Craft Beers

Mid River is a full flavoured easy drinking pale ale with Vienna and Munich malts creating a rich, malty character. German hops give crisp herbaceous flavours and US hops add bright citrus and fruit aromas. All of this with just 3.5% alcohol.

Australia’s first batch of beer earned its brewer 300 lashes, 150 now and 150 when he could bear it. Thankfully for us, James Squire was a far better brewer than he was a thief.

Experience thirst-quenching redemption in this clean-finishing pale ale. Malted wheat adds refreshing character, while the fruity infusion makes for an enticing aroma with hints of passionfruit, grapefruit and citrus.

On earning his freedom in 1795, James and his fellow freed-convicts were awarded 30 acres of NSW crown land. James cunningly rounded up those less daring souls and purchased their grants for a shilling, swindling some 970 acres on which he grew his hops and fortune.

Swindle yourself a moment to savour this refreshing dry hopped summer ale. Light straw in colour with a billowy head and bursting with tropical notes of pear and watermelon, The Swindler is the perfect summer side-kick.

Never one to let a ball and chain hold him back, ex-convict James Squire seized every opportunity his emancipation offered. His unique blend of charm, skill and luck ultimately rewarded him with an enviable fortune as Australia’s first brewer.

Arguably the best looking of the James Squire craft beer range, the highly-drinkable The Chancer is noted for its distinctive orange-golden colour, unique tropical fruit aroma, restrained bitterness and dry finish.

It’s a matter of historical fact that James Squire had an eye for the ladies, having taken a wife and three mistresses throughout his life. He left all of them something in his will, but thankfully we got the beer.

Strong, bold and with more hopping than most lagers, Four ‘Wives’ is an alluring drop with floral and herbaceous aroma, deep gold colour and spicy palate that gives way to a longer bitterness.

Every man’s life tells a story, but James Squire’s would have filled a library. From chicken thief and convict, he later found success as the Governor’s bodyguard, a publican, baker, butcher, money-lender, local constable and, of course, Australia’s first brewer.

The original James Squire brew, Nine Tales is a full-bodied, malt-driven beer characterised by its rich copper colour, toffee-caramel sweetness and nutty finish balanced against citrus hop notes.

Back when rum was the unofficial currency, it took a real gambler to bet his future on brewing. But James Squire was never one to shy away from a challenge, quickly building a fortune from his brewery and tavern.

Utterly unique, Jack of Spades Porter has a more delicate complexity than a regular stout with its rich black colour, coffee and chocolate aroma, and pillowy head.

As Australia’s first brewer, James Squire grew many of the ingredients found in his first batches of brew himself. Having had an orchard on his land, it wouldn’t be surprising if he experimented with cider in his day.

Orchard Crush is a traditional cloudy cider with a fragrant, fresh aroma, a broad, clean palate and a crisp finish, making for a most refreshing choice.

The James Squire brewers are pumped to release the Special 10th Edition of Hop Thief 10, the latest in our brew series that celebrates the amazing and unique characteristics different hops can contribute to beer.

A crisp lager that exhibits a balance of subtle herbaceous hop notes with a refreshingly uncomplicated clean finish. Brewed using pale and munich malts combined with noble Hallertau Mittelfruh hops, this brew is a quality quencher.

James Squire Ginger Beer has been carefully crafted with Australian ginger for a light, refreshing and zingy ginger taste. It can be enjoyed straight from the can or over ice with fresh lime.