How the Coast's beer scene has evolved with the times

Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours now to incorporate Noosa to meet the ever-growing demand

FROTHING: Josh Donohoe has. Picture: Warren Lynam

THE only thing Josh Donohoe loves more than a good beer, is helping others quench their thirst.

The man behind the Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours is expanding to include Noosa.

On Sunday, February 25, the tour will visit three breweries - Noosa's Land and Sea, Eumundi Brewery and Cooroy's Copperhead.

Eumundi Brewery's Allan Tilden giving a tour of the brewery. Picture: Graeme Passmore Photography

Each brewery offers punters different flavours, styles and signatures, but equally appealing.

"Land and Sea are a very new brewery so it is difficult to judge, but the brewery itself is so polished and great for an easy drinking beer,” Mr Donohoe said.

"Eumundi had their brand revamped but have rebuilt it back into the pub like its glory days. They make three styles of beer.

"Copperhead are more of a restaurant and brewery with exceptional food but with 10 beers on tap.”

TAPS' Kelvin Campbell and Aydan Marshall sampling the beers at Copperhead Brewery. Picture: Graeme Passmore Photography

When Mr Donohoe began his craft beer tours 18 months ago, only three breweries existed. That number has quadrupled.

Gone are the days where beer is merely for men aged 20-45. Gone are the days where people would stick to the old faithful.

"Everyone wants to experience craft beer, girls in particular, older people, internationals. They see it as an adventure,” he said.

"Males in that age group are still the dominant beer drinker but the crowds are becoming quite diverse.

"The local produce is huge here and the breweries are teaming up with them.

"Once upon a time people would stick to the same drop but we encourage them to try different styles and they are surprised with the results. The industry is definitely not as one-dimensional as it once was.”

Lillian Bennet, Lucy Davis and Damon Strachan from Sneaky Baron enjoying beers on tour at Copperhead Restaurant Brewery. Picture: Graeme Passmore Photography