Australia: Lion sells Eumundi Brewing, one of Australia’s original craft breweries

Eight years after reviving Eumundi Brewing, one of Australia’s original craft breweries, Lion has sold it to the Comiskey Group, Drinks Digest reported on April 3.

The Cominskey Group is a family-owned company based in Brisbane’s north. It was named Australia’s Best Hotel Group Operator 2023 at the AHA National Awards for Excellence.

Eumundi Lager was first brewed in 1988, after brewing engineer and developer John Lynch led a group to purchase the town’s Imperial Hotel and install a brewery on site.

However, the microbrewery ceased operations soon after and production was outsourced to Yatala Brewery, with brewing eventually ceasing in 2004.

In 2016, Lion revived the much-loved Eumundi craft beer, returning production to its original home at The Imperial Hotel. By August 2017, the new Eumundi Brewery officially reopened, launching fresh brews, including a new Lager and Pale Ale.

Comiskey Group Director Rob Comiskey said: “One of the main reasons we purchased The Imperial Hotel was its connection to the brewery.

“We saw the site as an iconic landmark for the Sunshine Coast, brimming with untapped potential. Owning the brewery as well was an obvious next step, enabling us to invest further and make it the centrepiece of the hotel.

“With its deep roots in the Eumundi community, preserving the brewery’s legacy was a priority for me. We are thankful Lion revived such a nostalgic brand, building it to what it is today. Eumundi Brewery has a solid foundation for us to continue to grow and distribute.

The Comiskey Group acquired The Imperial Hotel in October 2023. Significant upgrades have already been completed, including the renovation and opening of a new front bar, gaming room, TAB area, and band room as part of the first stage of renovations, with the second stage currently underway.

“We serve Eumundi Brewery on tap—it’s the freshest beer on the Sunshine Coast, poured straight from the vats to the taps,” Comiskey said.

“Visitors can enjoy local live music at The Imperial Hotel, all while savouring a lager crafted in-house. It’s a distinctive and authentic local experience that we take pride in continuing. We’re thrilled to expand the brewery’s brand presence, not only at The Imperial Hotel but across our other venues and nationwide.”

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