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GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beer Poll – Get your votes in before Jan 14!


Remember that crisp, refreshing Alpine Lager you crave on a scorching summer day? The one that perfectly pairs with sizzling sausages on the barbie and sends the kids into dizzying Hill’s Hoist spins?

Yeah, that one! Our beloved Alpine Lager, year after year, has been voted Victoria’s #1 favourite indie lager (and #2 in all of Australia!), proving that sometimes, classic simplicity reigns supreme.

The GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beer Poll is open now, and pale ales are threatening to flood the countdown again. Enough is enough! Let’s raise our icy Alpine Lagers and say: #notanotherpaleale!

Here’s how you can make your voice heard:

Vote #1 Alpine Lager! Show your love for this clean, crisp lager brewed with pure Alpine water and locally-grown hops. It’s a damn good beer, and it deserves the top spot!
Spread the word! Share this post with your fellow Aussie beer lovers and encourage them to vote for Alpine Lager.
Crack open an Alpine Lager! Celebrate the beauty of simplicity, the refreshing taste of summer, and the power of a classic Aussie brew.

Remember, voting ends on January 14th. Don’t let this be another year of pale ale dominance! Stand up for the lager you love, the one that’s been there for backyard barbecues, scorching days, and good times with mates.

 Let’s throwback a lager this summer!

#notanotherpaleale

VOTE #1 ALPINE LAGER
FEATURED

Throwback a lager this summer

VOTE #1 ALPINE LAGER

Oat Cream NEIPA, Smoothie Sours, Salted Caramel Popcorn Ale…we’ve all heard of the weird and whacky beers that brewers come up with these days.

Hell, we’ll admit, we’ve even brewed some of them ourselves (Pineapple Cream Dream Milkshake IPA ring a bell?)!

But while many craft beer lovers think the wilder the better when it comes to beer, some of us just crave the simplicity of a clean, classic Aussie lager brewed with four perfect ingredients…

A beer built for the Aussie summer. The perfect pairing to sizzling sausages on a barbie. The best beer to quench your thirst on a hot summer’s day. The one you crack, ice-cold from the Esky, while the kids spin themselves dizzy on the Hill’s Hoist behind you.

Some of us just want to throwback a lager this summer!

And year after year, the people of Australia have voted Bright Brewery’s Alpine Lager as their #1 favourite indie lager in Victoria (and #2 in Australia)!

Brewed with pure Alpine water and locally-grown Australian hops, Alpine Lager is as clean as mountain air, and as crisp as the summer sun rising over hills. Plus it’s also just a damn good beer.

That’s why it’s our best-seller. That’s why, in a sea of pale ales, craft beer lovers drink more Bright Brewery Alpine Lager than any other beer we brew (and we’ve got a pretty great pale ale, too!).

So, last year, when it came to voting in the GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beer Poll, we asked you to stand up against the tidal wave of pale ales flooding the poll and vote #notanotherpaleale

A year ago, we said craft lagers were on the rise. Today, they’re having their heyday. Right now, in fact (Cerveza, anyone?). But we’ve been all over it for years.

So this Summer – instead of picking yet another pale ale out of the Esky, why not throwback a lager, and remember why it’s the world’s most popular beer!

And if you’re sick of seeing pale ales dominate the countdown, let’s do something about it.

Vote #1 Alpine Lager

#notanotherpaleale

VOTE #1 ALPINE LAGER

Voting closes Sunday January 14, 2024 and the countdown will be on Saturday January 27, 2024.

FEATURED

Bright Brewery adopts newly-rebuilt Hero Trail in Mystic Park

And then a hero comes along! For more than 8 years, Mystic Park’s iconic Hero Trail has delighted (and terrified) thousands of mountain bikers from all over the world.
Australia’s first Airflow jumps trail, Hero has gained notoriety – and more than a few scalps – with its huge gap jumps, iconic Wall Ride, massive berms and epic views. It’s now as synonymous with Bright as beers by the river on a summer afternoon.
And now it’s ours.
We are beyond stoked to announce that we have adopted the newly-rebuilt Hero Trail as our official Bright Brewery trail in Mystic Park.
Get enough speed on the way down and you might even be able to roll right into town for a cold Bright Pale Ale after a day on the trails.
See you out there!

Kona, the Maremma, Wins Doggobrau Photo Competition

Bright Brewery is excited to announce Kona, a Maremma, as the winner of our Doggobrau photo competition.

Kona, adopted from Tiki Animal Rescue, will be featured on the can of Doggobrau Tropical XPA, set for release in November.

Kona’s heart-warming story stood out among the many fantastic entries we received.  Andrew Frith, Kona’s owner, shared a tale of the dog’s bravery: “A neighbour had just got a baby goat. Kona was sitting in the backyard and saw an eagle swoop the goat. Kona went crazy and the eagle went away. He saved that goat’s life. He loves barking at birds of prey like eagles and hawks. Never at any other bird. He also loves to just hang out with our chicken.”

Clint from Pocketbeagles Design Studio will immortalise Kona on the 440ml beer can, continuing Doggobrau’s tradition of showcasing rescue animals in support of RSPCA Victoria.

We received a total of 70 entries, making the decision a challenging one! We’re grateful to everyone who participated and shared their adorable rescue dogs with us.

For the past four years, Doggobrau has been dedicated to showcasing and supporting pets in need, partnering with RSPCA Victoria through our annual beer release. Doggo has become a beloved part of our beer lineup, bringing joy to both humans and animals.

Previous featured dogs include Eddy the greyhound, Newton the lurcher/collie-X, Kyari the cat, and Phoebe.

A Mead Marvel: Infinite Barrel Works Second Release

Emerging from deep in the heart of the High Country, Bright Brewery proudly announces the second release of its Infinite Barrel Works project. This highly anticipated series celebrates the dark art of barrel aging, with each release showcasing the unique flavours imparted by various barrels.

THE MEAD BARREL AGED IMPERIAL MILK STOUT (10.2%)

The latest addition to the Infinite Barrel Works lineup is a Mead Barrel Aged Imperial Milk Stout. This exceptional beer is the result of a meticulous aging process in ex-Mead casks, a traditional fermented beverage made from honey. The mead’s sweetness and complexity have resulted in a full bodied, sweet Imperial Milk Stout.

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

This beer’s story begins in 2019, a time before the world was dramatically altered by global events. A collaboration with Backwoods Distilling resulted in the creation of a whisky from Bright’s Stubborn Imperial Stout. The whisky was aged in barrels, which were then repurposed for the Infinite Barrel Works project.

By cycling the imperial stout and whisky through these barrels, Bright Brewery has created a closed loop of aging, ensuring that the barrels are used infinitely.

A TASTE OF THE INFINITE

The Mead Barrel Aged Imperial Milk Stout offers a complex and satisfying flavour profile. The sweetness of the mead complements the smooth chocolate notes of the imperial stout, creating a harmonious blend. Expect subtle notes honey and eucalyptus which round out with a lovely mouthfeel.

LIMITED AVAILABIILTY 

Infinite Barrel Works By Bright Brewery beers are renowned for their scarcity and exceptional quality. Due to the small-batch nature of barrel aging, quantities are extremely limited. This release will be available exclusively online from Bright Brewery.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDAND HOLLAND

The can art for the Mead Barrel Aged Imperial Milk Stout features stunning photography by Bright local and avid skier, Brendan Holland. His images capture the beauty and serenity of Mount Feathertop, Victoria’s second highest mountain peak.

“This particular photo was a result after a day’s skiing with friends.  My friends had gone back to their unit, but I decided to stick around as it was looking like it was going to be a promising sunset,” he said.

“I headed out to the Mt Loch carpark where there are great views of Mt Feathertop from there. So I went out in the ‘blue hour’ and I got this shot. There were a few really nice clouds around that really picked up the colours of the sunset and the blues in the sky.”

Subsequent Infinite releases will feature equally beautiful High Country landscapes and photographers keen to see their work on an Infinite can are invited to lodge an Expression of Interest to have their art featured on future beers. There is more information on that process here.

PRESALE PERIOD

A two-week pre-sale for the Infinite Barrel Works Mead Barrel Aged Imperial Stout will begin on Thursday, September 26th at 10 AM AEST.

Bright Mash Club members will have early access to the pre-sale starting on Tuesday, September 24th at 10am AEST.

The pre-sale will open to the general public on Thursday, September 26th at 10 AM AEST.

To join the Mash Club and get early access to the beer, head here. Or join Bright’s Brew Crew mailing list to be the first to know when the presale goes live.

Want to see your pup’s face on a beer?

For the past four years, we’ve been showcasing and helping raise funds (and awareness) for pets in need, alongside our friends at RSPCA Victoria through our annual beer release, DoggoBrau Tropical XPA.

Doggo has become a beloved part of our beer lineup and it brings joy to so many people – and animals.

Our pups are by our sides for every step of the adventures we take – whether it’s floating down the river, hiking in the hills, running in the trees, or hitting the trails on our bikes. Adventure dogs, trail dogs, and faithful friends – we love them all.

Over the years, we’ve featured Eddy the greyhound, Newton the lurcher/collie-X, Kyari the cat (#cattobrau) and who could forget adorable little, bandana-wearing Phoebe?!

But this year – we need your help! We’re on the hunt for a cover star to be the face – and the tail – of this year’s DoggoBrau beer cans.

So if you have opened your heart – and home – to rescue or adopt a funny, furry, cute, cuddly, fluffy, floofy four-legged (dog) friend, we want to meet them!

Trot on over here to enter now.

The winning pooch will be immortalised in print (and beer) by our design guru Clint Weaver of Pocketbeagles, will feature on all DoggoBrau 2024 cans – and they’ll win a case of beer for their owner!

The only catch is – all doggos must be rescue or adopted pups to be eligible (#adoptdontshop)

Entries close September 11.
Bone appetite!

ENTER NOW

Kitchen Renovations Update

We’re excited to announce that we have completed our kitchen renovations and our full menu and online bookings will return to normal from Wednesday September 11.

If you would like to make a table booking, please click here or just pop in for a bite between 12pm – 8:30pm.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward to serving you soon!

Cast Your Vote in the 2024 GABS Can Design Awards

Every year, there are awards for the best craft beers in the country, but what about the awesome artwork on the cans themselves?

That’s where the 2024 GABS Can Design Awards presented by Orora comes in! This is a people’s choice award celebrating the creativity behind those eye-catching designs.

We’re super proud of our entry this year – the Fresh Hop Monster Double IPA, a collaboration we made with our friends at KAIJU Beer. The artwork is designed by the talented Clint Weaver from Pocketbeagles.

With this beer being a collaboration with Kaiju, we wanted a monster (thus the name) that felt inspired by their brand but with a Bright twist to it. Using comic book inspired line work, hand drawn typography and a bold colour palette, the Hop Monster in question is raging over the HPA hop farms which sit nearby the picturesque Ovens River which runs through Bright. Is the monster destroying it? Or planting new hops? Who knows, but it’s angry!

Voting is open now until Sunday, August 25.  All voters will be entered into a draw to win one of 100 tickets to GABS 2025!

To vote, simply click here and search for Bright Brewery. You have 3 votes available.

We’re hiring: Chef

What are we looking for?

Are you looking for a new challenge and are keen to join one of Australia’s longest running and most respected Independent Brewers?

Bright Brewery are on the hunt for a Qualified Chef to join the team in our vibrant Brewpub venue in the heart of Bright.

Who is Bright Brewery?

Bright Brewery has been established for almost 18 years in the heart of Victoria’s beautiful High Country. We are a 100% family owned independent brewery which values a “Authentic, Active and Sustainable” lifestyle and brand.

Our mission is to make the best of beer whilst living the best life possible. Our culture is our strength as we highlight the importance of healthy work life balance to ensure the best for our people.

Our Values

Authentic: We pride authenticity in our actions and people. All our decisions are made with an authentic approach, and we pride our business on being positive custodians to our beautiful home and community. We incentivise our team to be them true selves and relish in supporting all aspects of living their best lives.

Active: Bright Brewery is active not only in our wider community but also industry as a whole. Our team are encouraged to work with local support programs in the North East and afar as well as industry led groups as the IBA and Pink Boots Society. We also acknowledge the positive power of being active through both social engagement but physical movement for the health and wellbeing of our people.

Sustainable: Since our inception in 2006, Bright Brewery has always had an eye on our planet and not just the big but also the small things we can do every day to help maintain our beautiful environment for generations to come. We are highly engaged in sustainability measures within our brewing process but also seek to deliver benefits to our staff and wider community through sustainable business decision making

So, what is the role?

The person holding the role of Chef will lead by example and are competent in all areas of cooking and cleaning, maintaining a high level of Food Hygiene Standards & HACCP controls. They will take direct responsibility for the preparation and presentation of food consistent with food safety standards and Bright Brewery guidelines.

This role reports to the Head Chef and, in the absence of the Head Chef reports to the Sous Chef, whoever is rostered on shift. During a shift when the Head Chef and Sous Chef are not present, all kitchen staff report to the Venue Manager.

This role requires:

  • Flexibility with your position (i.e. help in other departments when required)
  • Flexibility with your roster
  • Providing a high level of customer service
  • Punctuality with a well-groomed appearance at all times
  • Dealing with customer questions and complaints where appropriate and in line with company policy
  • Becoming familiar with Bright Brewery, its services & events and being able to advise guests accordingly
  • Reporting all accidents and hazards in your work area and complete all paperwork as required
  • Other duties as directed

Hours

The Chef will be expected to work weekends and public holidays (as per conditions set out in individual contract), and evenings as required.

Uniform

You will be required to maintain a clean, neat & professional appearance at all times. It is your responsibility to supply your own uniform and knives.

The responsibilities

The key tasks that the Chef performs are:

Develop and bring to life Bright Brewery’s food service:

• Work with the Head Chef & Sous Chef to implement Bright Brewery’s food service guidelines

• Assist with the planning of exciting menus and specials in liaison with Head Chef & Sous Chef.

• Assist in coordinating preparation for any off-site catering functions with Head Chef & Sous Chef.

• Liaise with Head Chef on all matters relating to the business

• Clear communication with Head Chef and other managers and staff

• Ensure all communications between bar and kitchen run smoothly and with respect

Develop and implement Bright Brewery’s food safety program:

• Preparation and service of food-to-Food Hygiene Standards

• Ensure proper stock rotation in all food storage areas

• Maintain all work areas in accordance with Food Hygiene Standards

• Maintain a regular cleaning schedule for kitchens and storage areas

• Manage delivery and storage of goods (heavy lifting involved) within WorkSafe guidelines

Manage food service team:

• Ensure kitchen staff receive the right training and optimum guidance

• Assist in management of each staff member to maximize each person’s potential

• Kitchen supervision (assist staff in the role to learn):

• Managing stock intake

• Receiving goods

• Managing staff hours during breaks

Manage food service costs:

• Ensure that all dishes are prepared to the correct recipe and quantity

• Control and record all wastage and breakages

Bright Brewery Policies:

• Understanding of Bright Brewery policies and implementation of same

Culture:

• All staff are responsible for fostering positive culture towards workplace, business and fellow employees

Bright Brewery Values | authentic, sustainable and active

Our values

You will ensure the Bright Brewery values are always in action while performing the role:

We are AUTHENTIC and genuine in all that we do.
• We do what we say we’re going to do.
• We present our business and services truthfully.
• We use natural ingredients to create genuine products.
• Our relationships are honest and respectful.

Our business is SUSTAINABLE.
• We’re passionate about the alpine environment that surrounds us and seek to minimise our impact on it.
• We’re managing our business for the long-term, providing a viable future for our community, staff and customers.

We are ACTIVE!
• We embrace the outdoors and encourage active lives.
• We are active in the community.
• We continue to review and develop our products and services so they evolve and grow with the market.
• We are actively managing the business for future success.

Who are you?

You will have/be:

• Full working rights to work in Australia

• Passion and imagination for food

• Interest in local produce and beer matching

• Qualified Chef

• Food Safety Supervisor certificate

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills

• Ability to work well within a team

• Must have prior experience in a high-volume environment

• Ability to manage Food Service costs

• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations relating to the hospitality industry • Proven leadership skills and lead by example

• Be able to identify problems and attend to them without supervision

• Mature attitude, honesty, loyalty and exceptional work ethic

• Proven ability to supervise and lead staff with respect and fairness

• Comply with all company policies and procedures.

The perks of the gig!

Beyond the expected bells and whistles; Bright Brewery also offers:

· Subsided memberships that encourage active lifestyles (gym/sport/yoga, etc)

· A Green Transport initiative

· Bright Brewery staff account

· Access to mental health services and support

· Encouragement and paid support to join local and industry related associations and groups

· A generous ‘Time Off In Lieu’ system for overtime and event work

· Continuous training and professional development

· Numerous team and business social events

· Of course, access to some of the best beers a person could drink!

To Apply

Please email a current CV and cover letter addressing the skills and experience required to the Venue Manager: venue@brightbrewery.com.au

For more information or a confidential chat, please call the Venue Manager on 03 5755 1346

Bright Brewery Shines at the Indie Beer Awards

Bright Brewery is celebrating an incredible achievement after the Australian Independent Beer Awards, taking home 11 medals (6 Silver and 5 Bronze) across their beer range.

While the competition was fierce with a total of 904 medals awarded, every single beer entered by the brewery was recognised by the judges, a testament to the dedication and passion of the Bright Brewery brewing team, who consistently produce exceptional beers that capture the hearts of beer lovers across the country.

Medal Winners:

Bright Pale Ale: Bronze (Can), Bronze (Keg)
M.I.A IPA: Silver (Can), Silver (Keg)
Hellfire Amber Ale: Silver (Can), Bronze (Keg)
Staircase Porter: Bronze (Can), Bronze (Keg)
Stubborn Rye Imperial Stout 2024:  Silver (Can)
Alpine Lager: Silver (Can), Silver (Keg)

We are incredibly proud of this achievement and would like to thank our loyal customers for their continued support. Cheers to another year of great beer!

Bright Brewery Celebrates 18 Years with Decadence Barleywine

To commemorate 18 years of brewing exceptional mountain beers, Bright Brewery is releasing a luxurious barleywine aptly named ‘Decadence’.

“Eighteen years ago, we set out to brew beers that captured the spirit of adventure in the mountains we call home,” says Lewis Kerr, Head Brewer at Bright Brewery. “Decadence Barleywine is a culmination of that journey. At 16% ABV, it’s luxuriously smooth and rich with caramel, hints of fortified wine, and playful pops of candy. As you savour it, deeper notes of raisins and prunes emerge, a testament to the dedication and complexity we’ve poured into every Bright Brewery adventure.”

The brewery’s story began in 2003 with the purchase of land for their current location on the Great Alpine Road. From brewing their first batches at Jamieson Brewery in 2004 to finally opening their doors in mid-2006, Bright Brewery has remained a 100% family-owned independent craft brewery focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of the surrounding high country region.

So, what is a barleywine? “A barleywine is essentially a beer that is brewed with one or two base malts without being too complex in the base, but you’re relying on the sweetness and the ABV to bring it through, much like a wine itself”, said Lewis on the The Coolroom Podcast.

“The ABV is pushing through anywhere from 10-18% depending on the brewery. You are relying on the sweetness and the body and the high-finishing alcohol to carry it through to hold it’s place side by side with a wine”, he said.

Will Ziebell from Craftypint.com describes Decadence as “decadent from every angle, with ripe and decadent fruit notes of banana, pineapple, and apricot. There’s also decadently sweet layers of honeycomb and golden syrup, while a somewhat oxidative quality and further dark fruits notes bring the beer into decadent dessert wine territory.”

Decadence Barleywine is a limited-edition release and available exclusively online now in 4 x 355ml cans or at the Bright Brewery venue on tap / take away.

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