Deeds Brewing has been among the leaders of the Australian craft beer scene over the last few years. On the 7^th May we learnt the sad news that they would cease operating.

We’ve had a long association with Deeds over their 12 year history, going way back to when they were originally known as Quiet Deeds, with their beers featured in our various mixed packs and Beer Advent Calendars. We remember their early products, their Pale Ale, Vanilla Porter and Lamington Ale to name a few.

Each was brewed under contract before their ambitions for greater things led to securing a site in the Melbourne suburb of Glen Iris in 2015. Brewery equipment was purchased in 2016, with an expectation to begin brewing in 2017. Red tape, and regulations then significantly stalled the brewery and tap room development, with the first own-premise beers not being produced until February 2019. Even then the business had to cope with significant set backs as the brewery equipment manufacturer supplying the brewhouse (DME), went into receivership, and as a result there was no DME consultant to commission the brewhouse.

Once the brewhouse was pumping out quality beers there was still the challenge of getting their taproom approved. This occurred in 2021 and has been a popular and well-liked brewery to visit ever since, with a tasty food menu to go with their absolutely belting beers and a great vibe.

While navigating all these challenges Deeds learnt to create beer magic within their brewhouse. Voted 5^th best Australian Craft Brewery in the 2020 Australian Craft Beer Survey, their beers have been among those the most highly rated, with four of Untappd’s Top 10 Australian beers produced by Deeds.

And it’s not just consumers that have rated them highly, they have taken a slew of beer awards including champion medium brewery and champion Victorian brewery at the 2023 Australian International Beer Awards (AIBAs).

In March this year Deeds entered voluntary administration largely due to two key factors, a large debt accrued to the ATO during COVID where payment terms were no longer offered, and a failed insurance claim from contaminated malt that led to a significant amount of beer being pulled.

During voluntary administration the administrators sought to preserve Deeds through a sale or recapitalisation of the business. Unfortunately neither outcome was able to be achieved. An orderly wind-down of Deeds’ operations then commenced.

All beer has ceased being produced and the taproom is now closed. It is heart breaking to see a much-loved brewery go through this. All staff and the founders of Deeds should hold their heads high. They have made a significant contribution to the Australian and Melbourne craft beer scene, and their efforts for that contribution should be applauded.

While the brewery has now closed, we have been able to secure some of the last beers produced on their system. You can see our current stock of Deeds beers here.