It seems the title “Victoria’s newest brewery” is becoming ever more hotly contested. On Monday, we ran a story about Forrest Brewery in the state’s west, which is just days away from completing the first beer on its 600l brewery. And today Gippsland gains a brewery as Bullant in Bruthen throws opens its doors to the public.
With eight taps that will showcase a mix of the brewery’s own beers plus those of other Victorian micros and an apple cider from Kelly Brothers, the new venture has been opened by husband and wife team Neil and Lois Triggs, who already operate Stringybark Cottages in the region. The brewhouse is still being constructed – it’s due to be commissioned in early February – so the only Bullant beer on tap today is an American Pale Ale brewed at Hargreaves Hill in Lilydale, which lines up with a selection from Hargreaves Hill and Grand Ridge. The brewery will also be showcasing Gippsland wines.
“I plan to brew four beers plus a seasonal and have the apple cider on tap alongside some guest taps,” says former home brewer Neil. “It gives people a greater choice as there’s nothing like this out here. We’ve got a restaurant that will be offering gourmet snacks, sourced locally as much as possible, and is open for meals on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.”
The brewery is on Bruthen’s main street and features a copper clad brewing system picked up from a former brewpub in Richmond, Virginia, as well as a large outside deck.
“We’re heavily involved in the tourism industry here and saw the need for something like this,” says Neil. “Hopefully it will act as a catalyst for other people to really become involved in the food and wine tourism side of things in the region. We’re next to the Rail Trail and also on the Great Alpine Road and the alternative Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive so are ideally located.”
Following his debut 5.2% APA, Neil plans to introduce a Porter, wheat beer and a red or dark ale. Ultimately, the aim is to “introduce these beers to the locals slowly” and work his way up to bigger, stronger beers over time.
Bullant is open Wednesday to Sunday plus public holidays from 11am to 5pm and for dinner from 6pm to 9pm from Thursday to Saturday. You can contact Neil and Lois on (03) or by email – neil@stringybarkcottages.com. The brewery’s website is due to go live in the coming weeks.
