Our Brewers

Meet the team who makes the magic happen

Brewer David Stokie, Packaging Lead Joel Bannister, Brewer Madi Bruce and Head Brewer Lewis Kerr.

Lewis Kerr

Our head brewer Lewis Kerr joined us in December 2022. A Bright local with a love for all things adventure, Lewis previously brewed for Bridge Road Brewers, Moon Dog Craft Brewery & Whistler Brewing Co.

“Ever since I began my brewing journey, I have had a long-held aspiration of being the head brewer and part of the production team at Bright Brewery,” Lewis said.

“I want to work for a brewery that shares the same values as I do, with regards to an active outdoor-driven lifestyle, in parallel with a focus on sustainability, both of which I have always admired Bright Brewery for.”

A keen mountain biker and snowboarder, Lewis is focused on helping Bright achieve its goals of carbon neutrality and continue its strong sustainability program.

With a love for adventurous beer styles and a deep connection to the local landscape, Lewis brings a fresh perspective to Bright Brewery. He’s excited to explore new possibilities and create beers that truly capture the essence of the High Country.

“Blurring the lines between wine and beer is something I would like to explore more, and I have a particular interest in creating our own distinct terroir.” he said.

“We are lucky to live in an area that is home to amazing artisan producers, and I will strive to build on the creative and positive relationships with them that benefit our brewing projects and community.”

Madi Bruce

Our brewer Madi Bruce joined the brew team in 2022 after working as a front of house supervisor at Bright Brewery, whilst completing her brewing qualifications during COVID.

Madi has a background in events and tourism and worked a ski season in Canada, and after spending a summer in Golden, British Columbia, she fell in love with the craft beer scene and moved to Bright.

A career highlight for Madi was developing a beer named in honour of the pioneering co-founder of Bright Brewery, the late Fiona ‘Fred’ Reddaway, for International Women’s Day – ‘Fred’s’ Blackberry Pale Ale. This beer was brewed by the women of Bright Brewery, including Fiona’s three daughters, Tenley, Jaslyn, and Krista, and her mother, Virginia.

Together, Lewis, Stokie and Madi will help lead Bright Brewery’s beers into its second decade, as we take our MountainCrafted beers to the national and international beer markets.

David Stokie

Our Brewer David (or ‘Stokie’ as we know him) has been a keen homebrewer for the past 20 years, and a vital member of our brewing team since 2018.  Stokie, a formal PT and Alpine Shire recreations coordinator, was inspired to become a commercial brewer after attending our popular Brewer For A Day experience.

On the advice of our then-brewer, Tom, Stokie headed off to SA to do his brewing qualification and returned to his High Country home to forge a career in brewing. After a stint at Blizzard Brewing Co in Dinner Plain, Stokie has found his way back to Bright Brewery, to where it all began for him!

Joel Bannister

Our Packaging Lead Joel Bannister is a long-time employee of Bright Brewery, having worked across many departments including Front of House, Logistics and now Production.

Joel works closely with the brewers and ensure their final product – our beautiful beer – is packaged safely and makes its way into your hands in the best possible condition.

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