Coastal Brewing Company
Experience local, fresh craft beer from the region’s only microbrewery.
Visit the brewery to enjoy a free guided tour and for the opportunity to purchase tasting samples and drinks in the Tasting Room as well as take-away beer.
Contact Helen Black
Call: 6554 7886
Email: info@thecoastalbrewingcompany.com
Visit us: 3 Dalman St, Forster NSW 2428
See our website for tasting room hours outside of Food Trail days: www.thecoastalbrewingcompany.com
Find us on Facebook: CoastalBrewing
Who is involved in the business?
We are a family-owned business headed up by Helen & David Black.
David is our head brewer and prior to establishing the brewery spent 25 years as a Chartered Accountant. Helen has 20 years’ experience in marketing and looks after customer care, all things brand, distribution and freight at the brewery.
We also have Ross Worthington in the team who works at the brewery supporting sales and distribution.
How did you get started in brewing?
We basically commercialised David’s hobby! There wasn’t a microbrewery for a 75KM+ radius from Forster so there was a real opportunity in the area. David completed a graduate certificate from Federation University and the brewery premises were purchased in late 2016. Following incorporation in 2016, premises fit-out and equipment installation in early 2017, production commenced in May 2017 and the brewery Tasting Room opened its doors a month later.
What prompted you to start the brewery?
David and Helen had both enjoyed successful corporate careers but wanted to live and establish a business of their own in the Great Lakes area. David had the passion and the skills for brewing, and Helen had the marketing covered, so it all fell nicely into place.
What do you produce?
Using all natural ingredients on a 1,200 litre brewhouse, the brewery produces fresh, craft beer for sale in kegs to restaurants, bars, clubs and pubs. Beer is also canned onsite and sold through bottle stores, restaurants and bars. The brewery also has a Tasting Room where it offers brewery tours, beer tasting and fills ‘growlers’ and ‘squealers’ for takeaway consumption.
What are your core business beliefs?
Being based in Forster and part of the wonderful Great Lakes area, community plays a big role in the brewery’s strategy and operations. For The Coastal Brewing Company, it’s all about enjoying L.I.F.E – that’s Local, Independent, Fresh, Every time.
Building on our L.I.F.E philosophy all our beer names link to the natural beauty of the local area.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Great Lakes Food Trail?
In a nutshell, we are better together. We are proud to be a Food Trail producer, not only do we share common beliefs around ethical and sustainable practices, we also support each other with ideas and practical solutions. Most importantly, in working together we are able to bring a very ‘real food’ experience to locals and visitors to the area.