“What if we could ‘can’ this feeling?”
That’s where Otherside Brewing Co started out: surrounded by the noise, sunshine, energy and shared experience of the summer festival season, something upon which the brewery’s owners had built a very successful career.
Within two years of being hit with this lightning bolt of inspiration, the brewery had debuted its Festive Ale – geddit? – to thousands of music lovers as well as building a 20-hectolitre brewery in a Myaree light industrial unit not far from its Fremantle birthplace.
Given its origins, there will be little surprise there's an approachable and fun-loving ethos running through everything Otherside does, not least the beers they describe as “Beers that keep the conversation going, not become part of it.” As such, quality and sessionability remain front of mind for head brewer Rhys Lopez, whose industry experience has seen him work at some of the largest and most well-regarded breweries in Western Australia – with a little distilling and hospitality thrown in for good measure.
The core range of beer is built upon a mainstage lineup of drinkability that runs from a classic lager through to an anthemic IPA, with names that often riff on – pun intended – musical themes. The core lineup of seven is ably supported by the Experimental and Creative series and the brewery has shone brightly at multiple awards, enjoying both medal and Champion Trophy successes at the likes of the Perth Royal, The Indies and the Royal Adelaide.
The brewery bar is as colourful as the people behind the venture: walls are covered in large murals or plastered in posters from the music side of the wider operation; furniture is a mélange that runs from crates and benches to reclaimed metal chairs and trestles; at its centre is a unique circular bar set against the backdrop of the brewery around which are laid bricks bearing the names of "Beer Tycoons" who've invested in the venture.
It's open from Wednesday to Sunday and features all the hits on tap, plus an apple cider. The Brewhouse has its very own food truck too that offers a different menu inspired by a different part of the world every week – check the brewery website or Facebook to see what’s cooking what when – and the kids’ area is sure to keep the smallest Otherside enthusiasts entertained.
Takeaway cans and growlers fills are available, as are memberships to become an Otherside Tycoon so you can garner invites to exclusive beer events, have input into future releases and more.
With a background in the music and film, the team behind the brewery is keen to give back to the arts community. The Tapped by Otherside program contributes a percentage of all sales to support local artists.
To help continue to support their god beer mission, the Freo.Social opened in 2019 inside Freo's historic Artillery Drill. That thriving sibling venue was then followed by the crew taking over the legendary Mojo's Bar which has long welcomed some of Australia's and the world's finest musicians over its long history. Better yet, from late 2023, the Otherside Brewlounge will be open inside Terminal 2 of Perth Airport, helping ensure that the first and last taste of beer for many would be made by bonafide locals who give back to their home state.
Guy Southern
