To run a successful brewpub, there are many elements you need to nail, many codes you need to crack.
Fortunately, Cypher Brewing Co don’t just have the right name when it comes to craft beer cryptography: they’ve got the right space and plenty of good ideas, too.
For one, there’s the neighbourhood they chose to make their home: Gungahlin, a suburb in Canberra’s north.
Founders Jeff Wilson-Shipley, Rachelle Loosen, Benn Masters and Leo Valenzuela weren’t just brought together by a love of craft beer and brewing, but a joint desire to build a community. And this desire made Gungahlin such an appealing location for a family-friendly brewpub.
In the years before they opened, the suburb had been growing fast, with new residents moving in alongside a steady stream of retailers and other businesses not just servicing locals but also drawing them in from further afield. The fact the light rail literally zips past Cypher’s front door only further cemented their decision as the right one.
Call in during the week and you’ll find locals alighting to grab a freshly-brewed beer on the walk home; on weekends, you might be joined by a family that has stopped in for lunch before heading out for the day.
After opening in April 2023, Cypher wasted little time impressing with their beers. The founders hired Matt Thiele, who had spent years honing his brewing skills down the road at Capital and was keen to take greater control over his brewing. Matt’s creations fill Cypher’s dozen taps, and range from their flagship Aussie pale ale, Shooeys, into double IPA or imperial stout territory. It’s a broad spectrum of beers that aims to suit every palate, from those new to craft to those who have been drinking traditional or more experimental styles locally ever since the Wig & Pen started changing Canberrans’ perceptions of beer three decades earlier.
Matt’s approach is to be constantly refining, experimenting and developing new recipes; and, as a brewery built by and for locals, the Cypher team often turns to the patrons that fill the venue for inspiration. If they’re seeking more hops, then a new double hazy IPA will soon start flowing; if they’re worried about a hot Canberra summer, they won’t be waiting long for a light, refreshing sour to appear.
Beyond the recipes, those beers feature stylised artwork which recalls classic tabletop games: overtime, a beer gallery is slowly building that showcases Cypher’s branding as well as brewing creativity. Speaking of which, a floor-to-roof mural lines one wall and features their Adventure Lord smoothie sour: a beer conditioned under mountains of peach and mango.
Brewing takes place on a 15-hectolitre Spark brewhouse, while the venue’s open layout means visitors can watch the brewers hard at work as they enjoy one of their creations. The brewpub offers a choice of high and low tables as well as booths so there’s a suitable option whether you’re rocking up in a group or just seeking a quiet beer and a bit of solitude. You’ll find more of the same in the beer garden out front.
Alongside the beer, crowds often make their way to Gungahlin for the regular gigs, while kids are kept just as entertained as the adults thanks to the play area. Kids big and small are well looked after when it comes to food, with a menu featuring a wide selection of snacks and classic pub meals. If beer isn’t your jam, you’ll also find local wines and spirits on offer, as well as a selection of housemade cocktails.
You don’t need to head to Gungahlin to enjoy the Cypher experience, however. As well as putting some of their beers into cans at indie bottleshops, their mobile bar is a frequent sight at events across Canberra too.
Their motto is about unlocking the secret of great beer, and in the case of Cypher that’s manifested by an excellent brewpub where the experience is about more than the beers on tap and reaches into the community they were designed to serve. Pay them a visit and unlock the secrets for yourself.
