Earlier this year it was announced that Deeds Brewing would enter liquidation, but a change of direction has seen the taproom and brewing operations temporarily reopen.
Both spaces were closed in May when the brewery was unable to find a buyer or investor after entering voluntary administration, 12 years since its launch. But despite the previous announcement, the Deeds Taproom in Glen Iris is back in business for a short period of time.
Patrick Alé, Founder of Deeds Brewing, told Beer & Brewer that the decision allows the brewery to close on its own terms. It also means staff will be paid quicker than the alternative of going through the Government body.
“The brewery has absorbed some new brewers from other breweries that have recently closed, so some exciting new brews are in our future. We will be open until February 2025 and then we will be closing permanently, so people have the summer to enjoy the amazing venue and our beers before we close,” Alé stated.
With three new brewers on board, Deeds reopened yesterday, marking the occasion with the release of its brand-new Flight By Night BBA Imperial Stout.
Over the next few months, the taproom will showcase a selection of limited-edition beers on tap, which patrons won’t be able to find elsewhere. Highlights include the Cherry Chocolate Stout, Peanut Butter Stout, Midwinter Stout and naturally fermented sour beers, which Alé likens to a ‘funky natural wine’.
Along with the limited-release beer line, Deeds has overhauled its kitchen, appointing Sliders on Tyres food truck as its vendor.
“We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Sliders On Tyres who will be taking over our kitchen and providing an exceptional food offering for all of our patrons during our final summer celebration as we run up to bowing out of the industry and closing doors for good at the end of February,” said Alé.
Led by Owen Scungio, who comes from a formal dining background with stints at Vue de Monde and Negroni Bar and Grill, the food truck brings tried and true favourites and a selection of restaurant-quality dishes to the taproom.
Dishes will include the classic cheeseburger slider, a vegetarian version made with vegan mince, calamari, and variations on American comfort food such as the Fancy Dog, a playful Aussie take on the all-American hotdog.
“The mango waffle taco is making its debut in the taproom after being incubated for the past six months,” said Scungio.
Pleased with the arrangement to stay open until February, and the opportunity to give Deeds fans one last summer of limited brews, Alé told Beer & Brewer: “We couldn’t be more thankful to the fan base we have. Our fans have been amazing through this whole process and continue to support us. We want to thank them very much and hope they will continue to enjoy our beer, limited’s and taproom until February.”
To celebrate the reopening of Deeds Taproom, the brewery has reintroduced its happy hour from 4-6pm on weekdays, including $8 house pints and house wines.