QBrew’s journey began as a dream shared among friends over countless beers, critiquing brews and imagining the possibilities of starting a brewery. That idea simmered for years, but to truly bring it to life, I needed to immerse myself in the wider world of beer.

In 2013, I set off on a journey of discovery, traveling overland from Bali to London. Along the way, I explored local bars, sampling the beer cultures of dozens of countries. These experiences, tasting, learning and absorbing the diversity of brewing traditions, laid the groundwork for what would one day become QBrew.

After 12 months of travel, I reached London and needed a job. I applied to a fast-growing craft brewery in Aberdeen, Scotland, one of the most dynamic in the world at the time. Thanks to my previous experience in water management in Melbourne, they recognised the connection between quality water and great beer and offered me a position. Although I had no prior brewing experience, I quickly became immersed in the craft. Over the next few years, I learned the skills and techniques that would shape my brewing journey. After four years of travel and learning, I returned home in late 2016, ready to put my ideas into action.

In early 2017, I purchased a 100L Electric Nano Brewery and set it up in a shed on our orchard. Without electricity, I relied on a petrol generator to power the system and solar lights for long brew sessions. Those early days were full of experimentation, with friends and family patiently sampling every cloudy, overly hoppy, or unpolished attempt as we worked to refine our recipes. By 2018, we built a dedicated shed for the brewery, finally connecting it to a power source and moving beyond the droning generator. From there, I juggled brewing with full-time orchard work, slowly perfecting our beer lineup over the next two years.

In 2020, we decided to take things up a notch and purchased a 1000L Steam Powered Brewery. When it arrived in late 2021, pandemic restrictions meant we had to assemble it ourselves—like piecing together an enormous 3D puzzle. After months of setup and testing, we were ready to launch. By 2022, QBrew was operational, testing the market and steadily building momentum.

In 2023, we expanded again, installing new fermenters to grow our range of beers. From a small shed powered by a generator to a fully equipped commercial brewery, QBrew’s journey has been one of persistence, creativity and a commitment to crafting beers that reflect the adventure and passion behind every pour.