Hairyman Brewery is based in Caringbah in the south of Sydney and focuses on serving their core range to local beer drinkers.
Hairyman was known among many brewers and hardcore beer geeks before their beers started getting out into Sydney’s bottle shops. The brewery in the suburb of Caringbah in Sydney’s south was well known as a go-to spot for local gypsy brewers.
Gypsy Brewing Facility
Along with the likes of Casey’s, and to some extent Stockade (which sprung from the Brewpack facility), Hairyman follows in a recent trend of shared brewing facilities launching their own label.
A difference with Hairyman is that they soon opened up their taproom to the public as well. While Penrith (Casey’s) and Smeaton Grange (Brewpack/Stockade) might not be the most appealing locations for a brewery taproom, the Sutherland Shire has been short of good options for the local population that is thirsty for good beer.
Hairyman is now neighbours to Shark Island based in Kirrawee.
Eccentric Character
The name and personification of the brewery comes from the legend of the “Wild Hairyman of Botany Bay”, an eccentric character who was said to roam the area in the 1800s. This cheeky, oddball and naughty theme flows through into the character of the brewery.
The Beers
Hairyman launched with three core beers; a pale ale, a hoppy lager, and a dark ale. They were quick off the mark with canning their pale ale ahead of the Christmas 2017 rush and started springing up at the likes of The Oak Barrel.
Soon after, they brewed a gose style beer which popped up around Sydney, including on tap at then newly launched The Sausage Factory.
So far, it’s been an ambitious start for Hairyman Brewery and one that, to date, seems to be paying off. A focus on a tight core range with the occasional speciality release, a cellar door that’s open all week, and serving their local customers first should leave them in good stead for the future.
Beers:
- Lawson’s Legend Pale Ale
- Cory’s Claim Dark Ale
- Follet’s Fable Pacific Lager