Wynnum’s Hudson Brewing brings craft beer to the bay
Although Brisbane’s independent craft-brewing scene traces its beginnings to the city’s inner precincts, the ensuing years have seen the movement filter outward. These days, craft breweries are popping up in increasing numbers, with many newcomers electing to cater to local communities living in Brisbane’s suburban pockets. Hudson Brewing is the latest arrival on Brisbane’s burgeoning brew scene, which has set up shop in an out-of-the-way industrial strip in the heart of Wynnum and is already cultivating a strong bayside following.
Despite the fact that Richard Hudson is now the proud owner of a full-scale production brewery, he still considers himself a home brewer at heart. For 20 years, Richard has experimented and tinkered with a multitude of beer recipes using his own 50-litre brewing system, enlisting the help of his wife Sarah and a bevy of pals to sample and provide feedback on his hobbyist handiwork over the years. When his take on an IPA started earning rave reviews from sippers, the idea to turn passion into profession took hold. Five years (and a graduate certificate in brewing) later, the couple have launched Hudson Brewing in the backstreets of Wynnum. As locals of the area, the couple prioritised finding a suitable base of operations in Wynnum over potential sites further afield. Although the craft-beer explosion had taken hold across Brisbane, the couple felt that the bayside suburbs were in need of more options for froth-loving diehards. Their dream space was unearthed in an old motor mechanic’s workshop on Gibbs Street – a sturdy structure in which Richard and Sarah could carve out a niche for themselves and open as a refuge for the local craft-beer community.
The interior refit saw the construction of a solid ironbark bar, backed by a cold room connecting to eight beer taps. The open-plan layout gives guests (the taproom can accomodate 50) an unimpeded view of Hudson’s lustrous imported brewing apparatus, which boasts a 1500-litre brew system, four 1500-litre fermenters and a bright tank affording a total volume capacity of 200,000 litres per year – a mark Richard and Sarah are keen to scale up to gradually. For now, Hudson Brewing’s eight taps are being used to dispense a core range of brews that includes a session ale, pale ale, IPA, lager and a seasonal sour. Richard – now armed with a greater knowledge of the science behind the art of brewing and equipped with more toys to play with – is eager to continue the creative forays that defined much of his home-brewing practice (early recipes often went through 15 variations). His 50-litre kit is now acting as a pilot system for experimental brews, many of which will also feature on Hudson Brewing’s remaining taps on a rotating basis. Richard and Sarah are awaiting legislation approval that will allow them to expand their drinks selection to wine and cider – ideally sourced from other local businesses. An assortment of snacks are available over the bar, including charcuterie boxes from The Big Antipasto, while local food trucks will appear onsite from Friday to Sunday to dispense and assortment of street food.
Hudson Brewing is now open to the public! Eager to quench your thirst? Head to the Stumble Guide to discover operating hours and contact details.
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