Mountain Goat is a pioneer of Australia’s craft beer scene with their foundation beer, the Hightail amber ale, first released in 1997. In October, the brewery is celebrating their 20th birthday with festivities around the country and, of course, a few special beers.

On Friday 6th October, the celebrations begin at their brewery home in Richmond, where they’ll be pulling out all the stops for an evening of prizes, giveaways and cold Goat Beers. The party then continues to Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide and Brisbane, before finishing up in Fremantle.

The ‘Back To The Brewer’ brew team – picture courtesy David Hyde

An extra special birthday deserves some extra special beers. First up is the release of the next Rare Breed, the ‘Back to the Brewer’ Double Steam Ale. This is a collaboration beer between Goat’s head brewers, past and present: current Head Brewer Ian Morgan, Mountain Goat co-founder Dave Bonighton, Jayne Lewis from Two Birds and HPA’s Dave Edney. They upped the ante on the hops to create a bigger, brassier version of the regular Steam Ale, bringing it in at 7.3% ABV and dry hopping with Galaxy for a big fruity hit. Back to the Brewer is launching exclusively at each of the birthday events and will be available on draught and in 640ml bottles nationally.

You can’t have a birthday party without a cake, so you’ll also be able to try ‘Cake Face’ Dark Ale, a draught-only, limited release, decadent beer brewed with cake, raspberries and black cherries. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the best Goat video we may have done yet for this beer!

For full details, head over to www.goatbeer.com.au to find out how you can join the tour and say cheers to 20 years of Goat beers!

Friday 6th October
20th Birthday Party
Mountain Goat Brewery, 80 North Street, Richmond, VIC
Other details: Free BBQ at 6pm, 1997 music playlist, giveaways, beer specials, fairy bread. A special single keg from Mountain Goat co-founder Dave Bonighton, a cumquat IPA made with fruit from his own backyard.

Saturday 7th October
20th Birthday Tour – NSW
Forest Lodge Hotel, 117 Arundel Street, Forest Lodge NSW
Other details: Brew&A session with the Goat brewers, show bags, live music playing 90’s grunge and indie classics, giveaways, beer specials.

Saturday 7th October 20th Birthday Tour – TAS
Republic Bar, 299 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart TAS
Other details: live music from Knife Hands, August Wolfbiter, Senor Tabby and Feed Rick; giveaways, beer specials.

Wednesday 18th October 20th Birthday Tour – SA
Gilbert Street Hotel, 88 Gilbert Street, Adelaide SA
Other details: Brew&A session with the Goat brewers, live music, bar shouts, giveaways, beer specials.

Friday 20th October 20th Birthday Tour – QLD
Archive Beer Boutique, 100 Boundary Street, West End QLD
Other details: Brew&A session with the Goat brewers followed by a live set by Lindsey ‘The Doctor’ McDougall; giveaways, beer specials.

Sunday 22nd October 20th Birthday Tour – WA
Clancy’s Fish Pub, 51 Cantonment Street, Fremantle, WA
Other details: live music, bar shouts, giveaways, beer specials.

Full details on the Facebook event pages: @goatbeer