Felons Brewing Co is the new brewery set to hit the Brisbane riverside in October as part of the Howard Smith Wharves Development underneath the shimmering arc of the Story Bridge.
Established by ex-members of the Little Creatures brewing team, Head Brewer Tom Champion and General Manager Ash Cranson say that thirsty patrons and dehydrated passers-by will be able to expect ice cold brews made on-site and spacious seating with an outdoor courtyard overlooking the river. “The whole family from kids to grandparents are invited to experience the sights, smells and tastes of a working brewery … We wanted to make something special for Brisbane, and then take it to the rest of Queensland and Australia,” said Cranston. “We’re creating a social hub where beer is the hero.”
The brewery’s name comes from the four felons – Thomas Pamphlett, John Finnegan, Richard Parsons and John Thompson – who are regarded as the original European settlers to discover the Brisbane River in 1823. After venturing out of Sydney harbor on 21 March 1823 as part of a wood sourcing expedition, they came across a severe storm that blew them 728 kilometres off course smashing them into Moreton Island. After exploring the area for some months, John Oxley arrived a found the group living with the local indigenous people, from their they revealed the mouth of the Brisbane River and the first penal colony was established. “It made sense to name ourselves after a story linked to the foundation of Brisbane, and the river where our home is,” Cranson said.
Not much has been revealed about the beer Felons will be brewing, but Champion says they will focus on “locally sourced” ingredients and creating “natural and balanced” brews. Brewing is expected to begin soon ahead of the October opening. The brewery will be a key pillar of Howard Smith Wharves Development and it will join a number of new restaurants set to open later this year.
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