Brewing In Paradise

“The ethos was trying to provide that cultural shift and be a catalyst for that.”

What’s it like brewing beer in paradise? Or, more precisely, in Exmouth: gateway to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area that’s home to awe-inspiring, barely-populated beaches and an abundance of glorious wildlife that can make it feel like you’re living in a David Attenborough documentary.

We sat down with Pete Firth and Justin Fuery, respectively co-founders of Froth Craft Brewery and Whalebone Brewing, to discover the answer to that question (unbearably hot in summer, for one) and more.

They opened their breweries in the same year, 2017, in what was then a far sleepier town than it is today, and have helped change the culture to the degree that Exmouth – despite a permanent population of just 3,000 – hosts more live music than any WA city or town north of Perth.

As well as delving into their backstories, the ethos driving each brewery, and the different paths they’ve taken – Froth now operate multiple venues; Whalebone sell cans across the state and have launched Ningaloo Distillery – we explore the challenges facing such businesses in far-flung regional locations, how they built, maintain and continue to expand their audience, the huge boost COVID brought to the region, and the rise of beer tourism.

Ahead of the main chat, Will and James look forward to this week’s Grainstock in the Riverina and discuss a trio of new articles: the sixth instalment of our Beer By Design series; the impending launch of Ripple Brewing; and the first beer in Australia brewed with a new yeast strain. Mid-show, you'll hear from Mogwai Labs and Kicks Brewing on brewing festbiers too.

We’re always keen for feedback on the show, which you can provide here, as well as nominations for the Bluestone Yeast Brewery of the Month and Have You Done A Rallings? celebration of the country’s good beer citizens.

Start of segments:

•  11:20 – Pete & Justin Part 1
• 28:07 – Mogwai & Kicks Brewing
• 34:47 – Pete & Justin Part 2

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