“An oasis of beer in a dessert of wine”
A rich history that spans several decades.
Early Days and Foundation
Tom Reynold’s dream of creating Bootleg Brewery as his retirement project started in late 1992, but it wasn’t until the last months of 1993 that he managed to obtain an approved Liquor Licence to put his building plans on track. After almost a year of hard work, the brewery was finally established in 1994, having it’s official grand opening on November 23rd. He set up the brewery with the vision of crafting high-quality, handcrafted beers that reflected the unique character of the Margaret River area. The brewery was named after the illicit alcohol production during the Prohibition era, capturing a rebellious and pioneering spirit. During it’s first year, Bootleg produced over 60 different beers which were sold only at their venue, with 4 of them remaining constantly on tap as the main core range: Bitter Beer, Stout, Wheat Beer and the iconic Raging Bull.
Pioneering Craft Beer in Margaret River
Did you know that Bootleg Brewery is not the first brewery in the Margaret River Region? Glencoe Brewing Co, which used to trade as Moonshine Brewery, was the actual original brewery in the Southwest. Located on Wildwood Road, Yallingup Siding, it had a brief appearance in the brewing scene from 1990 to 1994. After it’s closure, most of the brewing equipment was bought by Bootleg, including machinery from 1964.
In its early years, being only the third brew pub to be trading in the whole Western Australia, Bootleg Brewery played a pivotal role in the growth of the craft beer movement in the state. Tom was committed to brewing distinctive beers and in 1995 he decided to incorporate a certificated brewing team, with Rolf Vickers and head brewer (former brewer at the historic Matilda Bay Brewing Co) and Maria Bergstrom as her assistant. He also planned a research trip to United Stated and Europe in order to gain insights, expand his knowledge and bring back enough information to design an outstanding line-up of beers together with Rolf. He visited hundreds of breweries, including the most recognized producers in the world, which led to new recipes and the development of Bootleg’s most known brews such as Tom’s Brown Ale. At a time when mass-produced beers dominated the market, Bootleg Brewery stood out not only for its commitment using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients but also for its efforts on becoming a place for people to learn about the beer world. The venue quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, known for its great brews and welcoming atmosphere.
“The reason why Aussies only drink Lager, is possibly because pubs can’t train barpersons to treat the ales correctly”. Extract from Tom Reynold’s note book from his time in USA and Europe (1995).
Growth and Expansion
Over the years, Bootleg Brewery expanded its core range of beers, with the addition of Tom’s Brown Ale, Settlers Pale Ale, Amber Light and Wills Pilsner, gaining recognition for its diverse lineup that catered to different tastes and preferences. Tom’s dedication and a new brewing team with the incorporation of Gary Beale as Head Brewer and Michael Brookes as Assistant Brewer soon turned into great success, their beers became favorites among locals and visitors alike winning multiple awards which lead to an increasing annual production that reached 125,000 litres in 2006.
Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
Bootleg Brewery has always maintained a strong commitment to quality, using only the finest ingredients and adhering to rigorous brewing standards. Sustainability is also a core value, with efforts to minimize environmental impact, including a wide layout of solar panels that produce enough energy to cover most of the electricity used for its venue and brewery operations, and support local suppliers and producers.
Community and Culture
Beyond brewing beer, Bootleg Brewery has cultivated a vibrant community around its venue. The brewery’s restaurant and bar have become gathering places where people can enjoy not only great beer but also food made from fresh local produce and live entertainment from talented musicians.
Present Day
Bootleg Brewery continues to thrive in Margaret River, adapting to changing tastes and market demands while staying true to its roots of craftsmanship and innovation. The brewery remains a beloved destination for both beer enthusiasts and tourists exploring the Margaret River region.
