By Justin Flynn
Ocean Grove has a new brewery and it hasn’t taken long for the word to get around that there’s some quality in those bottles.
BrewiColo, the brainchild of Chilla Tuicolo, is making inroads into the local beer market and will make an appearance at the GABS Beer, Cider and Food Festival, which is touted as one of the top 10 beer festivals in the world.
BrewiColo, based in the industrial estate of Ocean Grove
Chilla will brew Piqi Bright Lager for the festival, which will use honey from Bellarine Apiaries in Point Lonsdale.
“They had the idea that two local brands would go really well together, so we are going use their honey in Piqi Bright Lager,” Chilla told the Voice.
BrewiColo has had a number of local venues already selling its beer, including The Beach House, The Mex, 13th Beach, The Q Train and Uncle Jacks, and was also popular at the recent Spiegeltent in Barwon Heads.
The idea to start up a brewery was born in Brisbane, where Chilla is originally from.
“We bought a commercial set up two years ago with the idea of building a brewery and taproom,” he said.
“We’ve got a pretty good response so far – people are really enjoying the beer.
“We’re hoping to have everything done and the taproom to be open in September.”
Chilla’s partner Kay, who is a bit of a beer connoisseur herself, is also 100% behind the initiative.
“We’re looking at incorporating ourselves into the market, not change it,” Chilla said.
“We have a young family so Ocean Grove is where we want to build a life and I couldn’t think of a better place to do it.”
The names of the beers – Baravi Lager, Wai-koula, Palm Ale – come from Chilla’s Fijian heritage.
“People seem to appreciate the heavier style of beers, but hoppy lagers are starting to come back in,” he said.
“I love the process of designing a beer from scratch and then chasing the consistency.
“Seeing people enjoy my beer is something I will never get tired of.”
