A CRAFT beer venture in the pipeline for six years has opened its doors at Mitta this month.
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Mates Alec Pennington and Tim Cabelka, along with their respective partners Chris Rowe and Jen Cabelka, officially opened Mitta Mitta Brewing Company on June 2.
After six years of planning, a community crowdfunding campaign last year helped get the project over the line.
They hoped to raise $20,000 in six weeks but eclipsed that target in just six days; ultimately the campaign generated $35,000.
Mitta Mitta Brewing Company brewer Tim Cabelka said they started brewing late last year.
He said they had the capacity to make 300 litres of beer a week.
“We grow our own hops for use in our beers,” he said.
“Our own hops gives unique characteristics to each of our beers.”
Having previously worked at Red Hill Brewery for five years, Mr Cabelka said initially three styles of Mitta Mitta beer were being made on the new site.
He said they offered a Pale Lager, mid-strength Middabitta and Black Velvet Revolution.
“We’ll start doing some seasonal brews and some one-offs,” Mr Cabelka said.
Ms Cabelka said the fitout at the brewery had been a labour of love.
She said they had used repurposed timber floorboards and locally sourced or donated timber for the bar, bar stools, tables and beer paddles.
“Himalayan cedar was donated from the footy ground at Mitta,” she said.
“We handcrafted the table tops and stools and the boys welded the frames.”
Mr Pennington, whose family came from Mitta, said the brewery was built in a paddock that previously belonged to his uncle and his grandfather before that.
“I have always loved Mitta,” he said.
“We know we’re living in an amazing place; the locals are what makes it and it’s a really strong community.”
Mr Pennington, who is an artist with a design background, designed the modern beer labels.
Ms Rowe said the brewery offered a range of bar snacks such as housemade gyoza (pork or chicken), cheese platters and toasties.
She said they also had espresso coffee and Nord Bakery pastries.
“We like to support the locals and keep our food miles low,” she said.
Mitta Mitta Brewing Company beers are also available from Mitta Pub, Dartmouth Pub, Eskdale IGA, The Goods Shed Craft Beer Cafe (Wodonga) and Teddy’s Joint (Tallangatta).
The brewery, located at 1639 Mitta North Road, is open 5pm-10pm Friday, 11am-10pm Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday. It is open extended hours over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, 11am-10pm Sunday and 11am-4pm Monday.