Overview: Madocke Beer Brewing Company, an Australian brewery with deep Belgian roots, has made waves in the craft beer scene with their innovative Bière de Mer. Brewed using desalinated seawater from the Gold Coast, this unique Australian Pale Ale has taken out top honors at the Royal Queensland Beer Awards.
The Full Story
Madocke’s journey to creating Bière de Mer began in 2025 when they partnered with Veolia, a global leader in environmental solutions. The concept was simple yet striking: take Gold Coast seawater, desalinate it using Veolia’s process, and brew an Australian pale ale with the resulting water. What neither party anticipated was how quickly this beer would become a fan favorite.
Once the promotional campaign wrapped up and Bière de Mer hit Madocke’s taproom on Southport Nerang Road, it sold out almost instantly – and customers have been asking for it ever since. “Whenever Bière de Mer takes a break from the taproom, everyone is straight away demanding for it to come back,” said Annelies Nijskens, co-owner and manager of Madocke.
The win at the Royal Queensland Beer Awards was no surprise given the high quality of Bière de Mer. With a score of 19 out of 20 from the judging panel – second-highest mark recorded across the entire awards – it’s clear that this beer has something special to offer.
Production & Profile
Bière de Mer is brewed using desalinated seawater, which gives it a unique flavor profile. The use of seawater also raises interesting questions about what’s possible in craft brewing. Could desalted seawater become a serious ingredient in the industry? If Bière de Mer’s judges’ score is any indication, the answer might just be yes.
The beer itself has been described as having a crisp and refreshing taste with hints of citrus and floral notes – perfect for sipping on a warm Australian day. With its unique brewing process and exceptional flavor profile, it’s no wonder that Bière de Mer has captured the hearts (and palates) of craft beer enthusiasts.
Brand & Industry History
Maddocke Beer Brewing Company is an Australian brewery with deep Belgian roots. Founded by Belgian-born owners who have built a reputation for producing an extraordinarily diverse range of styles – from Strong Ales to Tripels and Quadrupels – Madocke has established itself as Australia’s home of Belgian brewing.
The company’s commitment to innovation and quality is evident in their use of desalinated seawater, which not only sets them apart but also raises the bar for craft breweries around the world. With Bière de Mer, they’ve proven that even with a unique ingredient like seawater, exceptional beer can be produced.
What This Means
The win of Bière de Mer at the Royal Queensland Beer Awards has significant implications for the broader brewing industry. It raises questions about what’s possible in terms of ingredients and production methods – could desalted seawater become a staple in craft beer? The answer, much like Bière de Mer itself, is complex but full of possibilities.
Moreover, this achievement highlights the importance of innovation and experimentation within the brewing industry. By pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas, breweries can create truly unique experiences for consumers – as Madocke has done with their use of desalinated seawater in Bière de Mer.
Consumer Takeaway
Bière de Mer is a game-changing Australian Pale Ale that’s not to be missed. With its crisp and refreshing taste, hints of citrus and floral notes, and unique brewing process using desalted seawater – it’s an experience unlike any other in the craft beer world.
For those looking for something new and exciting to try, Bière de Mer is a must-visit destination at Madocke Beer Brewing Company. With its exceptional flavor profile and innovative production method, this Australian Pale Ale has set a new standard for what’s possible in craft brewing – don’t miss out on the chance to taste it.
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