We chatted with co-founders and brothers, Lance and Craig Masterson from Heads of Noosa about their lagers and their non-alcoholic, zero sugar Hop Valley H2O, a hop-infused sparkling water.
What motivated you to start a brewery?
Coming from a world where nothing seems tangible, we were ready for a change. Both avid beer lovers, we were drawn to the industry and determined to put our spin on the beers that we liked drinking, lagers.
Tell us a little bit about the space…
The brewing industry itself was so open, I honestly don’t think there’d be another industry like it. 99% of brewers are mates, we share info and help each other out. It’s a great culture to be a part of.
What’s your most popular product?
The Japanese Lager is definitely the town favourite, perfectly designed for the Queensland climate.
What’s unique about your beer?
Our beers are malt forward in their profiles, we use hops primarily for bittering and whenever we dry-hop, we use them very sparingly to compliment the beer and keep that delicate balance. We also filter all our brews, removing the yeast and giving them that beautiful appearance in the glass. All this lends itself to our brews being highly quaffable.
Tell us about Hop Valley H20?
The Hop Valley H2O is a 0% sugar, 0% alcohol, hop flavoured sparkling water. It’s been touted as ‘the refreshing alternative’ and it quenches that thirst for a beer in times you don’t want to consume alcohol. It’s becoming very popular in the fitness crowd, and being a category of its own, feedback is that it’s not missing anything by trying to be a beer without alcohol. It also mixes well with spirits and provides a sugar-free alternative to tonic water which is laden with sugar. It’s an Australian first and we’re pretty excited about what the future holds.
What’s your favourite beer right now? Why?
Can’t go past a cold Japanese Lager at the end of the day, it’s super crisp and clean.
If you could only have one beer for the rest of your life, what is it?
Japanese Lager for sure, it’s an all-rounder. You’ll never upset a mate if they come over and you’ve only got Japanese Lager in the fridge.
What’s your favourite food to eat with beer?
Lance: Burgers with chicken wings on the side instead of chips.
Craig: Spicy ramen, sushi and smoked meats.
What’s on the menu in the Taproom?
We have such an amazing team in the kitchen right now, we offer a contemporary menu showcasing smoked meats and other beer foods like burgers, chicken wings, bao buns. We also have some vegan and vegetarian options. We have a new menu launching in May with an even bigger focus on smoked meats.
Who would like to have a beer with?
Craig: Great question, If I could have a beer with anyone it would be Elon Musk.
Lance: One of the golf greats, Greg Norman or Tiger Woods.
Where do recommend I go when I’m next in Noosa?
The Noosa Surf Club has to be the best spot in town to have a beer and look over the beauty of main Beach, but there are so many great venues to choose from depending on what vibe you’re after.
Where do the Noosa locals go to surf?
The locals follow the surf but generally one of the bays at Noosa Heads or around at Sunshine Beach. Keep an eye out for the Japanese Lager beer bottle board getting around 😉
Do you have plans for the future?
We do! We’re hell-bent on expansion and growing into new territory, pushing our beers and Hop Valley further around Australia and maybe even looking at export.
About Heads of Noosa
Heads of Noosa Brewing Co. is an Australian independently owned brewery located in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. After nearly a decade in the making Heads of Noosa opened its doors in early 2019. Founded by two brothers Lance and Craig, the company has and always will have a sense of family amongst the entire team. https://www.headsofnoosa.com.au/
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