Craft Beers

Australia’s first batch of beer earned its brewer 300 lashes, 150 now and 150 when he could bear it. Thankfully for us, James Squire was a far better brewer than he was a thief.

Experience thirst-quenching redemption in this clean-finishing pale ale. Malted wheat adds refreshing character, while the fruity infusion makes for an enticing aroma with hints of passionfruit, grapefruit and citrus.

On earning his freedom in 1795, James and his fellow freed-convicts were awarded 30 acres of NSW crown land. James cunningly rounded up those less daring souls and purchased their grants for a shilling, swindling some 970 acres on which he grew his hops and fortune.

Swindle yourself a moment to savour this refreshing dry hopped summer ale. Light straw in colour with a billowy head and bursting with tropical notes of pear and watermelon, The Swindler is the perfect summer side-kick.

Never one to let a ball and chain hold him back, ex-convict James Squire seized every opportunity his emancipation offered. His unique blend of charm, skill and luck ultimately rewarded him with an enviable fortune as Australia’s first brewer.

Arguably the best looking of the James Squire craft beer range, the highly-drinkable The Chancer is noted for its distinctive orange-golden colour, unique tropical fruit aroma, restrained bitterness and dry finish.

By hook or by crook, James Squire always found a way to source the finest hops available for his flavoursome ales. Sometimes this resulted in a good lashing and other times in a handsome reward, but always in a good story to tell.

Unlike any other craft beer, this happily hop-heavy brew reinvents itself every year. Using Crystal and Cascade hops, Hop Thief 8 has a pleasantly tropical tang, vibrant hint of citrus, and alluring scent of grapefruit and spice with floral aromas.

It’s a matter of historical fact that James Squire had an eye for the ladies, having taken a wife and three mistresses throughout his life. He left all of them something in his will, but thankfully we got the beer.

Strong, bold and with more hopping than most lagers, Four ‘Wives’ is an alluring drop with floral and herbaceous aroma, deep gold colour and spicy palate that gives way to a longer bitterness.

Every man’s life tells a story, but James Squire’s would have filled a library. From chicken thief and convict, he later found success as the Governor’s bodyguard, a publican, baker, butcher, money-lender, local constable and, of course, Australia’s first brewer.

The original James Squire brew, Nine Tales is a full-bodied, malt-driven beer characterised by its rich copper colour, toffee-caramel sweetness and nutty finish balanced against citrus hop notes.

India Pale Ales were brewed with higher alcohol and extra hops to survive long sea journeys from London to colonial India. Convict James Squire concocted his own survival plan, smuggling himself onto the ‘women’s ship’ for the arduous voyage to Australia.

An intriguingly versatile IPA, the feisty Stowaway has a rich and robust taste, earthy, resinous and malty aroma, and lingering bitter finish.

Back when rum was the unofficial currency, it took a real gambler to bet his future on brewing. But James Squire was never one to shy away from a challenge, quickly building a fortune from his brewery and tavern.

Utterly unique, Jack of Spades Porter has a more delicate complexity than a regular stout with its rich black colour, coffee and chocolate aroma, and pillowy head.

As Australia’s first brewer, James Squire grew many of the ingredients found in his first batches of brew himself. Having had an orchard on his land, it wouldn’t be surprising if he experimented with cider in his day.

Orchard Crush is a traditional cloudy cider with a fragrant, fresh aroma, a broad, clean palate and a crisp finish, making for a most refreshing choice.