Before the tap list you know today, there were just a handful of beers that defined the Bridge Road mission: brew with curiosity, lead with character and open Australia to a whole new world of beer.
In the beginning, it was the Australian Ale, the Dark Ale and the now-iconic Beechworth Pale Ale leading the charge.
But then there was the Chevalier Saison.
First brewed in late 2005 and packaged into 750ml sparkling wine bottles, it was a bit of an outlier. At the time, Saison wasn’t exactly a staple on Australian shelves. Craft beer was still in its infancy, and a regional brewery making farmhouse-inspired Belgian styles was almost unheard of.
Looking outward, brewing locally and trusting our drinkers to come on the journey with us has been at the core of Bridge Road since day one.
Some of those early beers became legends. Some were fleeting experiments. A few were probably ideas we should have documented a little better. But they all gave us the confidence to keep pushing the boundaries of what a regional brewery could be.
What was the first Bridge Road beer you remember trying?
2005 was a big year for world-changing debuts. YouTube launched, Grey’s Anatomy hit the screen and in a small backyard shed in Beechworth, Bridge Road Brewers poured its first pint.
It started with a simple dream: to bring better beer to regional Victoria. It was an all hands on deck build by Ben, Maria, family and friends. Many of who are still with us today.
The first iteration of the brewery was "micro" in every sense. We crammed a 10HL brewhouse, a bar, a tasting room and a bottling line into Ben’s parents’ shed on Bridge Road. It was tight, it was busy and it gave us everything. It is beer we believe in today.
Over the next 21 days, we’re counting down to our 21st anniversary by sharing the moments, the beers and the people that shaped us.
But this story is yours as much as ours.
Were you there in the early days? We want to hear about your first taste of a BRB beer, your first date with us third-wheeling and cheering you on, the run club that taught you the true meaning of a hard earned thirst, or falling in love with the place we call home.
Share your photos, words or stories with us. We’ll be reposting memories throughout the countdown.
Bridge Road Brewers were absolutely stoked to be waiting for you at the finish line for this years epic Ballarat Marathon, keeping the celebrations going with a can of Free Time.
Cheers to all the runners, the support crews and the incredible energy you brought to the weekend🍻
#RuntheRat
Img Credit: @medadesignau
Free Time Stout is Back ⚫️🍺
You tried it, you loved it. It's now back in stock once more. Bringing a classic winter style to the Free Time family, FT Stout is back for maximum enjoyment on the shorter days and colder nights.
Elegantly balancing earthy hops and roasted malts with a velvety smooth finish, Free Time Stout is your new favourite winter warmer... Without the booze.
Double down on the Free Time limiteds with a Sampler Case mixing Stout, Lager and Fresh Hop Hazy in the one 24 can pack! Get it at the link in bio
It's Here! Our Aussie craft classic, now alc-free 🍺+0️⃣
When Ben first brewed Beechworth Pale in his Dad's shed back in 2015, the plan was to craft a beer with real substance - balanced and tasty, a beer that made people think a little about what was in their pot.
21 years on it's become the backbone of Bridge Road Brewers, our loving tribute to this wonderful place we call home.
We never stand still, so we're proud today to launch the modern evolution - Beechworth Pale Zero 🙌 Brewed with the same hop aroma and flavour you know and love, now crafted without alcohol.
Get yours now, in venue and at the link in bio
Fresh Hops, Zero Alc 🌾🍺
You know Hazy and Dark Harvest, now meet their zero alcohol partner in Hop Harvest brewing.
Free Time Fresh Hop Hazy is Australia's first non-alc to use fresh hop cones - blending the classic bill of Citra, Simcoe and Mosaic with a mountain of fresh Galaxy, picked and added to the beer same-day.
A whole new level of alc-free flavour in a supremely drinkable Hazy Pale. On tap at Beechworth, in cans everywhere. Get yours today at the link in bio
Finish line refreshment done right. Your hosts @bridgeroadbrewers have made the official event beer. Dialled in to aid recovery and post ride euphoria 😎
That's a wrap on this year's @thehighcountryhop - Our biggest ever (and sold out) edition with 1600 of you joining us.
Thanks to all our sponsors, especially @hopproductsaustralia for supplying the hops that make the festival pop!
What a day it was. Amazing music, food, family fun and of course some killer drinks.
Big shout out to our brewer guests - @stonebrewing all the way from Cali, @stompinggroundbeer@capitalbrewing@philterbrewing@blackmansbrewery@rockyridgebrewing for making the trek to #beechworth as well our local fam @highcountrybrewerytrail
Extra special thanks to the Beechworth community, and our sea of volunteers for helping bring it all to life.
@visitmelbourne #visitvictoria #visitmelbourne
Oh yes, it's that time of year...
A beer wrapped in Easter goodness, Eggster is your sublime holiday treat. Flying off the shelves at Beechworth and East Brunswick, our triple chocolate ale is everything a lush holiday beer should be.
Now for the showstopper - visit us in Beechworth on Easter weekend for the ultimate Eggster pour (Beer+Easter Egg) until stocks run out.
Bookings highly recommended, this one's always busy!
Buy Eggster w local pickup at the link in bio
THIS THURSDAY IS THE FINAL BRB RIDE CLUB OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS!!!! Meet @bridgeroadbrunswick 5:45pm for a 6pm rollout 🚲Sharpen the pencil with a HAPPY HOUR froth (@freetimebeer is on tap) and enjoy a no drop ride around the bike paths of Melbourne. Discounted beer for ride clubbers all night 🍺 This was the @curvecycling takeover ride from a few weeks back… what a cracker! Weather is looking promising for Thursday so get involved… I’ll buy you a beer if you don’t have fun ✌🏼
