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Long before the craft beer scene erupted in Australia, Kiwi Willie Simpson travelled back to England and discovered how good beer could really taste. He returned home and started to refine his home brewing skills. A decade or two later, after a career writing about beer, he hung up his quill to develop Seven Sheds brewery in Tasmania’s north-west.
Located on an internal block in quirky, topiary-themed Railton, Seven Sheds has been pumping out a range of locally-influenced artisanal brews since 2008. While the main focus has been on traditional English and European ale styles, Seven Sheds also produces bespoke beverages inspired by the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, such as Black Inca, brewed with cacao, quinoa and oats, and Mole Kriek, a gentle sour brewed with Kentish cherries. Willie’s beer journey has always been about flavour and about educating beer drinkers that beer is more than just pale, crisp session beers that can be brewed consistently in large industrial breweries. Visit the cellar door and you’ll find the brews range from the paler varieties through fruit beers, ambers and spiced beers to a smoked beer, several black beers and one or two around the 10% abv mark. On a sunny day there’s a deck to sit on, overlooking the hop garden, and undercover picnic tables for those who prefer a bit of shade. There are brewery tours at midday (prior booking essential), tasting paddles, beer by the glass and takeaway sales. Snacks are available during the warmer months and hot food is available on special event days. Popular brews include Paradise Pale, Kentish Ale, Black Inca and Willie Warmer, a spiced dark ale. A range of seasonal brews keeps the list interesting. Shed 8 Mead as well as locally-produced wine and softdrinks are also available. Seven Sheds makes an appearance at Harvest Launceston twice a month and is a regular participant at events such as Taste of Tasmania, Festivale and Tasmanian Craft Fair. Visit them at 22 Crockers Street, Railton or call (03) 6496 1139 Find them on the Web or Facebook Open 11am – 5pm Wednesday to Sunday September to May, check website for winter trading hours |