Boys from Fortitude Brewing Company say cheers to industry recognition

TWO schoolmates tipped their winnings from a “quaddie’ at the track into a craft brewery at Mount Tamborine.

Gerard Connors (left), Jim O'Connor, and head brewer Ian Watson, Head Brewer of Fortitude Brewing Company at Mount Tamborine celebrate their Golden Ale being named a finalist for best draught beer in the 2015 Australian Liquor Industry Awards. Picture: Regi Varghese

TWO schoolmates tipped their winnings from a “quaddie’ at the track into a craft brewery at Mount Tamborine.

Less than three years after tapping their first keg, the boys from Fortitude Brewing Company are in the running to receive their biggest accolade to date — the company’s Golden Ale has been named a finalist in the Australian Liquor Industry Awards for best draught beer.

Gerard “Ged” Connors and Jim O’Connor are frothing the start-up they founded in March 2013 is on track for recognition with the best in the industry toasting their praises.

The FBC journey began after the two Brisbane schoolmates met again by accident several years ago.

Ged, when he is not tinkering with a home brew kit honing his love of craft beer, is one of Queensland’s most respected heart and vascular doctors.

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Jim was a successful accountant who had worked overseas before heading his own business.

“We both like the races and when we each turned a few bucks on a quaddie into a few thousand, Ged said “lets start a brewery”,” Mr O’Connor said.

Gerard Connors, Jim O'Connor, (both directors) and Ian Watson, head brewer, at Fortitude Brewing Company. Photo: Regi Varghese

The pair bought a pilot brewing system, brought in Ian Watson, a former plumber who became a respected head brewer and Australia’s first working beer sommelier, and set about producing innovative, high quality and consistent craft beer under the Fortitude label and a more experimental “extreme” beer under the Noisy Minor brand.

With their product fast becoming a favourite with south east Queenslanders, the partners took over the former MT Brewery at Mount Tamborine in January 2014 to keep pace with demand.

Mr O’Connor said the guys were gobsmacked that their “little south east Queensland brewery” is now one of the state’s fastest growing craft beer brands and they are a finalist in an award dominated by the big players.

The Fortitude Brewing Company boys celebrate the nominations for a Australian Liquor Industry Award.

FBCs Golden Ale is up against international brewing giants Asahi and Peroni and domestic brewers including Carlton Draught, Little Creatures, Stone & Wood and James Squire.

“We are so excited our Golden Ale is being recognised by the industry especially after being in business for such a short time,” he said.

“With Golden Ale, we wanted to create a beer that was perfect for drinking on a hot, sunny day, but retained the flavour of a true craft beer.”

Fittingly, the winners will be announced at Randwick Racecourse on October 21.

“I’m already thinking about putting on another quaddie, hoping to repeat our luck,” Mr O’Connor said.