Sailors Grave

A treacherous cove at Cape Conran is the inspiration for the name and the spirit of Sailor’s Grave, brews inspired by the ocean and rural living. A sea change and love for beer prompted Chris & Gab Moore to assemble East Gippsland’s newest brewery in the abandoned 1893 Orbost Butter and Produce factory – not far from where Gabs grew up.

Now in its third year of trading, the business sells its beer nationally and internationally, trading with Hong Kong, New Zealand and Japan.

THE PROBLEM

The founders are growing a business in an isolated community that is facing significant economic decline and structural adjustment, particularly with the demise of logging. There is a real need for innovation in agriculture, manufacturing and tourism..

THE INNOVATION

Brewing and distilling offers an opportunity to utilize and promote Gippsland-grown barley as a high quality and unique product.

Sailors Grave is establishing a micro-malting facility adjacent to its brewery with the aim of producing specialty and base malts that can be sold across eastern Victoria.

The co founders are developing a range of craft beers that incorporate Indigenous botanicals picked from the bush, salt, weed and sea life harvested from river and ocean, fruits, grains & produce from local farms and orchards and wild yeasts from the backyard. This innovation is bringing together people from many walks of life – grain growers; energy technology; logistics; food and beverage production

The business is also exploring carbon neutral brewing via waste water treatment, storm water and grey water reuse, carbon dioxide recovery, and green energy.