In a few short years, the Sunshine Coast has risen to become a region with a genuine and vibrant craft beer scene.
Less than five years ago there was just one brewery there; now it's into double figures and coming in all shapes and sizes too. The most recent GABS Hottest 100 saw three Sunny Coast breweries crack the top 100 and, with none of them having widespread distribution, it seems clear that locals are embracing beers made in their backyard.
One of the most recent breweries to join the burgeoning beer community is Heads of Noosa, which opened in the last few days of January.
We got in touch with the brothers behind the brewery to ask them Who Brews Heads of Noosa beers?
Who are you?
Lance and Craig Masterton, brothers and both ex-traders of the stock market who love damn good beer, and who’ve grown to love sharing good beer with people.
Where do you brew?
We brew in the Shire of Noosa at our purpose-built production brewery in Noosaville.
Why do you brew?
We love the challenge of brewing great lagers. It’s a challenge technically and also artistically in creating beers that are a step from the norm, but easily palatable with a clean finish.
Was there a beer or a moment that set you on the path to becoming a brewer?
In 2010 sometime, we had enough of staring at a computer screen and decided to follow a new path. The burgeoning craft of beer was new and exciting and something we both looked forward to drinking after the markets shut.
From there we set out to learn everything we could in the world of beer with the hope of realising our dream of running a brewery one day.
What’s the inspiration behind the brewery name?
Our beers and brand are inspired by the nearby rocky headlands of Noosa Heads. East facing, the Heads stand upright to the full force of mother nature and the unbridled swell of the magnificent Pacific Ocean.
It’s their nature to craft these swells into one of Australia’s finest breaks. Our nature and passion is to craft raw natural ingredients into some of Australia’s finest beers.
What beer in your lineup best represents you and why?
Craig: This would be like choosing your favourite child... But I don’t have kids so I’ll go.
The Summer Dusk Lager (Amber Lager) – it’s a perfect example of what we’ve set out to do; that is to create beers that are appealing, flavoursome, but carry that clean lager finish. Plus it’s sexy as hell in a glass.
If anyone drops in on brew day, what are they most likely to hear blasting from the speakers?
Whatever is blasting from Simon’s (our welder and jack-of-all trades) Milwaukee radio!
What beers are in your fridge right now?
As of this week, our Japanese Lager, which is super exciting to have in bottles.
Which local beers have blown your mind in recent weeks?
Boiling Pot, who’s opening up down the road, is brewing some smashing ales!
Where can people find your beers?
So far, a select few local venues in and around Noosa, with more to come on board as we roll out our packaged product. We also operate a Taproom where people can come and sample the wares and have a quality feed.
Where do you hope your brewery will be ten years from now?
Still churning out top quality beers for people to enjoy time and time again.
If you want to head to Heads of Noosa, you'll find the brewery at 85 Rene Street, Noosaville. You can find Heads of Noosa and hundreds of other good beer venues and breweries across Australia in the free Crafty Pint app.
For other entries in our Who Brews...? series, head here.
Will Ziebell is a history graduate who knows more about The Wire than he does about beer. He was awarded the AIBA Best Media trophy for 2018; HBO have told him to please send his fan mail elsewhere. He can be found on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
The beer(s) or moment(s) that turned you on to good beer:
Spending time living in the UK (and backpacking across Europe) when I was 21 certainly gave me a better understanding of the beer and different styles of the world. But I'd say it was a holiday to the High Country a little while later when lunch and a tasting paddle at Bridge Road Brewers created an obsession with Australian breweries and locally made beer.
You've got three beers to turn someone else on to good beer; what are they and why?
-
Boatrocker's Miss Pinky: It's a raspberry-packed Berliner Weisse that neither looks or tastes the way many people conceive of beer.
-
Bad Shepherd Hazelnut Brown: A luscious mix of chocolate and hazelnut that can appeal to the sweet tooth within us all.
-
Stone & Wood Pacific Ale: As the father of my oldest friend once said to me: "It's the perfect refreshing pint that smells like they've loaded it with the God's herb."
The last beer you enjoyed:
Garage Project's DFA while sitting at the bar at Miss Moses as the sounds of The Rolling Stone drifting in the background.
Three things that represent you:
- Bruce Springsteen
- Ken Burns
- The State Library of Victoria
