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Scottish craft brewer, BrewDog, has announced its plans to build its Australian home on Brisbane's River with its state-of-the-art brewery and headquarters to be located at Murarrie.
In July last year the company was deciding between Newcastle and Brisbane, but the Queensland capital came out on top.
Brisbane's bid trump several strong bids for BrewDog HQ including a video pitch from the Government of South Australia.
Director of BrewDog Australia, Zarah Prior, says it was the passion from Brisbane's local community that swayed their final decision.
"We've been so humbled by the support from local businesses as well as the local community who have shown a real passion for BrewDog to call Brissie home," says Prior.
"It's a city that's on the brink of some incredible growth, and we can't wait to be a part of that. There are tonnes of amazing local breweries we're looking forward to working alongside, and collaborating with."
The Scottish craft beer producer was founded in 2007. Since its inception, the company has grown to operate two breweries in Scotland and the United States, 50 bars around the world, and employs over 800 staff.
The launch of BrewDog Australia is expected to generate 150 jobs in the Brisbane area over the next five years.
BrewDog is owned by 70,000 shareholders who believe that entering the Australian market will ensure the brand is one step closer to shortening the distance between the people who make the beer and the people who drink it.
The beer company's investment in Brisbane totals $30 million, and will include the construction of the 3000 sqm brewing and canning facility along with the brewery, a restaurant, taproom, and visitor centre.
Construction of the BrewDog HQ is expected to start in the second half of 2018, with the first Australian brewed BrewDog beers rolling out in early 2019.
While the site is initially going to serve Australian consumers, BrewDog have ambitions to export beer from the Brisbane site to Asia and New Zealand.
Cofounder of BrewDog, James Watt, says it was a simple decision to set up a brewery in Australia, one of the drinking capitals of the world.
"Australians are some of the most passionate and informed beer drinkers on the planet," says Watt.
"The encouragement I received from the craft beer movement during my last visit in the country blew me away. I'm glad our Australian fans at home and in the diaspora were relentless in pushing for a brewery, and I look forward to sharing my first can of Aussie brewed Punk IPA with them!"
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