Welcome to Local Territory Flavour! I'm Monica, here with my co-host, Briant. Today, we're chatting with Ryan, the owner of Darwin Brewing Supplies and Darwin Brewing Co.
Listen to the podcast here
The Beginning of a Brewing Journey
Ryan’s story begins like many passionate brewers: with a home brewing kit. In 2015, Ryan’s girlfriend gifted him a Cooper’s kit, which sparked his initial interest in brewing. Despite a slow start and some initial hiccups, Ryan’s passion for brewing only grew. His journey from a humble home brewer to a business owner in Darwin showcases the dedication and enthusiasm he has for the craft.
From Home Brewer to Business Owner
Ryan didn’t initially set out to open a retail store. After gaining commercial experience in breweries in Canada, he returned to Darwin. The onset of COVID-19 provided the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into his brewing hobby. With a stockpile of supplies, Ryan and his partner Anna decided to open an online shop for home brewers. The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to the establishment of Darwin Brewing Supplies.
The Impact on the Local Community
Briant recalls how discovering Ryan’s shop simplified his own home brewing journey. The supportive environment and expertise available at Darwin Brewing Supplies have inspired many locals.
Celebrating Local Flavours
Darwin Brewing Co. focuses on creating beers that resonate with both locals and tourists. The Darwin Bitter, an English-style special bitter, captures the essence of the region with its malt-driven profile and refreshing bitterness. Another notable creation is the tropical stout, a nod to Caribbean brewing traditions. This unique beer, which combines the richness of a stout with tropical yeast esters, showcases the innovative spirit of the brewery.
The Importance of Community
Ryan emphasises the importance of the local community in the brewery’s success. Events like tap takeovers at local establishments, such as the upcoming one at the Last Supper, foster a sense of community and allow locals to connect with the brewing process. These events highlight the brewery's commitment to supporting local businesses and engaging with the community.
Fresh Wort Kits: Bringing Brewing to Your Home
One of the standout products from Darwin Brewing Supplies is the Fresh Wort Kits. These kits allow home brewers to create high-quality beer with ease. Briant shares his positive experience with these kits, noting how they have transformed his home brewing process. The convenience and quality of the Fresh Wort Kits have made them a favourite among local brewers.
Future Outlook for this Local Brewery
Ryan and his team have big plans for the future, including the opening of a tap room where locals can enjoy their beers in a dedicated space. This new venture will further strengthen the connection between the brewery and the community. Despite the challenges faced by small businesses, Ryan remains motivated by the progress made and the exciting opportunities ahead.
Find out more about Darwin Brewing Supplies
Thank you to the NTG and Arts NT Mentoring Grants for supporting us to make this podcast a reality. And, a massive shout out to Brent Watkinson: Entertainment and events consultant, Comedian, MC, Radio & Podcast host, Owner operator of Sounds Familiar NT and Fruit Bat Entertainment Integrated Account Manager at kwpx - for mentoring me.
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