For those unaware, Brisbane is not just the capital of Queensland but the capital of Australia’s burgeoning urban brewing community. Evidently they are big fans of beer up north, particularly of the craft kind, with the city’s urban breweries numbering at 17 of the country’s 49 in 2017 alone.

The latest addition to the river city’s brewery options is Felons Brewing Co, yet another outlet in the revamped Howard Smith Wharves precinct, which opened yesterday.

The space is a working wholesale and retail brewery that will serve up both pub grub and craft beers to the masses. All housed in an industrial chic shed, decorated with its name painted in black lettering across its roof. You literally can’t miss it.

“We are proud of being able to bring a brewery to the people of Brisbane right on their riverfront,” says Howard Smith Wharves founder Adam Flaskas of the brewery addition to the much lauded redevelopment. “It felt like a fitting nod to the past that we put the brewery name on the roof, as how Howard Smith had originally done when he inhabited the warehouses. This is just another step in bringing Howard Smith Wharves back to their former glory. Over the coming months, you will be able to see more names go onto the remaining two sheds.”

A brewery is the perfect way to breathe new life into the once empty space says Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk. “For many years the heritage-listed wharf buildings have been closed to the public, however, thanks to a three-year restoration project, the precinct has been reimagined into a vibrant lifestyle precinct for both residents and tourists.”

As its name suggests, the brewery was named in ode to the four felons who were the first settlers to discover the Brisbane River. It’s a celebration of the Queensland capital’s history, as well as (of course) its passion for a good brew.  “We fell in love with the story of the felons who were the first – after local indigenous Australians – to discover Brisbane River,” says General Manager Ash Cranston “It seemed to reflect our core values of discovery, freedom and fearlessness, and it made sense to name ourselves after a story linked to the foundation of Brisbane, and the river where our home is.”

“We’re focusing on brewing natural and balanced beers of no fuss, and we won’t compromise when it comes to quality and consistency. We are really conscious of keeping our impact on the planet as low as possible – during my many years in brewing I’ve learnt the little things count as much as the big initiatives,” Head Brewer Tom Champion continued.

Felons Brewing Co.
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City
felonsbrewingco.com.au