This morning, Australia’s largest independent brewery Coopers has officially unveiled its new $70 million Regency Park facility, complete with whisky distillery, restaurant, bars, tasting room, and microbrewery.
According to Managing Director Tim Cooper, the new facility, which has been in development since December 2022, “is one of the most exciting projects we’ve undertaken in the 162-year history of Coopers Brewery.
“This is an ambitious project that will showcase Australian beer to the world. We’re very proud of our story over the past 160 years, arising from humble beginnings to prevail as an Australian-owned and operated brewery despite wars, recessions and takeover offers.”
Coopers’ new facility includes a whisky distillery fitted with custom-made copper whisky stills and underground stillage with capacity for 5,000 barrels. The new distilling program will use malt produced on site by the Coopers Brewery.
The facility will also feature a 3,100 litre microbrewery that will allow the brewery to expand its craft beer portfolio. This will supplement the existing brewery, which currently produces more than 90 million litres of beer a year.
“Our brewing and distilling team is focused on the opportunities that will emerge from the on-site microbrewery and whisky distillery,” said Cooper.
“We wanted every aspect to be truly world-class and of the highest quality. It’s a significant long-term investment by our family company and our vote of confidence in the future of Coopers and Australia’s manufacturing industry.”
Earlier this year, Coopers’ General Manager Michael Shearer told Drinks Trade that “excitement is building at the Regency Park brewery as construction of our brand home development progresses at full steam.
“This is a significant investment and presents exciting opportunities into the future. Our research has shown that tourism and a brand experience is important to consumers, with 25% saying they are more likely to buy a beer brand where they have visited the brewery.”
The new facility will also feature a 400-seat restaurant headed by Peter Morelli, who has previously worked in hospitality for d’Arenberg and Penfolds. Originally budgeted at $50 million, the facility’s construction phase was performed in conjunction with general contractor Built and provided in excess of 500 onsite jobs.
Tim Coopers said, “Coopers is very proud to have created a highly unique and immersive experience that ultimately celebrates the very best of Australian beer.”
Michael Shearer added, “we are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the brewery to enjoy an authentic and immersive experience, coupled with the opportunity to taste some experimental beers.”
