From diagnosis to discovery
Richard Jeffares faced a stark reality following a medical diagnosis. The dedicated craft beer enthusiast learned he had Coeliac disease, which immediately severed his connection to the rich world of pale ales, stouts, and tasting paddles.
Instead of accepting a lifetime of compromised alternatives, he looked overseas for inspiration. A comprehensive research trip to the United States exposed him to dedicated gluten free brewing facilities in Portland and Seattle. He sat at specialised taprooms, sampling diverse beer styles crafted entirely without barley.
The experience planted the seed for a bold new enterprise. He decided to bring an inclusive, uncompromised craft beer experience back to the Mornington Peninsula.
Building a specialised brewhouse
The vision materialised in a Dromana industrial estate. Jeffares launched TWØBAYS Brewing Co, claiming the title of the first dedicated gluten free brewery and taproom in Australia.
Traditional beer production relies heavily on malted barley. TWØBAYS takes a completely different approach. The brewing team sources alternative base grains, including millet, buckwheat, rice, and even lentils, to construct complex flavour profiles.
The operation imports specific malts from specialised growers in Colorado and California, ensuring the foundation of every brew meets strict quality standards. This commitment to a safe environment requires meticulous attention to detail.
The entire Dromana facility operates completely free from gluten. This rigorous approach guarantees that patrons with severe dietary restrictions can explore the menu without anxiety.
Fostering a local community
The TWØBAYS taproom provides the full sensory experience of a classic local brewery. Towering stainless steel tanks stand in plain view of the public tasting room.
Visitors can observe the production process while sampling a four glass tasting paddle of seasonal releases and core beers. The food menu perfectly complements the beverage selection. A wood fired oven produces carefully crafted pizzas, allowing guests to experience a classic culinary combination that many thought they had lost forever.
The business has grown into a major success story for the regional beverage industry. TWØBAYS now supplies hundreds of venues and bottle shops across the country, proving that alternative grains can produce exceptional results.
The Dromana space attracts a diverse crowd of locals and visitors alike. Many patrons do not actually follow a restricted diet. They simply visit the estate to enjoy high quality craft beer in a welcoming coastal setting.
Through persistence and innovation, Jeffares successfully transformed a personal hurdle into a thriving business. He created an inclusive gathering space where friends, family, and locals can share a drink together.
