I’ve been to some remote breweries over the years. Death Valley, Purple Mango and Canoelands spring to mind. Deepwater Brewing is as remote as it gets. It is just off the New England Highway on the Emmaville Road south of the village of Deepwater. Whilst it is just off a major road between Sydney and Brisbane – unless you are a local (Glen Innes or Tenterfield), you really need to plan to go there.
Fortunately, for 48 hours, I was a Tenterfield local. I visited my daughter who is a paramedic there. The town of Deepwater is 50km of Tenterfield and is a classic town where buildings of yesteryear have been preserved, but there is no longer any action. The train station is lovingly preserved, however no train has passed through for a long time.
The brewery set up is magnificent. And the beer matches the set up. The bar and inside tables have been lovingly hand made. It gets bloody cold up this way in winter and the fire would get a solid work out.
As good as the inside is, the star for me is the outdoor tables with views through the hop gardens to the north and the countryside. It is bucolic beer drinking at its finest with views of Simpsons-Intro style clouds over the paddocks. Plenty of room for rugs on the grass as well. There’s an awesome boule court that would get a solid workout.
Best to phone ahead to find when pizzas are on. The mail is that they are good. My daughter and o enjoyed a monster cheese and salami platter. Good reason to bring four of your mates next time – we couldn’t come close to finishing it.
The beers are seriously good. Deepwater has been going since 2017 and they’ve perfected the art. There’s a solid core range of lagers, pales and IPAs. I had two of my best beers of 2021 on this trip. Bloodline is a India Red Lager which tastes as beautiful as it looks. A malt bomb with a with a hoppy finish. Even better was Notorious, man American Brown Ale with the hops balancing the slight roastiness and maltiness. Such a pleasure to drink these off the tap. It is also fun linking the beer names to the movie or TV references.
Deepwater is getting some support around the region and much to my delight the Commercial Hotel in Tenterfield has Bloodline on tap. (Best pub in Tenterfield). The merch is top shelf with some unique headgear. My recent experience of Deeds Brewing I thought was my 2021 brewery highlight, but Deepwater topped it. Whether you are in Armidale or Tenterfield, it is well worth the travel.
Deepwater Brewing, 52 Wellington Vale Road, Deepwater NSW
The Commercial Boutique Hotel, 288 Rouse Street, Tenterfield, NSW
back of the ferry 