Crafting a Legacy: How Brisbane Brewing Co. Sparked Brisbane’s Craft Beer Boom
Since 2005, Brisbane Brewing Co. has played a pioneering role in shaping Brisbane’s independent beer culture—long before the city’s craft scene became the phenomenon it is today
A Head Start in Hops: Before Craft Was Cool
In the early 2000s, Brisbane’s beer scene was still dominated by mainstream lagers. Pubs poured the usual suspects, and the idea of small-batch, hand-crafted beer was a novelty at best. But for Grant and Michelle Clark, returning from the UK with a love for localised brewing and community-focused pubs, that just wouldn’t do.
So in 2005, they opened one of Brisbane’s first independent microbreweries—Brisbane Brewing Co.—right in the heart of the CBD. It was more than a venue; it was a vision.
“Inspired by the theatre of brewpubs in Europe—where the beer is made metres from where it’s poured—we wanted to bring that experience to Brisbane,” Michelle recalls in a recent interview.
This was years before craft beer became a buzzword. At a time when few dared to challenge the beer giants, BBCo tapped into something Brisbane didn’t know it was thirsty for: locally made, small-batch brews served with soul.
The Rise of Craft Beer—and BBCo’s Role in It
By the mid-2010s, craft beer had exploded across Australia. According to the Independent Brewers Association, the number of independent breweries in Australia has more than tripled since 2012. But while many joined the movement later, BBCo had already laid the groundwork.
After the original CBD site was sold, the Clarks moved their operation to Woolloongabba in 2010 and later expanded to a dedicated brewing facility and bar in West End in 2015. Both venues became hubs for lovers of fresh beer and proper hospitality—long before it was trendy.
BBCo has maintained a fierce focus on independence, creativity, and consistency. That’s a rare combination in an industry that’s seen major acquisitions change the face of “craft” altogether.
“We were independent before it was a thing,” says Grant. “And we’re still independent now. That matters to us—and to our locals.”
Beers That Built a Community
From their iconic Brisbane Pale Ale (BPA) to more adventurous brews like the My Wife’s Bitter, BBCo’s range reflects a deep understanding of local palates. It’s beer made for Brisbane, by Brisbanites.
Their recent release of Clarence Ginger Beer pays tribute to the historic Woolloongabba pub, once known as The Clarence, first built in 1863. With no clear answer ever found as to why it was named that, BBCo turned the mystery into a feature—bottling local lore in every batch.
This storytelling, paired with consistent quality, has kept the brand not just relevant, but beloved.
As the Crafty Pint noted in a retrospective on BBCo’s journey: “What started as a small passion project has become one of the anchors of Brisbane’s indie beer culture.”
Setting the Standard for What's Next
In 2021, BBCo launched their first canned range, expanding their reach while staying true to their taproom roots. The same year, they launched Reservoir Spirits—small-batch gin and vodka crafted in-house. It’s a natural extension for a team that’s always ahead of the curve.
BBCo’s story is proof that when you combine passion with patience, and craft with community, you don’t just follow trends—you set them.
