Wildflower Brewery, based in Marrickville, Sydney, has emerged as a key player in Australia’s craft beer scene, known for its dedication to using native ingredients and sustainable brewing practices. Founded in 2013, the brewery’s journey was shaped by a desire to create beers that reflect the essence of the Australian landscape.
The brewery’s founder, a Texas native who settled in Australia after falling in love with the country’s rugged bushland, initially explored various passions, including astrophysics, sourdough baking, and bespoke shoemaking. His path ultimately led him to craft brewing, where he sought to shift away from industry trends that prioritized hop intensity, alcohol content, and barrel-aging. Instead, he focused on developing beers that celebrated Australia’s unique environment, beginning with local ingredients and indigenous yeast strains.
Inspired by the natural wine movement and farmhouse brewing, Wildflower began experimenting with native Australian yeasts and bacteria in 2016, foraging locally to create distinct flavors. The brewery’s small, vibrant facility, located under the flight path in Marrickville, quickly became known for its innovative approach to brewing. The name “Wildflower” reflects the brewery’s commitment to harnessing Australia’s native flora in its beers, including wild yeasts harvested from golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha) and Grevillea flowers.
The drive to create beers that embody Australia’s identity led Wildflower to collaborate with James Erskine of Jauma wines and Voyager Craft Malt. In 2019, they planted a crop of heritage barley at the Greenwood family farm, located six hours west of Sydney. The first harvest in 2020 marked a significant step toward producing beers brewed exclusively with locally sourced grains.
In 2021, after a pectinatus infection in the brewery’s house culture, Wildflower introduced a new yeast and bacteria mix. This shift eliminated lab-cultivated strains, like those used in traditional Belgian Saison beers, and further honed the brewery’s focus on creating brews that are not only tied to a place but also nourish and satisfy in a sustainable way.
One standout product from Wildflower is their table beer, a 2.9% ABV ale that gained popularity after its success at the Firestone Walker Invitational. Known for its subtle flavor and texture, the table beer embodies the brewery’s philosophy of using high-quality local ingredients and a minimalist approach to brewing. It’s designed to be a beer that can be enjoyed daily, offering a warm, satisfying experience reminiscent of homegrown produce.
The simplicity of the table beer’s recipe is deceptive; its quality lies in the meticulous care taken with its ingredients and process. Sydney’s municipal water is carefully treated to remove chlorine, while wheat straw is used to filter the wort, imparting a distinctive warmth to the beer. The brewery also employs organic Motueka hops and pitches its house yeast culture, which encourages a harmonious balance between sugar-loving yeasts and longer-lasting microbes.
At its core, Wildflower Brewery’s approach to brewing is one of sustainability, local sourcing, and a deep connection to its environment. With a focus on creating beers that reflect the uniqueness of Australia’s natural landscape, Wildflower continues to set itself apart in the evolving world of craft brewing.
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