Naturally brewed, Bundaberg Ginger Beer has been an Aussie favourite since 1968, long before Kombucha exploded onto the cafe scene. It all began when two generations of the Fleming family invested in a bottling and brewing business together. Fast forward fifty plus years into the future – the ginger beer is more iconic than ever and the company behind it is still family owned and operated.

A big barrel of fun

That’s not to say that they haven’t expanded. In fact, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks now brew 15 more delicious soft drinks. Visitors can sample all 16 flavourful beverages at the Barrel on Bargara Road, right in the centre of Bundaberg. From the classics like Ginger Beer and Sarsaparilla to a refreshing Lemon, Lime and Bitters that’s been craft brewed over seven days, this is a tasting experience that every member of the family can enjoy.

Inside the Barrel, every sense engages in the story of how local Bundaberg ingredients transform into the drinks people love through traditional brewing processes. Guests can watch brews being made via the 360 degree cameras on the brewery floor, and explore the history of the iconic stubby bottles. The family will love trying to guess the flavour on the ‘smellography’ wall. Most importantly, everyone can taste the difference brewing brings to soft drinks.

Quality Bundaberg ingredients

Being Bundaberg born and brewed, the company is committed to sourcing local ingredients in their drinks. Their collaboration with local growers means they have access to the best-tasting raw ingredients to use in their brews. Combining quality ingredients and traditional techniques is what makes their drinks taste unique. 

In 2004, the company began planting their own ginger to ensure a continuous supply of the high-quality, super-flavorful ginger they needed to start their famous Ginger Beer. Now partnering with researchers at CQUniversity to optimise sustainable growing techniques, focusing on disease-free, high-flavour crops. They are also working on developing a complete flavour profile ginger – another industry first that will fully describe the complexity of the warm-but-refreshing spice.

Commitment to community

Most companies might hoard that knowledge, but Bundaberg Brewed Drinks believes that any innovations they make in the area of sustainable growing should be shared so that the whole community can benefit.

“Our research farm’s main mission is to determine the best way of growing flavourful ginger in a sustainable way by investigating ways to use less water and pesticides,” says Bundaberg Brewed Drinks CEO, John McLean (son-in-law of founder Cliff Fleming). “We’re passing our findings and innovations from the research onto local farmers, as we believe shared knowledge ensures everyone is producing the best possible crop.”

Despite being internationally renowned – the company now supplies US supermarket giants Walmart, Target and Costco – the fact that the business is family run allows for a slower pace, and a little more bandwidth to make good decisions around sustainability. It also reinforces their commitment to the other family owned and operated businesses who supply the quality ingredients they rely on for their brews. After all, as John McLean says, “they are an essential element in our recipe for success.”

Visit The Barrel today!