South American travels inspire new brewery and taphouse

It began with an icy long neck in South America, and now two brothers have made a career out of their love for beer. Find out about their new venture opening today >>

Spotty Dog Brewery and Taphouse, Klimt Donohoe, Domonie Donohoe, Michael Rybak, Marnie Rybak and Craig Glennon who will open on Friday at Derwent Park. Picture: Chris Kidd

Spotty Dog Brewers open their new brewery and taphouse in Derwent Park on Friday afternoon.

“We’re a small family business formed by two now brother in laws and their wives who are sisters,” co-owner Klimt Donohoe said.

“We’ve been operating in Hobart for a while, we’ve been searching for our own home.

“We found that home a few years ago and broke ground in 2021 … the cellar door is opening this weekend.”

Craig Glennon with sons-in-law Klimt Donohoe and Michael Rybak who form Spotty Dog Brewers. Photo: Nikki Davis-Jones

The two started out selling at Tasmanian markets, but as business boomed they began producing their own beer out of other breweries.

“We started out very small. We started out doing American barbecue and selling other people’s beers,” Mr Donohoe said.

“As we got bigger we moved onto doing the Taste of Tasmania and interstate festivals.”

The two were inspired to get into the beer business by their travels.

“We were in South America, we were drinking an icy long neck of beer,” Mr Donohoe said.

“We thought ‘what if I could bring this feeling back to Tasmania’.

A new brewery and taphouse will open in Derwent Park. Pic: Spotty Dog Brewers.

The brothers have since changed their inspiration.

“We’ve switched to being about our home state,” Mr Donohoe said.

“We do a blueberry beer with Westerway … we’re really trying to get that local lens and showcase that through our brewing.”

Mr Donohoe said the business wasn’t something common in the area.

“This area has been crying out for new things,” he said.

“In the area we’re in there hasn’t been there’s a small cafe, bar and brewery across the water from us, they launched maybe six months ago.”

Mr Donohoe said the space was also designed for functions.

“It’s been built in mind with the cellar door experience and for people to celebrate,” he said.

“It was important for us and our architect we gave people a beautiful view … Mt Wellington in the background is pretty stunning.”