“These large multinationals aren’t really interested in a diverse portfolio of beer. They would love it to be only two products but their hand is forced by independents."

Bridge Road Brewers’ story is one of the great stories of the craft beer era. It’s centred around a family-founded (and now partially employee-owned) business and features everything from a cross-hemisphere love story, global collaborations and inspired innovation to major events and even the creation of an independent micronation.

As they celebrate two decades of beers, we joined founders Ben and Maria Kraus at their ever-expanding brewery venue in Beechworth for a trip through the years – right back to the days when Maria was a ski instructor singing in a blues band in the Austrian mountains and Ben was washing glasses in a bar while learning how to make wine.

While much of the chat focuses on the evolution of Bridge Road Brewers and the manner in which they’ve pushed the story of independence as well as anyone in Australia, we also discuss their successful move into non-alc beers, beer tourism, their 20th birthday celebrations, and delicious drunken cows.

Before the main interview, Will and James cover the success of relative newcomer Eclectic Brewing at last week’s Royal Adelaide Beer & Cider Awards, the launch of our new Creating A Venue series, our Who Brews…? feature on fledgling Sydney operation Blackwattle Bar + Brewery, and the IBA’s call for submissions in support of their work around market access for indie brewers.

Start of segments:

• 11:01 – Ben & Maria Part 1
• 37:22 – Bintani Brewery Boosters
• 41:35 – Ben & Maria Part 2

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.