If Clive Palmer provides plenty of reasons to avoid Canberra, this good news just righted the ledger…and then some. Good luck to Richard & Tracy. [Ed]

Media Release

Bentspoke Brewing Co. opening signals the start of a Canberra beer brand

Richard Watkins and Tracy Margrain celebrate the opening of BentSpoke Brewing Co

Today’s launch of BentSpoke Brewing Co. signals not just the launch of Canberra’s newest microbrewery and taphouse, but also what owners Richard Watkins and Tracy Margrain hope will become a local beer brand.

For the opening Watkins, one of Australia’s most respected and awarded brewers, has already produced a variety of brews with names such as the Barley Griffin, Mort’s Gold and Braddon Bitter, paying homage to Canberra identities and landmarks. But this is just the beginning.

“We’ve only just started to break in the brewery” says Watkins, the twice crowned Best Australian Small Brewer.

“Eventually we will boast 18 different varieties of beer and cider all brewed on premises, including cask conditioned real ales, lagers, seasonal one off batches, and barrel aged Belgian styles.”

Hand crushed cider is another speciality of Bentspoke.

“We’re delighted with how our first cider has turned out” says Margrain. “It was crushed here in Pialligo from Batlow apples, which given the season, is as local as you can get. With both our beers and ciders we’re delighted to be bringing a new artisan experience to this already vibrant neighbourhood”

Beers will be available to purchase both over the bar and to take-away in custom-made two-litre flasks, called “Travellers”. The ability to take home fresh, high quality draught beer is a concept relatively new to Canberra, but is rapidly gaining popularity in craft beer enclaves like the United States and NZ.

A modern take on the classic pub menu will feature dishes infused with ingredients from the brewery, local produce and some locally grown heritage breeds.

With the brewery on full-display patrons can watch the head brewer hard at work on the next batch as you sample the latest brew. Brewery tours, brewer talks, tasting paddles, and ‘meet-the-producer’ dinners are in the planning as the brewery ramps up production.

Located in the heart of the burgeoning Braddon district, much of the fit-out utilises recycled parts and references the brewing process, or the bicycle (both shared passions of Watkins and Margrain): A mosaic of beer ingredients decorates one wall; chandeliers made by Margrain and local bike builders Rat Patrol Oz using parts donated by neighbouring bike shops and members of the community hang in the stairway; a mural by Canberra artist George Rose explains how beer is made at BentSpoke; the stairway’s handrail transports beer from the brewery to the fermentation tanks; and there’s even beer cans in the cement slab formwork.

“Just like our range of beers and ciders, the BentSpoke space will constantly evolve” says Watkins.

“We hope you’ll find a little something new every time you visit – whether that’s a new brew, a custom-made tasting paddle, or a secret addition to our mural wall!”

With beer served straight from stainless steel tanks directly behind the bar, BentSpoke is passionate about showing customers how great quality, fresh, craft beer is both made and how good it can taste in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Made to be shared and enjoyed by locals, BentSpoke is also sure to attract interstate visitation as it contributes to the Canberra craft beer industry and to the growing trend of craft beer pilgrimages.

With strong links to the community, BentSpoke is proud to be employing over 30 people, and looks forward to supporting community groups, events, and festivals.

BentSpoke Brewing Company will be open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

@BentSpokeBeer

www.facebook.com/BentSpokeBrewing