It was one year ago that the Mackay community excitedly came together to check out the new watering hole in town, Red Dog Brewery.
Offering fresh and flavourful beers made onsite, as well as a unique range of independent spirits and drinks, Red Dog clearly filled a gap in the market because, one year on, the brewery is going stronger than ever and is excited to invite everyone back for a big first birthday celebration.
Celebrations will kick off with beers pouring from 1:00pm tomorrow, Saturday April 1.
The brewery’s “Win Your Weight in Beer” promotion will get underway at 4:00pm, with draws every half hour until the main draw at 7:00pm, followed by a headline set from local band Wild Sky to entertain crowds into the night.
Head Brewer Jamie “Woodsy” Woods reflected on the year; the result of a bold decision to leave his office job and follow his passion for beer.
“It’s been a great ride so far,” he said.
“Everyone’s been really supportive, and we just keep doing what we do, and people keep showing up and supporting us.”
Throughout the year, the team at Red Dog has experimented with 10 different beers, all suited to the Mackay market, with their red ale even claiming 34th spot in the GABS Aussie Craft Beers New Releases Hottest 100.
The newest drop launches tomorrow, a session XPA that has become Jamie’s favourite.
“It’s a mid-strength, hoppy American pale ale,” he said.
“It’s right where I want it to be; it’s not super heavy in terms of alcohol content but it’s got all the flavours that you want in a craft beer.
“I think it’ll be popular.”
You may have also enjoyed a schooner of Red Dog at other venues including Hotel Mackay, The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, Bar 94, Rare and Mackay Golf Club, with the brewery selling wholesale throughout the region.
They’ve also expanded to include a truck bar and are about to begin canning their beers, so enjoying a Red Dog beer is about to become easier than ever.
Not only has Red Dog provided the Mackay community with a unique watering hole, but the brewery has fostered many local musicians over the year, serving as an ideal location for live music.
The brewery has extended their license area for tomorrow’s celebrations and will have the pizza kitchen pumping out delicious hot pizzas.
“For those people that are thinking, ‘Should we come?’ definitely come out because we’ve got plenty of extra space for everyone,” Jamie said.
After a year of highlights, celebrations and memories made, Jamie is looking forward to commemorating the milestone in style and said there’s more to come.
“There’s something exciting in the works that we’ll be able to share with everyone shortly,” he said.
WHAT: Red Dog Brewery’s 1st Birthday
WHEN: Saturday, April 1 from 1:00pm
WHERE: Red Dog Brewery
Woodsy and the team are celebrating one year ofRed Dog Brewery tomorrow. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
