Ministry of Beer – The Beginning

Founded in 2016 by passionate homebrewer Brett Reimann, Ministry of Beer began with a clear vision: to craft exceptional barrel-aged sour beers in the Barossa Valley. Starting in a humble shed with a 200-litre brewhouse and 400-litre fermenters, the brewery’s early setup reflected both simplicity and ambition. These modest beginnings laid the foundation for what would become a respected name in Australia’s craft beer scene.

At the time, sour beers were still gaining recognition in Australia. Brett took a patient, quality-first approach, allowing his beers to mature slowly in single barrels before releasing them to market. Early pours appeared at select venues including Stein’s Taphouse, Prince Albert Hotel, The King’s Head, NOLA, and The Franklin Hotel. As demand grew, Ministry of Beer steadily expanded its reach across South Australia.

A major breakthrough came with the release of the Old Timer, a golden sour aged in barrel for twelve months. Premiering at the 2017 Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival, the beer quickly gained attention and was named among The Crafty Pint’s Best New SA Beers of 2017. This moment marked a turning point for the brewery.

Since then, Ministry of Beer has grown its barrel program and expanded into a diverse range of fruited sours alongside a carefully developed core range. While production has increased, the brewery’s focus remains unchanged: thoughtful brewing, long-term aging, and uncompromising quality. Today, Ministry of Beer continues to strengthen its reputation within the Australian craft beer landscape.

Deeply connected to the local community, Ministry of Beer proudly reflects the creative spirit of the Barossa Valley. From local pubs to cellar door pours, the brewery invites beer lovers to discover bold flavours and carefully crafted beers that stand apart.