Australian Beer Company co-owner Casella Family Brands has dismissed as “speculation” reports it is investigating setting up a hop farm and/or brewery in Tasmania.

In May, the Casellas paid $3.7 million for the historic 101 hectare property Redlands Estate in the Derwent Valley.

Redlands previously operated for many years as a hop farm. It is little more than 10 kilometres south east of the Bushy Park farm owned by Hop Products Australia.

But a Casella spokesperson told Australian Brews News there was no substance to reportscircling throughout the Tasmanian community that the Redlands venture was beer-related.

Redlands Estate – Photo courtesy Landmark Harcourts Tasmania, which brokered the sale

“As I’m sure you’re aware, the property was a rich fertile estate, supporting the community for generations,” she said.

“The Plenty River provides continuous water flowing through the estate, leading it to become one of the largest hop farms in Australia at the time.

“The property has been sustainably farmed over the past few years and we are currently evaluating the many options available to us for continuing with the sustainable approach to agriculture.

“I am sure there is much speculation but I have been advised that no plans have been made to date,” she said.

With no experience in cultivating hops, it would not be a simple exercise for Casella to enter the market at a commercial level.

Director Daniel Casella in May said the company planned to spend the next few years continuing with the restoration of the 1819 property and grounds.

“Our long-term vision is to re-establish Redlands as a must-visit tourism destination in Tasmania,” he said.