Spotlight on Rocky Ridge Brewing Co
Rocky Ridge Cellar Door
When Rocky Ridge Brewing Co opened the first beer tasting room in Busselton over Easter weekend 2019, it wasn't just about having a cold one. It was about inviting friends into their home. To try their full range of craft beer, of course.
As one of the only breweries in the Margaret River region (maybe the only one) without a brewery restaurant, it was important to have somewhere to showcase their brews. And they have a lot on offer – 24 taps to be precise.
At the Rocky Ridge Brewing Co Cellar Door, you can choose from a beer tasting tray featuring three, six or 12 tasters and have them filled with any of the beer on tap. Samples are 100ml and the ABV of each beer varies. Delicious favs like Peach Invasion NEIPA and Rock Juice V5 pack a punch at 6.3% and 10.5% respectively, so go easy on these bad boys. If strong beer isn't your thing, there are always plenty of lighter options available.
The brewmasters are consistently creating new blends at their rural brewery and their farm to glass standards keeping everything fresh, eco-friendly, and creative. So, grab a tray, pull up a bean bag and put on your beer connoisseur cap to find your favourite beer in Busselton.
Where: 10 Marine Terrace, Busselton
When: Daily 11am-7pm
Why: To sample the best beer in Busselton [ Note: this is a user-pay cellar door]
What's on: facebook.com/RRBCCellarDoor/
Photos: Jennifer Morton
Darleen's
Before Rocky Ridge opened their beer tasting room in Busselton, they opened Darleen's, a boutique bar serving your typical beverages and bar snacks.
Of course, the focus is the “stupidly good beer” made by Rocky Ridge and friends from around the world. The friendly bartenders are welcoming and will happily offer a sip of “try before you buy” beer sample if you ask. The vibe here is casual, inclusive, and heaps of fun.
To keep things lively and entertaining, there are many events that will encourage you to let loose and have a laugh (sometimes at yourself). The Karaoke n' Kolsch will have you singing your heart out on a Saturday night for a winner's six-pack. For some mid-week play and friendly competition, try the Bingolyf on Wednesdays at 6pm (and win more beer).
Where: 43 Prince Street, Busselton
When: Tuesday-Saturday from 4pm (3pm on Friday and Saturday)
Why: Craft beer and themed entertainment
What's on: facebook.com/Darleens.Taphouse.Busselton/
Busselton craft beer news
The team at Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co have been very busy lately. The new Monkey Bar at their Vasse location (44 Commerce Road) is a great stop for beer o'clock. And you can't beat $10 pizzas every Thursday from 4pm-7pm. Meanwhile, at Cheeky Monkey headquarters (4259 Caves Road, Metricup) there's a new adventure playground for the kiddies to entertain themselves while the grown-ups do a little beer tasting.
New(est) brewers on the block, Wild Hop Brewing Company just celebrated their first anniversary and things couldn't be better. This family-owned and operated microbrewery like to mix things up on a regular basis with unusual brews with entertaining names. High fives to the team for organising an epic fundraiser which raised $17,313 to be donated to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network and Wildlife Victoria. Well done!
In full swing of construction is Shelter Brewing on Busselton's foreshore. Scheduled to open later this year, that may indeed be sooner thanks to the Regional Economic Development Grant of $250,000 the brewery received recently. The brewery restaurant will offer stunning views of the Busselton Jetty and Geographe Bay and another family-friendly eatery near the beach. Follow their Instagram page for the latest updates.
Looking for tasty takeaways? Cape Cellars is an independent liquor store just a couple of minutes from Beachlands, and they stock the finest craft beer selection in the south west. You'll find awesome beers from around the south west, Australia and the world.
