The Gold Coast craft brewing scene is very solid and threw plenty of surprises on my latest trip. Shocking weather prevented me participating in aquatic activities and I was forced indoors. A quick Google search revealed some names new to me and I Ubered my way to Ashmore, a suburb known for its shopping centre. Now it can also be known as the home of Madocke Bier Brewing Company.
The very friendly owners are a Belgian family that arrived on the Gold Coast in 2016 and they are very passionate about their Belgian heritage. The name Madocke comes from a series of poems written in the 13th century about a fox called Reynard. The tales of Reynard are well known in the parts of Belgian from where Anneleis and her husband come. Take a close look at the logo on the beer glass and you can see a stylised fox’s head. And if you are Belgian one thing you will be passionate about beer and the very distinctive Belgian style beers.
I was fortunate to spend time in Brussels last year and they do take their beer very seriously. Belgian yeast strains are distinctive and they aren’t afraid of a solid ABV. And Madocke have brought those flavours and styles to the Gold Coast. The taproom is roomy with a combination of indoor/outdoor space and sustenance comes from a large pizza oven in the corner. I love the estery, yeasty taste of a good Belgian Blonde and Madocke’s Blonde is a classic example of the style. Equally fine was the Dark Lager and the Courtyard Saison.
I left quite a few beers to try next time. The Quadrupel, the Dubbel and the Reynard Strong Amber Ale all look absolutely fabulous and I plan to linger longer next time. Maybe even do trivia.
Madocke Bier Brewing Co: 286 Southport Nerang Road, Ashmore, QLD
back of the ferry 