Four good mates are living every bloke’s dream, owning a small batch craft brewery in Newcastle.

And, after setting up base in Mayfield West for the past two-and-a-half years, Dylan Meade, Jim Coulton, Michael Fitzgerald and Jake Gardiner now boast bigger aspirations for their Shout Brewing Co.

The quartet will soon relocate operations to a much larger premises at Islington – with the doors set to open in autumn.

“It’s all about having a bit of fun,” Dylan said.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously.

“Although there are plenty of guys who are jealous of what we do,” he added with a laugh.

“But, I’ve known the boys for quite some time.

“We all played soccer for Mayfield over at Stevenson Park and we all like a drink.

“That’s where the name Shout came from because we’d often go to the pub after games.

“We’d shout each other beers – and agreed that a great place like Newcastle needed more beer brewed locally.

“Things progressed from there.

“We then took the lead, obtained a small brewery at Mayfield West and, now, looking to expand at Islington soon.”

Dylan admitted the success of Shout Brewing Co had caught the four of them off-guard.

“It’s surprised us how it’s gone so far – to be honest, a lot better than we thought,” he said.

“I think when you make that jump from being a home brewer – which three of us are – to a bit more professional, it’s a big risk.

“Just things like trying to get the brewery up and running, and dealing with council, can be quite challenging.

“However, it’s also very rewarding when you have the place operational.

“Moving to Islington, we’ve got more space and we’re hoping to install a bar as well.

“We were just undertaking tastings at the Mayfield West premises.

“For us, a big part of the demand is people wanting to get their beer from someone local.

“When we first started, there weren’t too many other places around Newcastle.

“It’s changed a lot since then – and it is great to see some new breweries opening in the area.

“I believe that’s been a huge thing for Shout; people are keen to come in and support the local blokes.

“We’ve also been pretty lucky with the graphic designs of our product.

“The ‘can art’ certainly catches the eye.

“They do stand out, which is good because most craft beers try to make a visual impact.

“And, I think saying we’re from Newy creates interest and generates support as well.

“People want to try it.”

The guys also pride themselves on not only being independent but a venture where the founders make the beer, too.

“Since there are four of us, we all come with our own ideas and input into the brewing process,” Dylan told the Newcastle Weekly.

“It generates a bit more diversity in regards to the flavour and taste.

“If we have a concept for a new beer, we chat to each other and feed off each other – it’s really good.

“In fact, we stage our own internal competitions.

“With a new beer, we all have a crack at making it.

“That’s how we get the best result.”

But, Dylan, Jim, Michael and Jake aren’t about to rest on their laurels either.

There is an “ultimate goal”, apart from dominating the Newcastle market.

“At the moment, we’re all part-time [brewers],” Dylan said.

“The first step is to employ one or two of us on a permanent basis to work in the new brewery.

“Long term, we’d like to get this place up and running, establish ourselves here; then maybe down the track look towards a larger venue or open up another place around the Hunter.”

SHOUT’S CORE RANGE

Mullet Pale Ale

• A beer that straddles the line of approachability for the less craft beer-inclined yet enough substance to satisfy those with a craftier palate. The Mullet Pale Ale pours a pale amber colour, which hints at its malty base. This subtle malt background is the perfect platform for the Citra hops to shine through which contribute a restrained but ever-present bouquet of citrus and tropical fruits.

Drop Dead Red Lager

• A beer that has a distinct rich red hue, Drop Dead Red is a crisp, malt forward and medium body lager. A “sessionable” beer perfect to drink any time of the year.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Juice (NEIPA)

• A classic take on the popular New England IPA style. Cloudy With A Chance Of Juice delivers a tropical fruit bowl delicately poised upon a foggy cloudiness for that low bitterness, creamy mouthfeel NEIPA experience. The use of Sigmund Voss kveik yeast adds a unique touch to this satisfying ale.

Keep Newy Weird West Coast IPA

• Have you ever eaten a pine cone? Yeah… me neither…. This is nothing like that. This beer tastes like pristine beaches mixed with coal dust and memories of phallic lookouts. This beer tastes like red and blue, like triumph in the face of adversity. It’s better than Lego and it tastes best shared with mates. Real beer for real Novocastrians.

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