Tooheys New, the iconic beer of New South Wales, has been proudly brewed at the Tooheys Brewery in Lidcombe since the early 1970s. This state-of-the-art facility, located along Parramatta Road, has been the heart and soul of Tooheys brewing operations ever since its establishment. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting the brewery and experiencing firsthand the passion and dedication that goes into every drop of Tooheys New.
The decision to move the brewery from its original location to Lidcombe was a significant milestone in the history of Tooheys. The move allowed for a more modern and efficient brewing process, ensuring that the beer produced would consistently meet the high standards set by the brand. It also provided a larger and more spacious facility to accommodate the growing demand for Tooheys New.
Upon entering the brewery, I was immediately struck by the impressive sight of gleaming stainless steel brewing vessels and the unmistakable aroma of hops and malt. The facility is meticulously designed to optimize the brewing process, with each step carefully monitored and controlled to ensure the perfect balance of flavors in every batch of beer.
One of the highlights of my visit was witnessing the brewing process in action. From the milling of the malt to the fermentation and conditioning of the beer, every step is executed with precision and expertise. The brewers at Tooheys take great pride in their craft, carefully selecting the finest ingredients and meticulously following time-honored brewing techniques to create the distinct and refreshing taste of Tooheys New.
The brewing process begins with the milling of the malt, where it is ground into a fine powder to expose its sugars. This malt is then mixed with hot water in a process called mashing, allowing the enzymes in the malt to convert the starches into fermentable sugars. The resulting mixture, known as the mash, is then transferred to a vessel called the lauter tun, where the liquid portion, known as the wort, is separated from the grain.
The wort is then transferred to the brew kettle, where it is boiled and hops are added. Hops not only impart bitterness to the beer but also contribute to its aroma and flavor. The boiling process also helps sterilize the wort, ensuring that it is free from any unwanted microorganisms.
After the boiling process, the wort is rapidly cooled and transferred to fermentation vessels, where yeast is added. This is where the magic happens – the yeast ferments the sugars in the wort, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The beer is then left to ferment and mature for a specific period, allowing the flavors to develop and the beer to reach its optimal taste.
Once the fermentation and conditioning process is complete, the beer is carefully filtered and carbonated before being packaged into bottles, cans, or kegs. The packaging process is equally impressive, with state-of-the-art machinery ensuring that every bottle or can is filled to perfection, ready to be enjoyed by beer lovers across the state.
As I observed the brewing process and interacted with the dedicated team at the Tooheys Brewery, it became clear to me that Tooheys New is not just a beer; it is a symbol of the rich brewing heritage and craftsmanship that Australia has to offer. The brewery in Lidcombe is the beating heart of this tradition, where the passion and expertise of the brewers ensure that every pint of Tooheys New is of the highest quality.
In conclusion, Tooheys New is proudly brewed at the Tooheys Brewery in Lidcombe, New South Wales. This state-of-the-art facility has been the home of Tooheys brewing operations since the early 1970s and continues to produce the iconic beer that has become synonymous with the state. The brewery's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation is evident in every step of the brewing process, ensuring that Tooheys New remains a beloved and refreshing beer for generations to come.