There’s tough competition for brewery space in Sydney’s Inner West but Willie The Boatman have become something of a staple in the local scene.
Based in St. Peter’s, not far from Batch Brewing, Willie The Boatman are producing a core range of beers in kegs and bombers. They also have a light and breezy brewery bar which caters primarily to locals.
Alongside an approachable core line up, Willie The Boatman have also branched out into dark ales and light, tart gose-style beers. With an ESB, an IPA, and some seasonal summer ales and dark beers, Willie The Boatman have spanned a range of styles that fit a number of occasions.
Their beers can be found at many craft-inclined pubs in all corners of the city.
The name of the brewery comes from a Scottish convict who would row people down the river in Tempe. So from their very name they’re rooted in the local history and community which is the way they’ve continued.
They even released a beer in honour of local MP Anthony Albanese – the Albo Ale. Albanese was there at the launch of the Inner West Brewers Association, of which Willie The Boatman is a founding member.
The story behind the brewery is a familiar one; homebrewing mates who decided to make a go of it. It’s never an easy road but it’s a story that, in 2015 when they opened their doors to the public, impressed enough people to keep those doors open.
Their commitment to the community is stated explicitly, it’s who they are and in terms of goals, is on par with the desire and ambition to make great beer. The brewery itself is a celebration of community and beer fits into that naturally.
Beers:
- Albo (Corn Ale)
- Todd’s Trailer Ale (Pale Ale)
- Crazy Ivan (IPA)
- Black Bunny (Dark Ale)
- Marrickville Lager
- Salty Melon (Gose)
- The Bulger (ESB)
- Old Salty (Gose)
- Sorry Anne (Summer Ale)