“We built a business that was really there to be connected directly to the community, and I think we succeeded in that.”

There are plenty of family-owned and run businesses in the local beer world, but few in which so many family members are as directly involved as Five Barrel Brewing in Wollongong.

As if to prove the point, on the day we visited to record this podcast, Jane (mum) and Mike (dad) were setting up the bar and beer garden. Meanwhile, two of their three kids working in the business, Phil and Lucy, took a break from work to join us upstairs above the brewpub where, at various times, both Phil and his parents have lived. And it wasn’t long before brother Tim got a mention too, in relation to a new side business he and Phil have just launched (which we learned about from Mike).

The O’Sheas first opened Five Barrel in December 2015, just the second brewery in the Illawarra. Now, as they celebrate their first decade, they’re part of a far larger local beer scene, which itself forms the start of an ever-longer South Coast Ale Trail stretching most of the way to the Victorian border. It’s a scene in which they helped pave the way for the others, the evolution of which is just one of the topics covered in this episode.

As well as reflecting on the ten years-and-counting – from the early days pouring samples in a restricted tasting room, releasing Hoppy Amber, and winning best brewery at the 2016 Sydney Craft Beer Week – right through to the launch of brewery software platform Abbl and plans to find a new home in the coming years, Lucy and Phil share insights on all manner of subjects relevant to anyone working in the craft beer community – all in typically thoughtful style.

Prior to that chat, our look back on the week that was takes in our man in the South West’s day spent soaking up the sights and smells of Margaret River Hops, part two of our Metro Tunnel Crafty Crawl, the new-look Molly Rose, and our jam-packed, inspiring trip to NSW.

If you enjoy the show, please feel free to like and subscribe, rate and review wherever you watch or listen. And feel free to get in touch with ideas and feedback.

Start of segments:

• 0:00 – The Week On Crafty
• 12:56 – Lucy & Phil Part 1
• 34:21 – Bowimi: Managing Multiple Drinks Brands With An All-In-One Sales CRM
• 39:37 – Lucy & Phil Part 2

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact [email protected].

“How rock n’ roll to take our largest space and fill it with 20,000 litres of barrel-aged beer.”

There’s little in Australian beer like Felons Brewing. First appearing as part of the Howard Smith Wharves (now Artemus Group) development on the Brisbane River as it flows under the iconic Story Bridge, the brewery’s home has steadily gobbled up more of the riverbank to the point its multiple venues can host thousands.

Since late 2024, they’ve been steadily taking over the equally iconic Manly Wharf, most recently opening the Barrel Room live music venue (in addition to the Barrel Hall in Brisbane) and a seafood restaurant for which they’ve devised a way to pour their lager at sub-zero temperatures for maximum crispiness.

Such grandiosity, especially in an era of frugality for many, might seem at odds with much of the indie beer industry. Yet, as our chat with head brewer Tom Champion and brand director Dean Romeo – two of the Little Creatures alumni brought into the business before it launched – shows, they’re community players, in beer and elsewhere, driven by a belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. Or, in this case, indie brewers.

What’s more, there are few breweries in Australia with similar potential to act as a first point of contact for newcomers to craft beer.

Our conversation takes in their story to date, their approach to hospitality, events and collaborations, maintaining one of the country’s largest barrel programs within such a large commercial entity, their thoughts on the wider beer industry, beer tourism and more.

On the eve of a trip to New South Wales to record more podcasts, catch up with beer world mates old and new, and host an event with Wildflower and Garage Project, Will and James open the show with a look at the week on Crafty: a new Crafty Crawl via Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel; an entertaining tenth anniversary Brew & A with Young Henrys’ head brewer; and the launch of Allday Brewing by the mates behind Forward Hops beer importers.

• 0:00 – The Week On Crafty
• 14:05 – Dean & Tom Part 1
• 44:08 – Pint of Origin Festival 2026 Promo
• 45:00 – Dean & Tom Part 2

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact [email protected].

“I really love this industry and I love the people.”

Steve Jeffares requires no introduction for pretty much anyone working in the Australian beer world – or, for that matter, for many of the country’s beer drinkers.

Since relaunching his pub in St Kilda as The Local Taphouse back in 2008, inspired by legendary US venues like Toronado, he’s been part of the small team responsible for creating the GABS festivals and Hottest 100, as well as Stomping Ground Brewery and its multiple venues.

Last year, he struck out on his own to create a new venue with beer at its core: Huzzah opened on the former site of Deed Brewing on January 2, combining indoor beer garden, dining areas, a vast bar, pool table, darts, bocce and more.

And, while we discuss his approach to opening a hospo venue in 2026 compared to 2008 in this episode – how times have changed but how certain core principles remain the same – we also take the opportunity to pick the brains of this most experienced and creative of operators in other areas.

The chat covers the rise of vast, homogenous hospitality groups and the opportunities this opens up for smaller, indie owners, his take on the future of GABS after the 2026 festivals were cancelled, and the health of the wider craft beer industry in Australia.

Prior to welcoming Steve onto the show, we discuss James’ new position as a director of the Independent Brewers Association as well as the week’s news, including Kegstar’s fresh bid to acquire Konvoy, our new Building A Brewery series, a feature on Hawkers’ well-travelled head brewer ahead of the brewery’s 11th birthday, and the upcoming High Country Hop Technical Symposium.

Start of segments:

• 13:08 – Steve Jeffares Part 1
• 37:13 – Bowimi on Froth Distribution
• 42:48 – Steve Jeffares Part 2

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact [email protected].

“We want to pay proper homage to the ten years of people that have come and made this their home.”

When Wildflower co-founder and visionary Topher Boehm announced he was to close the Marrickville venue the brewers and blenders had called home for a decade, it didn’t just send ripples through the beer world – the story was picked up by mainstream media too.

Perhaps that’s only to be expected: in terms of impact made per litre of beer sold, there can be few operations anywhere on the planet that would come close to this magical corner of the Australian beer world.

That impact can be measured by the quality and sheer delightfulness of their many releases, the transformative nature of their Marrickville base, the team’s advocacy for other producers and growers, as well as for better ways of producing and growing, and in the generous manner in which they would share their experiences, knowledge and learnings.

As soon as we got word Wildflower was to close at the end of May – at least for now, and in its current form – there was no question we’d invite him back onto the show. So grab a glass – or bottle – of your favourite mixed-culture beer and settle in as Topher tells us what led him here, how he thinks Wildflower might evolve, and shares stories and reflections from the past decade-plus.

It’s our longest episode to date – which won’t surprise anyone who knows our guest – but we’re sure you won’t be calling stumps early.

Before we get to Topher, James and Will discuss the impending opening of a venue by an operation with similarities to Wildflower, the ongoing rise of non-alc beers, the arrival in the Crafty directory of Melbourne bars Rose Island and mates., plus the opening of entries for the 2026 Australian International Beer Awards, and the latest events and giveaways for our Crafty Cabal beer club members.

Please like, subscribe and tell your beer-loving mates if you enjoy the show too!

• 16:18 – Topher Boehm Part 1
• 54:04 – The High Country Hop 2026 Preview 1
• 59:31 – Topher Boehm Part 2

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact [email protected].

“We’re all from here, and we want to give back.”

When Ryefield Hops started producing hops commercially on land formerly used for dairy in the South Coast region, they were the first to do so in New South Wales. A decade on from launching the business, the family operation run by Jade McManus and Morgan and Karen Taylor remains the only grower in the state.

Now the third largest producer of hops in the country, admittedly with just 0.5 percent of the market, they’re standard-bearers when it comes to sustainability – in all facets of the business – and part of a small but growing band of indie suppliers working alongside the local brewing industry.

James joined them at their farm in the beautiful Bemboka Valley just as much-needed rain arrived – thankfully wrapping up the chat just as the heavens really opened. The trio took him through the genesis of the project, their first customers (Batch and Wildflower), subsequent growth, installation of a pelletiser, and plans for the future.

They addressed the challenges of being first-generation farmers, dealing with buying plants that weren’t as advertised, the steps they take to give back to the land as well as their local community, their delight at seeing Ryefield Hops introduced into core range beers, and partnering with fellow indies, such as Voyager Craft Malt and Mogwai Labs.

The discussion of the week’s news looks back at the weekend’s Hottest 100 countdown and forward to the impending launch of The Beer Championships – a new competition for the beer industry conceived by two of the country’s best-known brewers and judges.

• 13:51 – Ryefield Hops Part 1
• 36:59 – Enter the Royal Queensland Beer Awards
• 38:04 – Ryefield Hops Part 2

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact [email protected].

“Anything that’s happening in our area we try to be a part of.”

The Crafty Pint Podcast returns for 2026 in the company of Renn Blackman, one half of the powerhouse husband-and-wife team behind one of the sunniest and funnest breweries in the country.

The family influence at Blackman’s runs deeper than just Renn and Jess too: parents and others helped get the business up and running – quite literally when it’s come to knocking their venues into shape – and some are acknowledged in core range beer names.

They’re also big on community, sponsoring many causes and clubs, as well as partnering with events big and small throughout the Surf Coast and Geelong region. They’ve brewed beer for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and you can now enjoy their beers at the Cats’ stadium – a major achievement for lifelong Geelong fan Renn.

As well as discussing the ethos that’s helped Blackman’s evolve to where they are today, Renn tells us how he and Jess first met while working a snow season, about their travels both within Australia and overseas, the genesis of the brewery, their decision to operate multiple venues before such an approach started becoming commonplace, diversifying, running fun events, and the secret (or not-so-secret) to making great beer.

At the start of the show, Will and James round up the stories we’ve published so far this year: the return of a Hop Nation founder to his winemaking roots; the launch of one hospo pioneer’s new venue; a bucolic experience on Phillip Island; and a new culture club in Tassie.

If you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe, rate and review on whichever podcast platform you use.

Start of segments:

• 18:44 – Renn Blackman Part 1
• 39:36 – Enter the Royal Queensland Beer Awards
• 40:40 – Renn Blackman Part 2

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact [email protected].

“The whole craft beer industry is built around community.”

We wrap up The Year In Beer 2025 series with a look at what’s been going on in the Canberra region and the Northern Territory.

The episode kicks off with James and Will joined by Mat Farrington from CanBEERra for a discussion about openings and closures in and around the capital, some of the festivals large and small he’s enjoyed in 2025, the growing prevalence of terpenes in beer and more.

Sticking in Canberra, James is then joined by Paul Docherty from craft beer and pizza joint To All My Friends at the end of a year in which he and the team have created a number of collabs with some of their favourite brewers.

The final stop for the series is at Purple Mango, a brewery and café set in bushland just over an hour from Darwin on the way to Kakadu. Co-owner Adam Asanovski reflects on their ongoing expansion, use of local ingredients, and the challenge of trying to secure tap points in the Top End.

We also reveal the final winner of the year in our Bluestone Yeast Brewery of the Month campaign, with the podcast now taking a break until the second half of January. Thanks to everyone that’s watched and listened; if you’ve any feedback, we’d love to hear from you via this survey.

• 2:45 – Mat Farrington
• 20:09 – Paul Docherty
• 34:07 – Bluestone Yeast Brewery of the Month
• 37:36 – Adam Asanovski

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact [email protected].

“That nostalgia is really hitting super-hard after COVID because everyone really misses going to the pub.”

Regular podcast hosts James and Will are on home turf for the last state-based episode of The Year In Beer 2025 series before we wrap up the series in the Territories.

While trying not to retread topics covered in the National Trends article and episode, we discuss the year’s openings, closures, sales and expansions, the success of smaller festivals, good pubs and taproom activations, acknowledge the breweries in or entering their third decade as independent small businesses, awards triumphs and more – while also doffing our caps to all the people who’ve helped make the show possible in 2025.

James is then joined by Ben Carwyn and Ben Duval from Carwyn Cellars to hear about their ongoing efforts to recover from the collapse of Fox Friday and their plans for 2026.

Last but not least is Conna Mallett, one of Love Shack’s founders, who joins us from the front bar of his Castlemaine brewpub hot on the heels of a highly entertaining collab with Tropical Fuck Storm. We touch upon luck, nostalgia, branding, community, good hospo and more.

Mid-show we also unveil the identity of the last good beer citizen to be crowned this year in Have You Done A Rallings? And as the podcast wraps up for the year, we’re keen for feedback via this survey.

Start of segments:

• 0:00 – James & Will
• 27:27 – Ben Carwyn & Ben Duval
• 43:53 – Have You Done A Rallings?
• 47:30 – Conna Mallett

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact [email protected].

"Breweries who are spending time and effort on making their venue really good and increasing the quality of their beers are doing really well."

Our audio-visual travels across the country continue as we reach Queensland in The Year In Beer 2025 series.

First up, Will Ziebell is joined by Craig Williams and Mick Wüst, both of whom work with The Crafty Pint. Mick has long been a Crafty contributor, at one point based in Sydney but more recently back in Brisbane, while Craig looks after partnerships for the site as well as working with several indie brewers on the Sunshine Coast. The three of them discuss some of the highs, lows, trends and changes in Queensland’s beer scene.

James then speaks to Deale Stanley-Hunt and Gavin Croft from Slipstream Brewing. Slipstream have enjoyed an incredible couple of years with several major trophies taking up residence in their Yeerongpilly brewery and taproom. As well as reflecting on another successful year, they talk about the impact of the taproom they opened on the Sunshine Coast late in 2024, their recent rebrand, favourite styles, and hopes for the future.

Then it’s back to Will, who catches up with Ivy Macario from Fortitude Valley’s good-times haunt, the craft beer bar-meets-arcade-meets-diner that is Netherworld, for a chat about their year in beer and ongoing efforts to support artists.

In the middle of the show, we hear from Beer30 with more of their tips for brewers. If you enjoy this episode, please like, subscribe, rate and review on whichever podcast platform you use.

• 2:01 – Craig Williams & Mick Wüst
• 24:12 –  Deale Stanley-Hunt & Gavin Croft
• 29:04 – Beer30
• 37:12 –  Ivy Macario

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact [email protected].

“I’d love to see craft beer become a little bit more approachable.”

We turn our focus to New South Wales as we hit the midway point in The Year In Beer 2025 series.

Crafty Pint contributor and one of the key players in the Inner West Ale Trail, Jason Treuen, kicks things off. As well as discussing the role trails and tourism can play in the local beer world, we cover diversification, rightsizing, openings, closings, mergers and more.

From there, we head to the north of the state for a chat with Bec Read of Curious Craft to hear who’s been impressing there in what's been another roller-coaster year. Bec also shares her fears for the future of larger beer festivals, notes on changing tastes, and a desire for craft – or indie – beer to tell its story better.

Our final guests are Sunday Road Brewing founder Brad Walker and head brewer Mick O’Rance, who’ve enjoyed another awards-flecked 12 months. They’re in the middle of a significant expansion and upgrade to their brewery and venue in The Shire ahead of the brewery’s tenth anniversary in 2026.

In the middle of the show, we hear from Beer30 with some more tips for brewers, while there’s still time to get nominations in for our final Bluestone Yeast Brewery of the Month and Have You Done A Rallings? celebration of good beer citizens of 2025.

Start of segments:

• 2:01 – Jason Treuen
• 24:12 – Beer30
• 29:04 – Bec Read
• 37:12 – Brad Walker & Mick O’Rance

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact [email protected].