Earlier this year, I had the good fortune to work at Sydney GABS – the Great Australian Beer Spectapular. I pulled beers for one of the four up-and-coming breweries on the Up-and-Comers stand, namely SurfCraft Brewing Co. I absolutely loved the experience of watching two GABS sessions unfold from the opening bell to the chaotic and messy endings. I then enjoyed the experience of being on the other side of the bar.
Part of the fun of being on the Up-and-Comers stand was working alongside the blokes from Good Folk Brewing Company. These boys know how to have a good time, as well as knowing how to brew fun and interactive beers. Whilst SurfCraft had the best IPA at GABS (Magic Sam), Good Folk’s Maple, Blueberry and Biscoff Pancake Stout was hugely popular for the novel use of dunking biscuits as part of the drinking experience.
We spent plenty of time cross-promoting each other’s beers.
The good blokes from Good Folk slung a couple of vouchers for a free beer – “Should you ever find your way up to Hamilton, mate”.
And a couple of months ago, I did.
Can’t say I’ve ever knowingly been to Hamilton, but the main drag is pretty impressive with a mixture of big brands and local joints.
Good Folk’s Brewhouse is smack bang in the middle (address) and right next door to another fine establishment – The Blind Monk, which also serves the odd Good Folk beer.
The Brewhouse is deep and long. Plenty of high tables at the front, a nice long bar with 10 taps of Good Folk’s finest and a fridge of “Nice Cans” and brewing equipment at the back. 9 taps pour Good Folk beer ranging from their core Danny’s Wedge, Normal Beer (Lager) and Black to a limited edition Stout. All bases are covered with a NEIPA, an IPA and a native sour. For mine the black is a stand-out. I had it at 7th Day in Brookvale and was impressed by its classic dry roastiness.
I had to be in-and-out as I was flying to Melbourne that evening. A shame because Good Folk warrants a long session. I’ll be back.
Good Folk Brewing: 80 Beaumont Street, Hamilton NSW
back of the ferry 