Nail Brewing
Australian brewery that produced the world's most expensive beer.
Nail Brewing is an Australian brewery founded by John Stallwood. It is notable for producing the world's most expensive bottle of beer, Antarctic Nail Ale, made with water from Antarctic ice.
Quick Facts
- Hq Location
- 301 Collier Road, Bassendean, Western Australia
- Owner
- John Stallwood
- Founded
- March 2000
- Industry
- Alcoholic beverage
- Products
- Beer
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
John Stallwood registered Nail Brewing Australia in 1996. The first microbrewery opened on 23 March 2000 at Bobby Dazzler's Ale House in Murray Street, Perth, releasing Nail Ale, an Australian style Pale Ale. In April 2004, Stallwood was assaulted after intervening in a fight in Fremantle, falling into a coma for ten days; head injuries required a titanium plate in his skull. Brewing operations stopped and equipment was sold. Stallwood recommenced brewing in 2006 at Jarrah Jacks brewery in Pemberton, and relocated to Edith Cowan University's Joondalup campus in December 2007. In late 2010, Nail Brewing produced Antarctic Nail Ale using water melted from Antarctic ice collected by the Sea Shepherd crew via helicopter from an iceberg in the Southern Ocean. The ice was flown to Tasmania, melted, and transported to Perth. Only thirty bottles were produced; the first auctioned on 3 November 2011 and a second on 19 November 2011, with proceeds to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. In January 2012, Feral Brewing Company and Nail Brewing formed Brewcorp Pty Ltd, developing facilities in Bassendean.
Reader's Guide
Nail Brewing's significance lies in its resilience and innovation. After a near-fatal assault in 2004 that halted operations, founder John Stallwood rebuilt the brewery, eventually producing the world's most expensive beer, Antarctic Nail Ale, in 2010. This limited-edition ale used water from Antarctic ice, collected by the Sea Shepherd crew, and all proceeds supported the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The brewery's core beers, such as Nail Ale and Nail Stout, have won numerous medals at the Australian International Beer Awards, Sydney Royal Beer Competition, and Perth Royal Beer Show, including gold medals for Nail Ale in 2009, 2010, and 2011. The formation of Brewcorp Pty Ltd with Feral Brewing Company in 2012 marked a strategic expansion. Nail Brewing's legacy includes both its record-breaking beer and its consistent award-winning portfolio.
Did You Know?
- The water for Antarctic Nail Ale came from Antarctic ice collected by the Sea Shepherd crew via helicopter.
- Only thirty bottles of Antarctic Nail Ale were produced.
- Founder John Stallwood was assaulted in 2004 and fell into a coma for ten days, requiring a titanium plate in his skull.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Nail Brewing and when did it start?
John Stallwood established the brewery in 1996, setting up shop in Perth, Western Australia.
What is Nail Brewing most famous for?
The brewery made global headlines by producing Antarctic Nail Ale, a beer brewed with meltwater harvested from Antarctic ice that went on to be recognized as the world's most expensive bottle of beer.
Where is Nail Brewing located?
The brewery operates out of Perth in Western Australia.
What is the alcohol content of Nail Brewing's flagship beers?
The standard Nail Ale carries 4.7% alcohol by volume, while the Antarctic Nail Ale is slightly lower at 4.6% ABV.
Why do beer enthusiasts consider Nail Brewing a notable name?
Beyond its Australian roots, the brewery earned a unique place in brewing history by sourcing its water from Antarctic ice, producing a bottled beer that holds the record for the highest price tag in the world.
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