Regional producers reign at Earth Beer

LOCAL producers are bustling with innovations nestled in the peaceful farm pocket of Cudgen.

Earth Beer Company, situated on a 25-acre avocado farm, uses the creamy fruit in their Avocado Kolsch. The paddock-to-glass brewery serves tasting glasses from a menu of small-batch craft beers with such creations as Golden Hour Red Rye, Bonfire

Choc Bourbon Stout, and Honeycomb Pale Ale.

Co-manager Ryan Smith said there was a unique bond between the low-impact brewery and local producers.

“The beer you’re tasting now, the Sweet Potato Golden Roots, was made from the sweet potatoes grown just over there.

“The farmers are dropping by soon for a beer.”

The reclaimed tin packing shed, now a shopfront and bar, gleams with shiny equipment and hardwood tables. The grassy outdoor seating has a spacious, family-friendly atmosphere.

Food choices are abundant, ranging from Foodie Crew’s gourmet platters to a more modest self-serve “Make your own plate” option from a fridge stocked with local olives, cheeses, and small goods. Local food trucks provide good food and value for money.

The nearby farmers arrived resplendent upon a tractor for a social Friday afternoon knockoff beverage.

It is a family affair at nearby Cudgen Road Farms, and Jane Pritchard, farmer and operations manager, said it was a close-knit bunch.

“Stuart is my brother, Matthew is my husband, Henry is my brother-in-law, Jake is my nephew, Daniel works for Stu, and Lachie works for us,” she said.

“We love being part of this area. We’re all neighbours, we know each other, our kids all go to the same school. We support each other in building sustainable businesses. Cudgen is a magnificent food bowl.”

A rich program of events includes a series of information talks, Stuff That Folks Should Know, covering various topics such as brewing, fermentation, and other time-honoured skills.

Brewery tours, tastings, new comedy nights, Friday afternoon live music, and feature events such as the Earth Beer Choir are all hitting the sweet spot with patrons.

The region’s producers are flourishing together as a vibrant food destination and artisan producer nexus, drawing visitors and locals alike.

Earth Beer is open to the public from Friday to Sunday. For more information, head to earthbeercompany.com.au