Australia’s first dedicated gluten free taproom and brewery has opened to the public in Dromana, on Victoria’s Morning Peninsula.
The taproom opening marks a major milestone for TwoBays as it moves on making its range of gluten free beers available to the Australian market. The opening saw the taproom offering seven gluten free beers on tap, plus a range of gluten free wood-fired pizzas.
Founder Richard Jeffares said he was inspired to create the brewery and taproom after travelling to the United States in 2016 and discovering a number of dedicated gluten free brewpubs and taprooms.
“I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease in 2015 and I thought I would never taste great beer again,” Jeffares said. “Three and a half years later, I am opening Australia’s first dedicated gluten free craft beer taproom so that people with gluten intolerances have the opportunity to enjoy a beer with family and friends once more.”
Head Brewer Andrew Gow has 20 years’ experience in brewing with both Mountain Goat and Mornington Peninsula Brewery, but this is his first venture with gluten free grains.
“Brewing with gluten free grains such as millet, rice and buckwheat offers a fresh set of challenges and new sensory experiences,” Gow said. “It’s early days but I see no reason why we can’t make beers for everyone to enjoy, gluten intolerant or not.”
TwoBays is set for an online release of its packaged Coeliac Australia-certified Pale Ale direct to customers across Australia in early 2019 – although its early supporters will have the opportunity to purchase the first release later this month. Packaged Pilsner and IPA will follow later next year.