Balter Brewing

What Balter Brewing does

Balter Brewing Company is an Australian craft brewery founded in 2014 in Currumbin, Queensland, by a group including three-time World Champion surfer Mick Fanning, Ant Macdonald (CEO), Stirling Howland (Brand Director), and Head Brewer Scott Hargrave. The company produces a core range of beers (XPA, IPA, Cerveza, Captain Sensible, Eazy Hazy, Hazy, Lager, Strong Pale Ale) alongside a rotating lineup of limited releases and international collaborations, brewed across a 500HL Krones Brewhouse with 50,000L Australian-made fermenters, 34 x 7,000L DME fermenters, and a 500L pilot system. Proprietary brewing techniques include Cryo Hops processing (concentrated hop aroma via cryogenic treatment), liquid nitrogen canning for nitro stouts, fresh yeast propagation per brew for hazy styles, and direct hop selection at Yakima Valley through partnerships with Yakama Chief Hops and Perrault Farm.

Balter distributes through a direct-to-consumer taproom and online store (shop.balter.com.au) and through a wholesale channel of 2,000+ stockists including Australia's three largest liquor chains (Dan Murphy's, BWS, First Choice Liquor) plus independent bottle shops, pubs, and bars. Revenue streams consist of packaged beer sales (off-premise retail, online, and taproom), on-premise draught, merchandise (including Mick Fanning's 'Beers Do Come True' coaster book), and taproom experience services (brewery tours, Beer School, functions). Pricing is pay-as-you-go at flat rates: $9.95 domestic shipping (free over $100), $20+ international, free Gold Coast same-day delivery over $50. Customer segments are horizontally split across craft beer enthusiasts, mid-strength drinkers (Captain Sensible at 3.5% ABV), hospitality venues, and gift buyers.

Balter was acquired by Carlton & United Breweries (CUB, now part of Asahi Beverages) in December 2019, joining a craft portfolio that includes 4 Pines, Pirate Life, Green Beacon, and Mountain Goat. Founders and Head Brewer Hargrave remained with the company post-acquisition, with operations, ingredients, and brand values preserved. The company has since expanded into New Zealand (formal launch 2025), executed a multi-leg USA 'Mouth Holiday' collaboration tour in 2023-2024, and continues to produce community-driven initiatives (Tins of Glory World Championships, charity fundraisers) that anchor its brand to Australian surf and lifestyle culture.

Name

Balter Brewing

Legal name

Emencee Pty Ltd

Website

https://balter.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Balter Brewing is an Australian craft brewery (founded 2014, Currumbin QLD) producing core and limited-release beers for retail, on-premise, and direct-to-consumer channels via a taproom, online store, and 2,000+ stockists nationwide. It is a subsidiary of CUB/Asahi Beverages.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Beer

NAICS

Breweries (31212), Breweries (312120), Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers (42481)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Beer Brewing & Brands (CRADAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service) (THAFALAA), Taprooms & Brewpubs (CRANACAF)

Keywords

• Craft beer production
• Beer brewing
• Craft brewery
• Beer distribution
• Brewery merchandise

Headquarters

HQ city

Currumbin

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Beer Sales (Taproom & Online): Direct-to-consumer sales through the Balter Taproom at Currumbin and their online store with Australia-wide shipping. Orders over $100 qualify for free shipping within Australia.
2. Wholesale Distribution: Wholesale distribution through 2000+ stockists nationwide including Dan Murphy's, BWS, First Choice Liquor, and independent bottle shops and pubs. Core range and limited release beers distributed nationally.
3. Merchandise: Sale of branded merchandise including apparel, accessories, and the 'Beers Do Come True' coaster book written by Mick Fanning through the online store and taproom.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Balter Brewing Company brews and sells a portfolio of craft beers across a core range (XPA, IPA, Cerveza, Captain Sensible, Eazy Hazy, Hazy, Lager, Strong Pale Ale) and rotating limited release beers, distributed through its Currumbin taproom, online store and 2,000+ stockists nationwide. Operations include wholesale supply to major liquor retailers, hospitality venues, plus branded merchandise sales and taproom experiences such as brewery tours and beer school.

Product overview

Balter Brewing Company is an Australian craft brewery founded by a group including former world champion surfer Mick Fanning, headquartered in Currumbin, QLD. The company operates a portfolio of core beers and limited releases. Core range includes XPA (flagship Extra Pale Ale), IPA, Cerveza (Mexican Style Lager), Captain Sensible (mid-strength), Eazy Hazy (hazy pale ale), Hazy (hazy IPA), Lager, and Strong Pale Ale. Limited releases rotate frequently and include Imperial IPAs, collaboration brews with international partners (Garage Project, Firestone Walker, Figueroa Mountain), experimental hop varieties (Cryo series), stouts, and seasonal offerings. The company also operates a taproom with tours and beer school experiences, plus an online store and beer locator service. Acquired by Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) in December 2019 but continues to operate independently.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• XPA Flagship Extra Pale Ale at 5.0% ABV with tropical and floral aromatics and a fruity palate; positioned for craft beer enthusiasts and is one of Australia's highest-ranked pale ales.
• IPA India Pale Ale at 6.8% ABV in the core range, featuring a hop-forward flavour profile for craft beer drinkers.
• Cerveza Australian-made Mexican Style Lager at 4% ABV; exceptionally clean, refreshing finish with delicate balance, light on hops and big on refreshment; voted #1 new beer in the 2024 GABS Hottest 100.
• Captain Sensible Mid-strength craft beer at 3.5% ABV marketed as the 'Rocky Balboa of mid-strengths', proving no compromise on flavour for lower alcohol content; ranked #1 mid-strength beer at the 2019 GABS Hottest 100.
• Eazy Hazy Hazy Pale Ale at 4.0% ABV; well-contained taste explosion with US hops delivering lime, passionfruit and coconut around a creamy rolled-wheat base; designed as a sessionable hazy.
• Hazy Hazy IPA at 6.0% ABV, 30 IBU; full fruit bomb with quaffable sweetness, promoted from limited release to core range following popular demand.
• Balter Lager German Lager at 4.6% ABV featuring a casual citrus wave, subtle spicy note and gentle malt character; positioned as a sessionable everyday lager.
• Balter Strong Pale Ale International Pale Ale at 5.9% ABV with intense flavour and balanced bitterness; Champion International Pale Ale at the 2019 AIBA awards.
• Handsome Elvis Nitro Milk Stout Limited release Nitro Milk Stout with hazelnut, espresso, chocolate and berry flavours; features liquid nitrogen canning that creates cascading creamy bubbles when poured.
• Cryomofo Limited Release West Coast IPA West Coast IPA at 7.0% ABV using Cryo Mosaic and Cryo Loral hops, heroing Balter's proprietary Cryo Hops technique as part of a four-part hop-experiment series.
• CryoHaze Limited Release Hazy IPA Hazy IPA using Cryo Mosaic hops; positioned as the juicier little brother to Cryomofo with a scruffier appearance.
• Dazy (Hazy IIPA) Hazy Imperial IPA at 8.0% ABV with doubled tropical fruit flavours, spicy alcohol and balanced bitterness; a stepped-up version of regular Hazy.
• Balter IIPA Vintage 20 Imperial IPA Vintage 2020 at 8.0% ABV using Strata, Simcoe and Aussie Cascade hops, packaged in 375ml format.
• Cirrostratus New limited release low-carb beer with sky-high taste, positioned as a better-for-you craft option.
• Black Rice Lager Special release black rice lager featuring distinctive flavours derived from black rice as a primary ingredient.
• Balter Taproom Brewery taproom at 14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters, QLD offering take-away 750ml longnecks, growler fills, merchandise, brewery tours, beer school, functions and bookable table dining.
• Brewery Tours Guided tours of the Balter brewing facility showcasing the brewing process from the 500L pilot brewing system to large-scale Krones Brewhouse production.
• Beer School Educational experience at the Balter taproom teaching brewing basics and beer knowledge to visitors.
• Beer Locator Online stockist finder tool that tracks down fresh Balter beer near the user, integrated with Google Maps and updated daily.
• Balter Online Store E-commerce platform at shop.balter.com.au selling beer, merchandise and specialty items such as the 'Beers Do Come True' coaster book, with Australia-wide shipping and same-day Gold Coast delivery.

Quantifiable outcome

• 8 beers in GABS Hottest 100 (2019) - most by any brewery
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• Garage Project NZminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration on NZ Pilsner as part of Balter's expansion into New Zealand, bringing their beer styles to NZ audiences.
• Highland Park Brewery (California)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024California-based brewery collaboration as part of Balter's USA Mouth Holiday beer exploration.
• Craft CoastminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration on a West Coast IPA with Australian craft brewery Craft Coast.
• Figueroa Mountain BrewingmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Collaboration on West Coast Pilsner with brewmaster Kevin Ashford of Figueroa Mountain (who has won over a dozen medals for his lagers). The beer was the final stop on Balter's USA Mouth Holiday tour and featured at the Lagerville festival in California.
• Green Cheek BrewingminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2023Collaboration on a California IPA style beer with Green Cheek, a California-based brewery. Part of Balter's USA Mouth Holiday exploration.
• Loftus ExpressminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023Farm to Pint collaboration focusing on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable brewing practices.
• Cloudburst BrewingminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023Collaboration with Seattle-based Cloudburst Brewing on a hazy IPA, bringing a Seattle-style hazy beer experience to Australian audiences.
• Yakama Chief HopscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Primary hop supplier and partner. Head Brewer Scott Hargrave travels annually to Yakima Valley during hop harvest to personally select hops. Yakama Chief Hops provides experimental hop varieties and hosts Balter's involvement in hop breeding programs.
• BrewgooderminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2020Participation in Brewgooder Global Gathering 2020 with Porter 4 Water beer. Brewgooder's mission is to provide clean water for 100,000 people through craft beer donations. 250+ breweries worldwide participated.
• Garage ProjectmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Collaboration brewing DRY HAZE - two versions brewed at each brewery showcasing Yakima Chief's 2019 harvest Sabro hops blended with Motueka at Balter and Galaxy at Garage Project. The beer was available exclusively in Australia through the Independent Brewers Association.
• Tip Jar FundminorOthers · 1 January 2020Charitable partnership to support the hospitality industry during COVID-19. Balter designed merchandise with all profits going to the Tip Jar Fund which aimed to raise 100K for feeding, housing, employing and supporting food and beverage industry workers.
• Wildlife Victoria, RFS, WIRESminorOthers · 1 January 2020Charitable partners for Resilience Beer bushfire relief. Proceeds from keg sales donated to Wildlife Victoria, NSW Rural Fire Service, and WIRES Wildlife Rescue for bushfire recovery efforts.
• Modern Times BeerminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2019Friends of Balter collaboration series with San Diego's Modern Times Beer. 7000 Smiles Juicy Strong Pale Ale showcased Modern Times' love for Australian hops and Balter's for American hops.
• Firestone Walker Brewing CompanymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Balter collaborated with Firestone Walker at their Propagator brewhouse in Venice Beach, California. Together they created String Theory Gold Coast IPA (7.4% ABV) using experimental hop 033 from Hop Products Australia. The collaboration was featured in a short film.
• Hop Products AustraliacoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019Supplier of Australian experimental hop varieties including the 033 hop used in collaboration with Firestone Walker. Provided hops for Balter's US collaborations.
• Kevin AshfordmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrewmaster at Figueroa Mountain Brewing, Kevin Ashford collaborated with Balter on the West Coast Pilsner. Known for winning over a dozen medals for lagers, Kevin represents the culture of classic American brewing.
• Perrault FarmcoreTechnology or IntegrationYakima Valley hop farm that provides specialty hop varieties for Balter's experimental releases. Hosted Scott Hargrave during hop selection visits.
• Yakima Chief Hops (YCH)coreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary hop supplier providing Cryo hops, experimental varieties, and hosting hop selection visits. Partnership enables access to unique hop varieties not widely available in Australia.
• Ocean and EarthminorOthersLocal surf company that survived bushfires. Partner in community fundraising initiatives during bushfire relief efforts.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. US craft pioneer with strong hop-forward IPAs, innovation-led limited releases, and brewery-taproom experience. Comparable to Balter's R&D-driven approach (experimental hops, fresh yeast, hop variety focus) at a larger and more established scale.
• BrewDog: Large-scale international craft brewer with broad IPA/heavy hop portfolio and aggressive bar/brewery expansion. Comparable to Balter as a craft brand pursuing hop-forward innovation, taproom-led experience, and global recognition beyond a single national market.
• Coopers Brewery: Australia's largest family-owned brewery with national distribution and an extensive craft-leaning portfolio. Functions as a broad incumbent in Australian craft/mainstream beer against which Balter competes for tap handles and shelf space.

Direct peers

• Stone & Wood Brewing: Independent Australian craft brewery (Northern Rivers, NSW) with national distribution across independent and chain liquor stores. Closely comparable to Balter in size, product mix (core IPAs/pale ales, limited releases), and award-driven brand positioning.
• Little Creatures Brewing: Lion-owned Australian craft brewery with flagship Fremantle taproom, national distribution, and comparable hop-forward portfolio (Pale Ale, IPA, Rogers'). Closely mirrors Balter's DTC taproom-plus-wholesale dual model in a rival large-brewer-owned portfolio.
• 4 Pines Brewing: Australian craft brewery also under CUB/Asahi ownership alongside Balter. Comparable craft portfolio, national distribution via CUB, and taproom presence on Australia's east coast — making it the closest operational peer within the same parent group.
• Pirate Life Brewing: Australian craft brewery acquired by CUB in 2017 and now a sister brand to Balter within the same CUB/Asahi craft portfolio. Comparable in product mix (IPAs, lagers, limited releases), national Australian distribution, and DTC taproom model.
• Mountain Goat Beer: CUB-owned Melbourne craft brewery and direct sister brand to Balter. Comparable craft positioning, taproom-led DTC, and national wholesale via CUB — strong operational peer for benchmarking within the CUB craft portfolio.
• Green Beacon Brewing: Brisbane-based craft brewery that was part of the same CUB craft portfolio acquisition wave as Balter. Comparable core range, Queensland production base, and CUB-backed national distribution.

Others

• Yakima Chief Hops / Bale Breaker Brewing: Bale Breaker is a Yakima Valley craft brewery built on the founders' hop-farming heritage and a Balter collaboration partner. Comparable as a craft peer tied directly to Yakima hop sourcing, and a useful benchmark for the YCH-backed experimental hop innovations that Balter frequently deploys.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/balterbrewers
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@balterbrewers
• Facebookfacebook.com/balterhq
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/balter-brewing-company
• Instagraminstagram.com/balterbrewers
• TikToktiktok.com/@balterbrewers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Balter Brewing