Moo Brew, one of the largest craft breweries in Tasmania, will this month celebrate its 20th birthday.
With two specially brewed limited release beers on offer and a party at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), beer lovers will be able to raise a glass to two decades of brewing excellence and “artful mischief”.
Founded by MONA’s David Walsh, Moo Brew came into being when he discovered a bottle he liked while travelling and wanted to create something to put in it.
The brewery was established in Berriedale at Moorilla Estate in 2005 – many years before Walsh’s museum opened its doors – later moving to their purpose-built brewing home in Bridgewater.
In 2023 the team opened Manky Sally’s in Salamanca, a taphouse and nano-brewery.
Single Hop Tassie Pale Ale (440ml can) is the first beer that Moo Brew ever put in a can and is now one of two set to commemorate the brewery’s ongoing success.
Brewed using only one malt and one hop (both Tasmanian), the Single Hop tallboy quickly developed a cult following on the local craft scene.
All three of Moo Brew’s former and current head brewers – Owen Johnston (2005-2014), Dave MacGill (2014-2020) and Jack Viney (2020-present) – have reunited to create the Belgian Golden Strong Ale (330ml bottle), a special birthday beer, packaged in the bottle that started it all.
Viney reflected on the brewery’s achievements and longevity.
“It’s not often a craft brewery makes it to 20 years, and its testament to the enduring love of Moo Brew – and the efforts of the people behind it – that we’re able to pull this off.
“Getting together with our former head brewers was so special, and we’re thrilled to present a traditional Belgian-style beer (a nod to David’s beer cellar) in the OG bottle, as well as the much beloved Single Hop tallboy. We can’t wait to raise our glasses, bottles and cans at MONA and toast where we’ve come from, where we’re headed, and the loyal Moo Brew drinkers who have kept the kegs rolling,” he said.
The Single Hop will be re-released 13 November, with the Belgian Strong Ale following on 27 November.
Moo Brew returns to MONA on 22 November, taking over the lawns from 12-4:30pm to celebrate the milestone with games, giveaways, flame-grilled lawn food from MONA’s Heavy Metal Kitchen, a stout and oyster bar, OG classic brews, experimental pours and the celebratory beers.
The event will come together with the help of the museum’s chef Vince Trim and an all-Tasmanian live music lineup including Tai Harlii, エミエミ (emi emi), BOCCE, Raccoon Dog and Powderkeg.
The event will be followed by an after party at Manky Sally’s from 6pm featuring DJs, $10 pints and $15 spicy margaritas.
New merchandise including tees and totes will be released to commemorate milestone and will be available via the Moo Brew website.
The beers will be available in bottle shops and venues around Tasmania and via Moo Brew’s website.
