Volcanic Brewery support erupts

VOLCANIC Brewery’s official opening at the weekend blew the top off all expectations with a large crowd filling the bar and outside areas behind the Toowoomba Home Brew store in James St.

Owner Peter Burton said bar staff were kept very busy with a line-up of thirsty patrons about 20-deep for most of the afternoon.

“We’ve been absolutely smashed since we opened about 1 o’clock,” he said during a rare break on the brewery’s opening day.

“A lot of people are from out of town.

“There are people here from Dubbo, Gladstone, Westmar… it’s amazing.

“Some of them have brought their kids too and they’ve been enjoying softdrinks and chips.”

Mr Burton and his wife Toni are well-known on the local home-brewing scene in Toowoomba.

A range of brews were on hand and the tasting trays which hold six different beers proved very popular.

The beers, which are brewed on site, include Toowoomba Premium Pils, Pale Ale, Xtra Pale Ale, IPA, Amber Ale and Stout.

Even the polished timber bar has a history at the site.

“The bar is made out of the wood from the old mezzanine floor that used to be here,” Mr Burton said.

The new brewery certainly was a hit with Toowoomba businessman and beer connoisseur Steve Andrews.

“I’ve tried the tasting tray and I must say the beer is quite good,” he said, whiping the froth from his dial.

“I think they’ve done very well.”

Photos: Kevin Farmer BEARDS AND BREWS: Megan and Garry Hadlow sample the beers on Volcanic Brewery’s opening day at the weekend.

Annabelle Brownlie and daughter opening day at the weekend. Lucy at the Volcanic Brewing

Volcanic Brewing owner Peter Burton (left) shows Alex Ahrens the brewery’s selections on opening day.

Tasting the Volcanic Brewery beer are (from left) Perry Belford, Wayne Power and Michael Higgins.

Enjoying Toowoomba’s newest craft beer are (from left) Kristen Curtis, Andrew Peredi and Kieren Magey.