From humble beginnings in an old margarine factory just outside of Freo, Gage Roads Brew Co has grown into a cornerstone of WA’s craft beer scene, and now, it’s turning 20. To celebrate, the crew is throwing an epic birthday bash this WA Day long weekend, complete with live music, giveaways, and the launch of a brand-new beer: Huey Coastal Lager.
The festivities kick off Sunday, June 1st, at Gage Roads Freo — the brewery’s bustling waterfront home named after the iconic stretch of water that inspired it all. Touted as “WA’s biggest Sunday sesh,” the event will feature sets from local legends including Noah Dillon, entertainment throughout the day, and ice-cold pours of both Gage favourites and limited releases.
But the star of the show? Huey, the new mid-strength coastal lager brewed with 100% natural ingredients and no preservatives. Crisp, clean, and coming in at 3.8%, it’s named after the brewery’s ever-present seagull mascot. “I haven’t been this excited about a new beer since we launched Single Fin,” says founding brewer Aaron Heary. “It’s a better Mid, brewed at 3.8% using local barley and lagered longer for that little bit extra.”
It’s a fitting tribute to a brewery that’s become a symbol of WA’s laid-back, sun-soaked lifestyle. Two brothers, Bill and John Hoedemaker, and a few mates started Gage Roads back in 2004 with little more than a $25k credit card, a love of beer, and a dream to bring great brews to their backyard. Since then, Gage has grown into Australia’s leading independent brewery, pouring at Optus Stadium, collecting international beer awards, and making Single Fin a household name.
With more than 3.6 million pints of Single Fin enjoyed just this year and over 3.7 million cartons sold across the country in the last decade, the stats speak for themselves. But for co-founder John Hoedemaker, it’s always been about more than numbers.
“After 20 years, it’s a privilege to throw a party to mark the wins and celebrate the people who helped make it all happen,” he says. “We couldn’t have done it without the West Aussies who love the same things we do — a good local beer and good times on the coast.”
So if you’re planning to make the most of the WA Day long weekend, this is your call to head down to the Freo foreshore. Grab a pint, soak in the sea breeze, and raise a toast to two decades of coastal beer brilliance.
