Mattias Isaksson has become head brewer at Prickly Moses Brewery, having brewed at Queenscliff Brewhouse and Old Wives Ales, following the departure of Luke Scott to the new Sou’West Brewery.

Mattias Isakkson, head brewer at Prickly Moses Brewery.

Victoria’s Prickly Moses Brewery Welcomes Esteemed New Head Brewer Following the Exit of Luke Scott

Prickly Moses Brewery in Victoria has welcomed a new head brewer following the amicable departure of its long-standing head brewer, Luke Scott. Mattias Isaksson brings experience from his time at the helms of multiple breweries as he steps into his new position at Prickly Moses. Mattias was first introduced to brewing back in his home country of Sweden.

The budding brewer’s love of the craft began with experimenting with a classic Coopers home brew kit before joining a newly formed home-brew club called the Merri Mashers. It wasn’t long before Mattias had started his own backyard brewery that was gaining lots of attention.

In 2015, Mattias formed a brewing company called Old Wives Ales with three other investors. Opting to take a nomadic approach to brewing, the group created beers in collaboration with various breweries around Victoria instead of building their own proprietary brewery.

Mattias first formed a relationship with Prickly Moses when the Old Wives Ales Raspberry Saison was brewed at the Prickly Moses brewery. Mattias’ accomplished career as a brewer also includes a lead role at the Queenscliff Brewhouse, where he is still working today.

It was here that he was able to sharpen his skills while refining recipes in a 300-litre brewery. Mattias has emerged as one of the most sought-after brewers in Australia due to his unmatched ability to draw out flavours through innovative experimentation. His experiences as both a nomadic and in-house brewer uniquely equip him with a mastery of adaptable, experimental brewing equipment and techniques.

“While working at the Queenscliff Brewhouse, I’ve been able to continue my experimental approach to brewing,” shares Mattias.” It’s been great for improving my brewing and recipe development skills. Having direct feedback from loyal customers is one of the pros of being in a brew pub.”

Luke Scott is departing Prickly Moses after spending a decade of his 21-year career helping to bring many of the brewery’s most iconic signatures to life. He leaves to pursue an opportunity closer to home that will help him to reduce his commute time to spend more time with his family. The Prickly Moses team expresses admiration and gratitude for his very successful tenure at the brewery.

“Taking over the head brewer role at Prickly Moses after Luke is obviously big shoes to fill. I’m looking forward to continuing the production of the high-quality beers Prickly Moses is known for while developing new beers to suit the ever-changing Australian craft-beer landscape,” shares Mattias. As of Dec. 1, Prickly Moses fans can begin getting a taste of the brand’s future with Mattias taking charge as head brewer.

Hear more about former head brewer Luke Scott’s story on the Beer is a Conversation podcast.