Westside Ale Works Sells But The Future Still Looks Hoppy

November 20, 2024, by Will Ziebell

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Westside Ale Works Sells But The Future Still Looks Hoppy

Melbourne-based brewpub Westside Ale Works has been sold but, while the business has changed hands, Westside's future is set to resemble the first eight years. 

For owner Casey Wagner, it's something of a bittersweet moment, although he's happy to see the name and team continue under new ownership.  

“It’s been a big part of my life for the last eight years,” he told The Crafty Pint.  

The South Melbourne brewery sits just outside the city’s CBD and was launched in 2016 with Casey’s focus predominantly on the hop-forward West Coast beers he fell for in his native America. The brewery had been on the market for some time, with new owner Jonathan Treloar (pictured above right with Casey) eager to keep the brewery running largely as it has to date: the name, relaxed warehouse taproom environment, and 30 tap are all staying around.

“I was very happy to find someone who believes in Westside, wants to carry it on and keep all the employees,” Casey says.

“Plus, he’s very fond of the hop forward too, so it’s a pretty good match.”

Jonathan’s professional background is in IT and, while he’s spent some time as a homebrewer, he has brought in a brewer with a background that includes winemaking and distilling.

As for Casey, he plans to stick around for a couple of months to enable a smooth transition, before spending some time with his family in the States.

“I haven’t seen my nieces and nephews much, and then we’ll split our time between here and Australia.”

 

Westside's West Coast-style taproom.

 

Indeed, it was Casey’s desire to spend more time in his homeland that led to the decision to sell Westside; after eight years in one role, he’s keen to change directions professionally too.  

“I’ve got a little bit of family business back there so I’m back and forth more than I used to be,” Casey says. “But I was also ready for a change and a new adventure, and I’m looking for a new challenges and something else to do with my time.”

Casey says he’s loved the journey as a brewery owner, particularly his ability to experiment beyond beer. As sole owner, he's seen the brewery grow and move into a far larger space than where it started in 2016 (although the move was only a few metres along the same street) and has made beer, cider, seltzer and spirits in small batches along the way – even deciding to make his first batch of wine here too. They were also the first brewery to act as a Pint of Origin venue, inspiring others to follow suit.

“My expectations have been exceeded in terms of what I could do here,” he adds. “I fermented everything under the sun so that was a lot of fun.

“I’ve done everything, so it’s great to be able to do that and share it with people.”

That said, the biggest highlight has been getting to know locals and regulars over the bar, many of whom have become close friends.

“I’ve met so many nice people through the brewery,” Casey says. “Great, lifelong friends, some of who have moved away and we travel to visit now.

“It’s great to have met so many wonderful people along the way.”

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