Du Cane Brewery and Dining Hall in Launceston has been named Australia’s ‘New Brewery of the Year’.
The award was presented by Beer & Brewer Magazine and was selected by a panel of industry leaders and experts, as well as being voted on by the public.
Du Cane co-owners Sam Reid and Will Horan were thrilled by the humbling recognition and said their new venture has quickly become a sought-after destination for both locals and tourists.
“We wanted to build something for the community first and foremost, but to also build a visitor experience for what Launceston has to offer,” Reid said.
“Launceston has been seen as a pass through city, but we, and the locals, feel there is so much to do in and around Launceston that it needed a hub or place that could bring all that together and celebrate it.”
The Du Cane beer selection draws inspiration from its namesake in the central highlands of Tasmania and features distinctive names like ‘Ascending Falling Mountain Pils’, ‘Hut to Hut Walk Pale’, and ‘Curled Up Copperhead Dark Lager’.
Reid said people thought they were “crazy” to take on a $2.8 million, 1,500 square-metre venue housed in a former outdoor goods store near the city’s Prince’s Square park, but says it’s worked.
“Visitors aren’t coming to Launceston to drink Boags, so we’ve wanted to celebrate everything that it means to be local.”
“The community embraced us straight away. There really wasn’t a place before for young families to go, so that demographic was a key focus and something I feel we’ve nailed amazing well.”
Du Cane is open from 12pm seven days a week at 60/64 Elizabeth Street in Launceston.
