News

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.

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.

Bright Brewery’s Community Keg Pours $10,000 Back into Local Groups

Thanks to the amazing support or our Bright community, the Bright Brewery Community Keg initiative has surpassed a major milestone – over $10,000 has been donated to local groups since its launch in July 2022.

This fantastic achievement translates into direct benefits for the very heart of Bright. Funds raised have helped with critical needs like building repairs, purchasing vital emergency rescue equipment, and supporting local events.

Every month on the last Wednesday, we dedicate a keg of our Bright Pale Ale to this initiative. Here’s how it works:
– We provide the beer.
– You choose the cause! Nominations are open for local organisations, groups, and initiatives.
– Your donation, no matter the size, goes directly to the chosen beneficiary.

Over the years, we have continued to find ways to give back to our local community through sponsorships, partnerships, donations, fundraisers, and of course, beer!

The Community Keg empowers YOU to decide where your support goes. This aligns perfectly with our founding values – to connect with and empower the people who make Bright special.

A huge thank you to everyone who’s participated in the Community Keg so far. Your generosity has benefited a wide range of local groups, including:
Bright SES
Bright Bowls Club
Upper Ovens Landcare
Bright RSL
Bright CFA
Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club
…and many more!

We’re incredibly proud to reach the $10,000 milestone, but this is just the beginning. Come down to Bright Brewery on the last Wednesday of the month, enjoy a delicious Bright Pale Ale knowing that your beer purchase is supporting your local community. Our next Community Kegs events are on:

Wednesday July 31, 2024: Reach Out Wildlife Australia
Wednesday August 28, 2024: Bright Lions Club

For more information about the Community Keg and to nominate a local community group/event/club/individual, please  click here.

Saddle up it’s Tour de Froth time!

The legendary Le Tour de France kicks off this Saturday, June 29th, and for those of you who secured a limited-edition Tour de Froth mixed case, it’s time to get your fridges stocked!

What is Tour de Froth?
It’s a curated selection of Bright Brewery beers, expertly paired with each stage of the 2024 Le Tour de France (including the two rest days!).

Don’t have a Tour de Froth case?
No worries! While the 2024 case is sold out, you can still join the fun. Download the tasting notes and follow Bright Brewery on social media where we’ll be announcing the beer for each stage.

A Glimpse into the Tour de Froth Beers:
Affogato Stout
Alpine Lager
Bright Pale
Hellfire Amber Ale
MIA IPA
…and many more!

Join the Fun!
Will you be cheering on the peloton from the comfort of your couch with a Bright Brewery beer in hand? Share your photos on social media by tagging @brightbrewery and using the hashtag #tourdefroth. We can’t wait to see your Tour de Froth celebrations

 

DOWNLOAD TOUR DE FROTH TASTING NOTES

Darker Days 2024: Another Sell-Out Success at Bright Brewery!

The afterglow of an epic weekend is still upon us at Bright Brewery following the wildly successful Darker Days festival on Saturday June 15!

A massive thank you to the 1200 attendees who joined us for a weekend filled with music, delicious food, and darn good times. For the third year in a row, Darker Days completely sold out, proving once again the festival’s status as a must-attend winter event.

Headliners The Delta Riggs, along with the phenomenal talents of DJ Zabi, Matt Sier, Benny & The Big Wheels, Nicky Bomba, and Steph Strings, kept the party going all day long.

Festival-goers were treated to a diverse selection of craft beers thanks to our guest breweries: Duncan’s Brewing Co., Hop Nation, Dollar Bill Brewing, Dangerous Ales, and of course, our High Country Brewery Trail mates. Backwoods Distilling Co., Reed & Co Distillery, and Alpine Cider kept the spirits high with their delicious concoctions, with lines forming all night for a taste of their winter warmers.

The now-legendary hot dog eating competition was another crowd-pleaser, and for the first time ever, festival-goers could commemorate the weekend with exclusive Darker Days tattoos by Blanc Space Studio.

A huge shoutout to our sponsors, Arc’teryx Australia / New Zealand and Alpine Shire Council, for their unwavering support.

Keep the Darker Days party alive! Our official Darker Days collaboration beer with Duncan’s Brewing Co. – a Banana Maple, Pancake Pastry Stout – is out now.

Check out all the fun in the video and gallery below.

 

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