Bargara Brewing Company will be serving up their old favourites and adding a few new brews to the selection after the business recently merged with Ballistic Beer Co.
The Brisbane-based company has just added the Bundaberg Region brewery to its growing portfolio.
Bargara Brewing Company, originally established by Jack and Jacinta Milbank in 2014 and located at The Brewhouse in the CBD, is one of two breweries that Ballistic has purchased in recent times – with the business also taking over Whitsunday Island Brewing Company.
Ballistic Beer Co CEO David Kitchen said the purchase of the two established businesses would boost the company's brewing capacity and drive group sales by 20 per cent in the next year.
“Bundaberg and the Whitsundays have thriving populations as well as being domestic and international tourist destinations,” he said.
“They are underserved by craft breweries, which presents a golden and frothy opportunity for our award-winning Ballistic beers.”
Mr Kitchen said Ballistic had seen steady growth in its five years of operation but did not believe they could claim to be Queensland’s number one craft beer unless they were also present in Central and North Queensland.
The Bundaberg expansion is the latest phase in Ballistic's drive to become Queensland’s largest independent brewery and means the company can distribute more fresh beer up and down the Queensland coast.
Old favourites, new brews available at Bargara Brewing Company
Mr Kitchen said Bargara Brewing Company's established brands like Thirsty Turtle Lager, Ray XPA and Rusty Roo Red Ale would continue to be an integral part of the brewery's offering.
He said The Brewhouse would also offer one-off beers made by local brewer Andrew Clark, as well as beers from the main brewery in Brisbane.
“The takeover of Bargara Brewing and its much-loved venue, The Brewhouse, is bringing the taste sensation of Ballistic Beer to consumers across the Wide Bay region,” he said.
“It will be rewarding to work with Jack and Jacinta Millbank who made Bargara Brewing what it is – and now take it to the next level.
“It will be a place that locals can support and enjoy craft beers that they will be proud of.”
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I have loved Bargara Brewing and The Brewhouse for many years and it is, despite my love for Ballistic Beer, sad to see it taken over. I wish that Ballistic had just worked with the locals to do this as a joint effort instead of buying them out.
Michelle, our original plan was to work with Jack, the owner, but there were a number of complications, not the least of which was that Jack has several new business ventures and does not have time to give Bargara Brewing the love he had previously. Jack will remain an integral part of Ballistic/Bargara and we will be continuing with your favourite brews there. Andrew, the long-time Bargara brewer will be remaining to continue to brew up a storm, and all other staff there will remain, as well. This is a lot more about supporting Bargara and making sure that coming out of COVID it is in a position to return to its former glory. I hope you find the Brewhouse is still the same welcoming place you have found it to be previously.
Cheers David