THE RIGHT CHOICE Ray Smith with master brewer, Craig Jennings who will giving out his secrets at the upcoming beer appreciation day.
RAY SMITH has witnessed many changes in the pub industry over his time behind the taps.
He is fully aware that publicans always need to heed the changes and to be agile in adapting.
“It was once a case of Fred walking into the bar and before he had said a word you knew he wanted a schooner of XXXX,” Ray said.
“Drinkers in those days were set in their ways and rarely varied from their respective drink other than to occasionally order a spirit.
“Now drinkers are much more adventurous and that has been brought about largely by the numerous craft beers flooding the market,” Ray said.
Ray took over the old Coronation West Ipswich Hotel and renamed it the “Witch” back in 2020 and recently he moved to also open a Brewer’s Choice outlet across the road.
In recognizing the many locals now trying their hand at brewing their own, he is holding his first Beer Appreciation Day at the hotel on Saturday, September 17 from 10am to 12 noon.
Those who go along will learn from the experts in the brewing industry like his Brewer’s Choice shop manager, Graeme Houghton.
Graeme has been home brewing since the years of KB and other brands that you had to have an iron stomach to like.
He’ll be joined at the beer appreciation event by master brewers from some of Brisbane’s leading craft beer makers.
“Those who come along will get to ask as many questions as they like, taste test the beers and we’ll even put on a sausage sizzle,” Ray said.
“We were planning to hold it at the Brewer’s Choice shop, but the interest has been that strong we have moved it across the road to the Witch.”
Ipswich locals are familiar with the Brewer’s Choice franchise but may have had to have their navigation on to locate the shop as they have moved from Yamanto, to Churchill and now to the larger premises on Brisbane Street, West Ipswich opposite the old Queensland Times.
