As anyone who has visited MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, will readily attest, David Walsh doesn't do things by half. So it is with Moo Brew, the beer arm of his majestic empire on the banks of the Derwent River, just outside Hobart. Launched in 2005, Moo Brew beers come in uniquely designed bottles, feature exclusive artwork by Australian artist John Kelly and are crafted by a team of brewers led by Dave Macgill, who first worked for David as part of the security team for the vineyard's outdoor concerts.
The original brewery was encased in a glass tower atop the main Ether building with views back along the Derwent towards the Tasmanian capital. That's long gone, however, replaced by a far larger production brewers not far up the road.
It's there the brewers knock out one of the tightest and most consistent core ranges of beers in Australia, many of them having claimed major trophies since the brewery was launched. The likes of the Pilsner, Hefeweizen and Session Ale are augmented by regular limited releases too, from the barrel-aged imperial stout Archie Rose collaboration to those that have allowed the team to have lots of fun: the hunt for a Belgian pale male or head brewer Dave's spot as a what appeared to be a shampoo and conditioner model...
While the brewery is dedicated pretty much entirely to production, back at the home of Mona, you'll find a cellar door showcasing their full lineup, while other bars and restaurants throughout the site also pour Moo beers. That said, Moo Brew can be found on the mainland more than any other Tasmanian brewery at time of writing too.
