Coopers Brewery, a long-standing brand with a 162-year legacy, has recently opened its new visitor’s centre, microbrewery, and whisky distillery at Regency Park in South Australia. This world-class facility aims to provide a unique and immersive experience for tourists from near and far, showcasing the rich history of the brand.
The new facility boasts a restaurant, three bars, an outdoor plaza, a tasting room, and interactive history displays, all designed to celebrate what sets Coopers apart in the brewing industry. In a significant move, Coopers will now venture into the world of whisky with its on-site distillery, alongside a microbrewery for crafting small-batch experimental beers.
The $70m development at the Regency Park site was officially unveiled after almost 20 months of construction. The opening event was graced by South Australian Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, along with the Cooper family and over 300 industry professionals. Dr. Tim Cooper, the Managing Director of Coopers, emphasized the importance of the new visitor’s centre in highlighting the brand’s independence and originality in an increasingly consolidated brewery landscape.
The addition of a microbrewery and whisky distillery at the new site will allow Coopers to push the boundaries of experimentation in its production. While the existing brewery will continue its regular operations, the microbrewery will focus on crafting exclusive experimental brews for visitors to enjoy. Dr. Cooper explained that the smaller batch sizes in the microbrewery enable the team to test out new ideas without the risk of large-scale wastage.
Furthermore, Coopers will now be producing whisky on-site using custom-made cooper whisky stills from Scotland. This marks a new chapter for the brand as they delve into the realm of spirits, with a focus on mastering the art of distillation and maturation over the next few years.
The visitor’s centre building at Regency Park features a unique curved design inspired by the iconic Coopers roundel label, creating a modern and welcoming space for up to 400 guests. The investment in the new facility, which started at $50m but eventually grew to $70m, underscores Coopers’ commitment to expanding its offerings and enhancing visitor experiences.
Guests at the visitor’s centre can indulge in a range of culinary delights crafted by Head Chef Fabio Castello, blending South American and Mediterranean flavors with Coopers’ premium beers. The venue also offers brewery tours, interactive history displays, and a seasonal beer-inspired food menu, all aimed at attracting over 100,000 visitors annually.
In light of recent beer tax hikes imposed by the Federal Government, Dr. Cooper expressed concerns about the impact on both the brewing industry and consumers. He highlighted the burden of excise duty rates on beer, which already account for a significant portion of the product’s cost, making beer one of the most heavily taxed consumer goods in Australia.
As Coopers embarks on this new chapter with its state-of-the-art facility, the brand remains dedicated to preserving its heritage, fostering innovation, and providing unforgettable experiences for beer and whisky enthusiasts alike.