'Cheers to good beers': Why Your Mates is taking off

Hit brewery officially launches brand new Warana headquarters to take beer-game to the next level

Matt Hepburn and Christen McGarry have launched their own brand of beer at Your Mates Brewery. Picture: Patrick Woods

IT ONLY takes one phone call to find out about Your Mates Brewing's philosophy.

"Cheers to good beers”, sings out on the end of Matt Hepburn's voicemail, and that's part and parcel with what they're about.

Today, Mr Hepburn and business partner Christen McGarry will officially open their Warana headquarters.

Armed with new a fermenter, it allows the boys to expand their production.

They've got lofty ambitions too, hoping to create a venue similar to Byron Bay's Stone and Wood and Brisbane's Newstead Brewing Co.

"It's been massive,” Mr Hepburn said.

"The fact we bomb dived into this business having never brewed beer is still amazing.

"We technically opened late last year, but opened on short notice.

"So this is a proper one. A way to say thanks to the people who've helped us get to where we are.”

The fledgling business, that saw the pair quit their day jobs and up everything, is now thriving.

Your Mates Brewing started out six years ago and are one of the rising stars of Queensland craft brew.

Mr Hepburn visited Balter Brewing Co on the Gold Coast at the weekend where he traded secrets.

"The bigger independent brands haven't been our competition, they've nurtured us to grow,” he said.

"And the beer presence on the Coast is great. Everyone bands together to share knowledge.

"It's really exciting to see where it heads.”

Their signature drop, Larry, was voted the second best beer in the state.

"Because we didn't have a background in brewing when we first started, we focused on one beer and did it well,” he said.

"And he is taking off. I think he is on tap in 25 Coast venues. And we're looking at every bottleo on the Coast.

"It was important for us to have sessional beer, one that appeals to all beer drinkers not just craft. You can have six of them and not get tired of it.”

Originally published as 'Cheers to good beers': Why Your Mates is taking off