Billson's

Today we made the excruciatingly difficult decision to put Billson’s into Voluntary Administration.   In 2017 Felicity and I moved to Beechworth with dreams of restoring the historic brewery and creating a special experience for everyone who visited.   Together with the team, we’ve poured our hearts and souls into Billson’s and we are proud of everything that has been accomplished.   Over the course of 7 years, everyone’s hard work and passion has resulted in overwhelming support by people all over Australia and some pretty incredible business growth. Unfortunately that growth masked several mistakes we made along the way as our systems and processes failed to keep up. We’re ultimately responsible for these mistakes and we know that we have let people down. We are devastated and sorry.   We are shattered by the stress this decision will undoubtedly cause our team, suppliers, customers and fans. We’ve tried everything imaginable over the past 6 months to avoid this situation, including restructuring on two occasions, however we now believe this to be the necessary step for survival.   The brewery has stood proud for over 150 years and has undoubtedly faced many other perilous times. The challenges we’ve encountered in 2024 have been vast and incomprehensible in scale. We will do everything possible to work through this so Billson’s can emerge more resilient as a business and ready to take on another century. We know how difficult the current environment is out there for everyone. With so many family businesses teetering on the edge, any support you are able to provide your local businesses, in any way at all, will mean more now than ever.   We intend for our venue to remain open 7 days per week and our online store to operate as normal. We’ll continue to supply our fans through all of our amazing customers in bottle shops and venues across the country.   Thank you so much for your support over the years, it truly means the world to us. Despite our many shortcomings, we will never give up. With all of its remarkable local history, we believe that Billson’s will get through this, so people can enjoy it, well into the future.   Nath and Flic

Going to IFE, International Food & Drink Event in London? Billson’s has finally arrived in the UK and we will be at stand 3611! We would love to meet potential business partners, distributors, wholesalers, retailers…just anyone who wants to experience flavour, the Billson’s way! We will also be joining other amazing Australian products: From innovative wines made from some of the oldest vines in the world, juicy and fresh produce, sustainable meat and seafood, health boosting honey and unique Aussie flavours infused in spirits, craft beers, snacks and more – over 50 exhibitors are showcasing the best of Australia…and we are proud to be part of what Australia can offer! Make sure you also download the #IFE24 Exhibitor Directory here to know more about us: https://lnkd.in/gQ7V6zHe Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Investment NSW Trade and Investment Queensland Government of Western Australia Department for Trade and Investment Global Victoria Meat & Livestock Australia

Some of Victoria’s most acclaimed, popular and delicious #foodanddrink companies will be showcasing at this year’s IFE, International Food & Drink Event in London – get a taste of unique Australian flavours and provenance at Stand 3611.  #victoria has a vibrant and internationally recognised agriculture sector. It is Australia’s leading producer of food and fibre products, which make up over half of Victoria’s total product exports. Meat continues to be the largest value food and fibre export commodity for Victoria followed by grain.  Victoria's suppliers are innovative, unique and adhere to the highest sustainability practices. Come meet our exhibitors The Antipodes Gin Co.  Billson's, Bright Brewery, Bramble & Hedge , KANSOM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, Pacific Sea Urchin and Yarra Valley Caviar to learn more. Download our #IFE24 Company Directory here: https://lnkd.in/eR7hhgJq  Austrade Europe, UK and Israel | Australian Trade and Investment Commission Global Victoria Meat & Livestock Australia

Horse drawn carriages, oak barrels, and dirt roads - Billson's Brewery circa 1894. As one of Australia's oldest breweries, originally founded in 1865, Billson's has an intriguing history dating back to the gold rush! So many historical events have occurred in the past 150+ years, yet the Brewery still stands strong and has maintained continuous production throughout. Around the time of this photo, the Brewery could produce about 5000 litres of beer per day! With a lot of help from a lot of incredible people, the Brewery is now home to our production factory, distillery, brewhouse, restaurant, bar, retail shop and tasting room experience. #billsons #beechworth #history #brewery

Isn't it mind blowing that this beautiful blue colour is 100% natural, thanks to the infusion of Butterfly Pea Flowers. Traditionally used for centuries to make tea and colour food, this stunning plant is also famous for being sensitive to pH, changing from rich blue to vibrant purple when mixed with something acidic. Add a dash of tonic or lemon juice to see the full colour change in action! #billsons #gin

Have you spotted this blast from the past in our Brewery Beer Garden? This boiler was a key component of the original tower brewery. It was constantly burning through timber to run an integral steam engine - the only power source for the Brewery (circa 1867). The main task of the steam engine was to lift two ingredients, water and barley malt, to the top of the tower, where the beer making process began. Aside from this, the engine also drove the grist mill, powered cranes and several other pumps and mashing/raking equipment. The other super cool part of the boiler was the attached steam whistle. The whistle was previously blown during the day to alert break times. Those who have lived in Beechworth for a while may remember this! Keep an eye out for this beauty next time you visit the Brewery. #billsons #history #beechworth #brewery

Back in December 2022, we launched our first-ever Gin Premix! The perfect picnic companion, we combined our award-winning gin with classic and fruity flavours of Tangerine, Raspberry and Lemonade. Since then, our amazing team have experimented with other fun flavours! Gin and Grapefruit, Gin and Elderflower, Gin and Cucumber Soda, Gin and Lemon Myrtle and Ginger... Gin for the win! #billsons #gin #innovation #flavourful

How cool is this 87 year old handwritten recipe book we found inside the Brewery tower! Some of our favourite flavours such as Sarsaparilla, Cloves, and Saint Clements were all found in this historic treasure.

It's beginning to look a lot like Cocktails... Our talented team poured their passion into perfecting the perfect Friday arvo cocktails, including Pina Colada, Peculiar Slipper, Summer Sunset and Tropical Mojito. These refreshingly complex and easy-drinking delights utilise the magic of nitrogen for the ultimate shaken experience - minus the bartender! Simply shake, pour, sip and shimmy your way into the weekend. #billsons #cocktails #innovation #friday

Simon Sinek said, “People who wonder whether the glass is half empty or half full miss the point. The glass is refillable.” Happy Monday, everyone! #billsons #mondaymotivation #quoteoftheday