin Valley Brewing HQ offers choice aplenty, including 16 beers on-tap. This artisanal farmhouse brewery combine crafted burgers, bowls, bougee bar snacks, and boutique beverages in an environmentally-conscious space that is as much about community as it is craft beer.
Beer to sip: The Alley – Session IPA (aptly named after Currumbin Alley!)
Where: 27 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters
Another beachfront favourite of ours, but this time nestled on the Cooly shoreline is 4 Pines Coolangatta. The relaxed Southern Gold Coast vibe makes this little brew spot the perfect place stop in for a session. With six taps of their finest beers and two Keller door taps pumping out fresh flavours, as well as a dedicated Doggos of 4 Pines polaroid wall, it’s loved by locals for a reason.
Beer to sip: Nothing says 4 Pines like their Pacific Ale – fresh, fruity and floral, it’s impossible not to love.
Where: The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD
Perentie Brewing Co. is an exciting new addition to the local brewery scene, located in Eagleby. This $6 million-dollar brewery, part of the Distillery Road Market (DRM) entertainment hub, offers authentic lager beers, seasonal bar bites, and a sprawling beer garden on the banks of the Albert River. With 68 taps of beer, including three signature products and a seasonal menu, Perentie Brewing Co. is set to become a central craft brew hotspot, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Beer to sip: Summer Dry – a classic well-rounded lager.
Where: 124 Distillery Rd, Eagleby
Froth fanatics, Fortitude Brewing Company sees you! This hinterland spot has 15 taps, each pouring something different from the range of Fortitude and Noisy Minor beers – all brewed on site! Visitors can nom their way through a variety of made-to-order pizzas whilst sinking a tasting paddle…or two, or… Enjoy the venue’s rugged exteriors and soft-hearted interiors and on weekends, soak up the beats from talented muso’s.
Beer to sip: Fortitude Pacer – the perfect session pale ale.
Where: 165 Long Road, Eagle Heights
Dogs, decks, and delicious beers, Boxer Brewing Co. has brought all the good stuff to Mt Tamborine with their brand new brewhouse, The Kennel Tap Room. From the award-winning crew behind Witches Falls Winery, this dog-friendly hangout is pouring joy by the pint with a core lineup that includes an IPA, Pale Ale, Lazy Ale and crisp Cerveza. The open-plan space gives you front-row seats to the brewing action, while the leafy outdoor deck offers vineyard views and pup pats aplenty. Whether you’re nibbling on a DIY cheese board or dreaming of the soon-to-land pizza menu, this one’s a must-sip in the Scenic Rim.
Beer to sip: Boxer Brewing Lazy Ale
Where: 79 Main Western Road, Tamborine Mountain
Just across the water, you’ll find this three-level architecturally designed showstopper. The ground floor welcomes you with double-height glass windows and the awe-inspiring brewery. Up the stairs you’ll find a 90-seat taproom with eye-popping art installations, and the top deck featuring panoramic views of the BrisVegas CBD skyline, the Glasshouse Mountains, and the stunning Redlands Coast #ShowUsYourSunsets. Plus there’s a menu with plenty of fancy local seafood inspired sharesies.
Beer to sip: Amity Pale Ale – tropical hops and rich, moreish malt with a friendly, easy balance.
Where: 5 Junner Street, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island
Country charm just got a cold one. Boonah Brewing Co has rolled into the Scenic Rim with a fresh pour of local pride, taking up residence inside the beautifully restored Commercial Hotel Boonah. With natural spring water from the Ghanem family farm, brews crafted on-site, and a paddock-to-pint ethos that’d make any beer nerd misty-eyed, it’s a true blue gem. Sip a crisp mid-strength or dive into the rotating taps of rice lagers, Galaxy-hopped XPA, or cheeky hard lemonade, all best enjoyed from the leafy beer garden out back. Add in next-level pub fare (hello, Boonah Bull + Bug) and you’ve got yourself one froth-worthy road trip.
Beer to sip: Boonah Brewing Co Mid Strength Lager
Where: Commercial Hotel, 39 High St, Boonah
Ventura Brewing is Australia’s first craft hard kombucha taphouse. With 12 taps, there’s an array of options to suit every taste. If you’re a fan of a destination venue that is serving up good vibes, tasty beverages and world-class views in spades, Ventura Brewing is your new favourite Sunday arvo sipping spot.
Beer to sip: Mercado Classico Cerveza – pays tribute to the timeless staple of Mexican-style cervezas.
Where: 10/141 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah
Ahh, Stone & Wood, the OGs of the Pacific Ale. Born in Byron and still proudly calling it home, this iconic brewery is tucked into the chilled-out Arts & Industry Estate and is packed with good vibes and even better beer. With 31 tanks pumping out the goods, a buzzing tasting room, leafy beer garden, and a canteen run by the local food heroes at 100 Mile Table, it’s the kind of place you could easily lose a lazy arvo. Take a tour, bring your pup, sip your way through their full range, and get to know the legends behind one of Australia’s most loved breweries.
Beer to sip: Stone & Wood Pacific Ale
Where: 100 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay
Words by Bianca Trathen
Learn about how the local business came to life.
Over the last couple of years, the Gold Coast has become known as a (very pretty) city to watch in terms of our arts, culture and dining scenes. Which makes sense because as we all know, there are a lot of good things happening.
One of the most impressive (and exciting), are the local breweries that have opened and are now sending their goods across the country to be sipped and adored, as they deserve.
Black Hops Brewing is one of those local breweries and theirs is a success story that is not only extremely interesting but also makes you feel as though you too can do something absolutely epic with your life and make lots of people happy in the process.
Black Hops came about in 2014 when three Gold Coast mates decided they wanted to start brewing craft beer and so they set about to do exactly that.
Fast forward six years, Dan Norris, Eddie Oldfield and Michael ‘Govs’ McGovern are now the proud owners of a brewery and bar in Burleigh Heads and another much larger version in Biggera Waters that opened in 2019.
Which brings us to the point of this quite long tale.
You may now treat yourself to a tour of Black Hops second brewery, learning all about how the business came about while also drinking a very generous amount of the boys’ tasty brews.
The tour begins with a sample of Black Hops very first brew, Eggnog Stout, while hearing about how the lads created it and the process of upscaling to be where they are today.
The rest of the tour is made up of following the route the beer itself takes and learning about everything from the recipe (not the technical term) to the very end, at the packaging machine (again not the technical term).
Along the way, you get to sample many a Black Hops brew and once you’ve learned all the things, you can head to the bar to taste any sips you didn’t get to try along the way.
Our favourite is the Pink Mist which is a Raspberry Saison and the epitome of a girl beer if ever there was one, but it’s very delicious and refreshing and we love it a lot.
So if you enjoy learning about how local businesses became a big deal, while sampling the goodness that made them become a big deal, a Black Hops Brewery tour is the answer.
It’s only $50 per person (BARGAIN) and the perfect way to spend a few hours on a Saturday.
So gather the crew and get involved, it’s a very good time.
LOCATION: 14 / 665 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
