From convict to the colony’s most-sought after brew master, the story of how James Squire became Australia’s first brewer is a cracking yarn, and one we’re always keen (and proud) to share.

150 years later in 2017, we’ve managed to wrangle a few of James’ living descendants, to brew a beer honouring Australia’s first brewer – The Hop Father XPA.

The James Squire descendants get involved on the Hop Father brew day

Seventh decedents of James Squire and brothers Ben, Matt and Chris Cooper who love nothing more than enjoying a pale ale, got together at the Malt Shovel Brewery in Camperdown and decided to give this Aussie favourite a little extra punch for our 2018 release, landing on a thirst-crushing hopped up pale ale.

Now in its second year, the limited edition Hop Father has become an annual fixture on the Squire’s beer release calendar.

Haydon Morgan, Head Brewer at the Malt Shovel Brewery in Camperdown said the brewing team were excited to welcome in a new batch of James Squire’s living descendants, who share his passion for the perfect brew and collaborate on a beer that has such a special meaning to the brand’s legacy.

“This year’s tribute to the Hop Father of Australian brewing comes in the form of a refreshing hopped up pale with a little extra hoppy punch – it’s a celebration after all.

“Dry hopped with Denali and Eureka, this hopped up pale showcases citrus and pine notes with a subtle pineapple aroma – perfect for summer festivities,” Haydon said.

James Squire Hop Father XPA is out now

Matt Cooper, one of the brothers behind the brew, said that it was pretty special to walk in James Squire’s shoes for a day, co-creating a beer that celebrates his great, great, great, great, great… grandfather.

“It’s not every day you get to brew a beer with your brothers in what was truly a family affair. The best thing about being involved in the brewing process was that we weren’t just pushing random buttons at Malt Shovel; we were actively involved in the mash, adding the hops and even got to pick a bottle straight off the bottling line.

“Beer is a timely way to raise a glass and welcome the start of a new generation. Since brewing the beer, my brother Ben has had a little girl called Mackenzie and Chris has also welcomed a boy called Theo to the family but for now, I see this beer as my baby,” Matt said.

The beer’s name is a nod to the man himself and his first brewer status as the forefather of the James Squire brand and the family today. In fact, not only was he Australia’s first successful brewer, he also went on to cultivate Australia’s first hops right here in Australia – hence the Hop Father pun.

Make sure you keep an eye out for the arrival of James Squire Hop Father XPA available in pack at Dan Murphy’s nationwide and on tap at James Squire Brewhouses from early January 2018.