What’s on: Top Darwin beers are hops, sip and a jump away

Have you ever driven down Dick Ward Drive and seen the big dark blue building on the corner of Totem Rd and wondered if you could stop in for a beer? Now you can, writes Kate Dinning.

Darwin Brewing Co XPA on tap in the Top End. Picture: Kate Dinning

Who got into Halloween this year? I never really got much into the Halloween celebrations.

But if you are a celebrator, and you’re still in the mood to get dressed up or get bang for your buck out of your costume, get your gear (and gore) on for the Electric Storm music festival at the Ski Club tonight!

If golf is more your thing, you can also join the Halloween Ambrose at the Gardens Golf Course today.

If your costumes are safely tucked away in the closet, I’ve got another treat for you.

Have you ever driven down Dick Ward Drive and seen the big dark blue building on the corner of Totem Rd, with the Darwin Brewing Co sign and wondered if you could stop in for a beer?

Great news my friends, now you can!

It’s a real Territory story: owner Ryan Lucas started home brewing in Alice Springs in 2015 – fast forward to an overseas move and a move to Darwin later, and he now has an advanced certificate in Beer Production.

Darwin Brewing Co beer overlooking the ocean. Picture: Kate Dinning

In 2020, Ryan launched into the wild world of beer, launching Darwin Brewing Supplies, which is now Darwin’s one-stop shop for brewing and distilling equipment and ingredients. Not wanting to stop brewing himself, he soon launched Darwin Brewing Co, which you may have seen on taps around town: Porkin, Patty Shack, Last Supper and Greenhouse to name a few.

Today from 2pm, the Darwin Brewing Co. Taproom will come to life!

It’s been four years in the making, and Ryan couldn’t be more excited to be serving up locally hand-crafted beers and pizzas from the new, intimate venue inside the Darwin Brewing Supplies store.

It’s a beer extravaganza!

On tap, you’ll find a variety of beers at any one time, like the Small Hazy, XPA, Pale Ale, Irish Red Ale, Darwin Bitter, Lager, Mid Strength Lager, and even a Tropical Stout.

Darwin Brewing Co on tap in the Top End. Picture: Kate Dinning

They say it’s dark and sweet, like a storm on a wet season afternoon!

But the hero brew?

“I think our hero beer is probably the Darwin Bitter, specifically designed for Territorians who want to drink full-flavoured beer. It’s golden amber in colour and has an assertive hoppiness - I think it’s a fantastic complement to our climate,” Ryan said.

And if you’re worried about opening during the Build-Up / Wet Season - don’t worry, it’s inside the store, so it’s air-conditioned!

Ryan says it’s going to be a nice slow build, and solid opening hours will be determined by demand – so if you’re in the area between Tuesday - Saturday, make sure you pop in and check it out.

“I named it Darwin Brewing Co because we are honoured to be an example of people having a crack, forging their own path, supporting local venues and businesses - and brewing a bloody good beer to go with our bloody good lifestyle. I hope you enjoy it!”