Derek Lacey is a former medical researcher who, while spending time as a stay-at-home dad, had a "Eureka!" moment that led to the creation of Melbourne-based Bluestone Yeast.  

The business launched in 2018, providing local liquid yeasts for brewers, and has been growing ever since to the point that, at time of writing, Derek and his team are putting the finishing touches to a new, far larger production facility. Given said facility is around 800m from Crafty Towers, we felt it was the ideal time to invite him onto the show.  

He joined us in the studio for a chat about how he came to swap medical research for his new career, the challenges and triumphs he and the brewers he works with have experienced along the way, what it's like operating as a small indie producer supplying craft brewers and those making beer in their homes, his future plans to diversify, and the lessons learned along the way.  

As someone who was born in Ireland, albeit having moved to Australia as a child, he has the gift of the gab and shares as many stories as he does insight on life at a yeast manufacturing business. 

In the intro to this episode, we also discuss the latest news, including new openings and the ongoing travails of some local businesses.  

Links referenced in or relevant to the show:  

The Mill at The Bendigo Hotel: https://craftypint.com/brewery/394/the-mill-brewery-at-the-bendigo-hotel  

The latest changes at Dainton Beer: https://craftypint.com/news/3562/daintons-taphouses-reopen-weeks-after-their-sudden-closure  

James discussing beer on ABC Brisbane, around 1h23m here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/brisbane-afternoons/afternoons/104277890  

Bluestone Yeast: https://craftypint.com/business/1312/bluestone-yeast-co  

Breeding new yeasts: https://craftypint.com/news/3511/the-breeders-bringing-new-brewing-yeasts-to-life