Spotlight: Common People Brewing
Nestled in the heart of Bangalow, Common People Brewing is turning heads in the Northern Rivers craft beer scene. But don’t expect pretentious beer snobs here – this is where traditional brewing meets modern creativity, all served with a healthy dose of local spirit.
The people behind the pour
The gang behind the brewery wanted to bring a little bit of the common people’s culture and lifestyle into their beers.
Three couples, all with deep Northern Rivers roots, are the force behind Common People.
At the helm is head brewer Sam Tourle, bringing a decade of brewing experience and a chemical engineering background to hone their craft. Along with Drew Tourle, Jay Kempnich, and their partners, they’re proving that great beer is about community as much as craft.
Locals – born and bred in the area. The Northern Rivers is ingrained into their DNA.
The three lads all come from Kyogle, growing up on the same street!
Even though they pursued different careers, their love for beer and the local area brought them back together to bring the region’s best beers to life.
Keeping it local
The team at Common People Brewing take pride in being part of their local community.
They collaborate with other businesses and individuals to provide employment opportunities, support charities, and help promote what the Northern Rivers has to offer.
The company sources a lot of their ingredients locally. When making special brews tied into a particular season, like Christmas for example, the brewery will source local blueberries, raspberries and strawberries to give a fuller, richer fruity flavour to their beer.
What’s on tap
The core range includes crowd favourites like:
- Protesters IPA (named after the legendary 1979 environmental protest at what’s now Nightcap National Park)
- Black Beach White Ale
- Villager’s Pale Ale
- Helles Hole Lager
But it’s their special batch brews that really show off their creative flair. From the mighty Billycart Blonde (a 7.6% powerhouse created for Bangalow’s famous derby) to experimental treats like Black Forest Sour and Guava and Lilly Pilly Sour, they’re always pushing boundaries while keeping things approachable.
Up to 23 beers have been produced to date. As each special batch brew is produced in limited supply, not all are available but may return at any time. It’s the perfect excuse to keep trying new beer!
Community connections
Everything here has a story, from the locally sourced ingredients to the spent grain feeding the “happiest cows in Bangalow.” They’ve even got their beer in 39+ venues from Coffs Harbour to Brisbane, spreading the Northern Rivers vibe one pint at a time.
More than just a brewery – it’s an entertainment precinct
The brewery has become a local hub, complete with The Brewer’s Kitchen serving up beer-matching fare. Whether you’re soaking up sun on the deck or getting cosy by the winter fire, it’s the kind of place where everyone feels welcome.
Want to experience it yourself? Head to commonpeoplebrewing.com.au or better yet, stop by the brewery.
Just don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer than planned – that’s just the Common People effect.
Interested in learning what other eat and drink options are in the area?
While you’re here please check out the local business director
