A group of Novocastrians including NRL legends Andrew and Matthew Johns have teamed up with Lion and Australian craft brewer Dr Chuck Hahn to launch the Steel City Beer Company.
Steel City Beer Company has started its campaign by launching a full-strength Australian lager, which Founder Matthew Johns is exciting to share with the region.
He said: “I’m so proud to be involved in Steel City. It tastes great and represents everything that is great about the Hunter region and its people.”
The company’s founders also include Kris and Danny Buderus, Trish Johns, Brooke and Kurt Gidley, Eloise Boughton and Craig Anderson, Paula Miller and Matthew Hoy, Nina Graham and Ryan Callinan, Oliver Semken and Sophie and Ryan Ginns.
Steel City’s Managing Director Semken said bringing Hahn’s 50 years of brewing experience to Steel City will be a key to its product quality.
“After a number of years of planning and development we are excited to announce the launch of Steel City – finally, a beer the people of the Hunter can call their own,” he said.
“Our partnership with industry leader Lion and the godfather of Australian craft brewing Chuck Hahn puts us in a great position to make great beer and deliver it in a no-nonsense manner.
“Hahn has spent the last 50 years brewing and developing some of the country’s most loved brands and beers. His involvement has been crucial in ensuring Steel City’s products are of the highest quality.”
Hahn welcomed his new role, saying: “I have had the opportunity to start up a number of breweries and create many distinctive ales and lagers. Newcastle has long been the epicentre of Australian manufacturing, and Steel City’s founders all have a meaningful connection to this region they call home.
“Steel City will brew beers that are easy drinking, refreshing and highly sessionable. We will be working closely with the Steel City brewing team and the people of Newcastle to develop brews that appeal to those who want to enjoy a range of great beers and take pride in the region and its heritage.”
Steel City will establish its first brewery in the region this year and will initially be available exclusively on-tap in the Hunter region, with a pack release due later this month.
