Castlemaine’s own craft brewery, Shedshaker, is celebrating three years brewing on site at the Old Woollen Mill this week. It’s also the third anniversary of the opening of their venue, the Taproom, which has become a go-to destination for visitors and locals alike.
When not busy producing some of Australia’s finest beverages, the team host hundreds of people every week – feeding them tasty house-made pizza and serving the best in local wines and ciders, as well as their own beers on ten taps.
They also host live music most Fridays and Sundays, as well as author book talks, comedy nights, trivia, art launches, wakes, birthdays and the occasional wedding.
Founded by local artist Michael Wolfe, Shedshaker is now owned and operated by Hunters and Collectors’ drummer, Doug Falconer, and his partner Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns. Michael’s late father donated his nickname to the brewery, having been notorious for blowing up the shed with dodgy batches of home brew.
The Mill in Castlemaine is home to nearly 40 businesses large and small, with an Austrian coffee house, huge vintage bazaar, German smallgoods maker, ice cream manufacturer and a host of artist and artisan studios to discover.
It’s close to the railway station if you feel like leaving the car at home (in order to better sample Shedshaker’s offerings, no doubt). There are lots of accommodation options if you want to stay over.
You can find out more at shedshakerbrewing.com or the castlemainetaproom Facebook page. Make a day trip soon, and don’t forget to say Happy Birthday!
