On Saturday, 12th July, Co-Conspirators Brewpub in Brunswick transformed into a winter haven of deep flavours and warm connections for our annual barrel-aged beer festival—Famiglia Affairs 2025. Thank you to everyone who came down to share a beer, a story, and a moment with us. The event was a celebration of the relationships that shape our brewery and the beer styles that reward patience, creativity, and collaboration.
A Barrel-Aged Taplist to Remember
This year’s event featured a carefully curated taplist of 17 beers from some of our favourite local breweries, each one showcasing the depth and diversity of barrel-aged, dark, and winter-friendly styles. We poured our own The Don—a whisky barrel-aged imperial stout (11.5%)—alongside beers from legends like Hop Nation, Blackmans, Sobremesa, Tallboy & Moose, The Mill Brewery, Two Rupees, Sailors Grave, and King River Brewing. Standouts included Hop Nation’s Kalash (bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout, 10.4%), Sobremesa’s Bourgogne de Kensington ’24 (barrel fermented Flanders red ale, 6.1%), and Blackmans’ indulgent Peanut Butter Cup and Black Forest pastry stouts (both 7.0%).
Each beer on the list represented the essence of Famiglia Affairs: carefully crafted, built on trust, and made to be shared. Whether you leaned toward the smoky, the fruity, or the funky, there was something to savour on every tap.
The Brewpub Was Buzzing
There’s nothing quite like sipping bold beers surrounded by great people. From midday to sundown, our Brunswick brewpub was alive with music, conversation, and the aroma of oak-aged pours. Tables filled with families, mates, and first-time visitors, many enjoying curated tasting paddles and our limited-edition 2025 Famiglia Affairs glassware. It was a true community vibe—exactly what we dreamed of when we launched this event.
A big shoutout to Dayvid from The Coolroom Podcast, who joined us on the day and recorded a special episode featuring chats with our very own Deon and Nigel. Keep an eye (and ear) out for the upcoming release, diving into all things Famiglia Affairs, barrels, and behind-the-scenes tales.
Famiglia Affairs is more than a beer showcase—it’s a tribute to the community behind the craft. We conspire with others to make great beer, and every brewery involved in this year’s event is part of our chosen family.
The Wingers Club kept bellies full with their hearty winter menu, serving up fried chicken, loaded fries, and comfort food that stood up to even the boldest stouts. Kids played happily in the family area, and our regular four-legged friends soaked up the sunshine out front. Don’t forget—we’re a dog-friendly venue all year round. Bring your pup next time! Learn more about our dog-friendly brewpub in Melbourne here.
Shoutout to Our Brewing Famiglia
Massive thanks to our collaborating breweries who brought their A-game—and their best barrels—to the party. This event exists because of the relationships we’ve built across the industry. From Merri Mashers’ collab with Tallboy & Moose (Cut the Chatter, Red Rye IPA, 6.4%) to The Mill’s Tasty Iced Coffee Stout (5.8%) and Two Rupees’ Best Bitter ESB (4.5%), the lineup celebrated not just flavour, but friendship.
Famiglia Affairs is more than a beer showcase—it’s a tribute to the community behind the craft. We conspire with others to make great beer, and every brewery involved in this year’s event is part of our chosen family.
Couldn’t Make It?
We’ve got you covered. You can still enjoy the heart of the event at home—head to our online store and get The Don delivered straight to your door, or treat yourself (or a friend) to a Famiglia Affairs Mixed Pack, featuring a curated selection of our barrel-aged releases. Whether you’re sipping solo or sharing with mates, there’s still time to be part of the famiglia
Until Next Time
Famiglia Affairs is one of our favourite days of the year—and 2025 proved why. It’s about more than just beer. It’s about the people who make it, pour it, drink it, and love it. It’s about slowing down, appreciating the craft, and raising a glass with your community.
Huge thanks to Liquex Logistics for getting our barrels and kegs where they needed to be—on time and in perfect condition. Your support behind the scenes is what keeps events like this rolling smoothly.
We’re already scheming for 2026. Until then, thank you for being part of our brewpub family. You’ll find us here in Brunswick, pouring great beer, sharing stories, and always ready to welcome new co-conspirators.
