WE DON’T KNOW WHAT WE DON’T KNOW.

Before we can put endemic plants in beer we first have to get a better understanding of our unique backyard. We’re always talking to locals and experts in the field about what they know and what ideas they might have about what is safe to use. Because of Lord Howe Island’s remote location in the middle of the Tasman Sea, we have about 50% endemicity, meaning that half the plant species here are found nowhere else in the world. So local knowledge is invaluable. Just throwing leaves and flowers into the tank and seeing what happens was an approach we considered until we started to work with a lab at Southern Cross University in Lismore who are able to test samples we collect. We’re always in contact with the team at Imperial College London who have helped us narrow down the list of what we think could work to create flavours that celebrate Lord Howe Island’s flora. 

Unique beer for a unique place.

Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO world heritage site with hundreds of plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. Brewing beer here involves working alongside ancient banyans within earshot of a reef break. Conservation is an important part of life here as much of the island remains untouched and people work hard to protect it. Because of the high percentage of endemicity many visitors to the island are seeing these plants for the first time. Using these local ingredients draws their attention to one of the uses for the unique flora found on Lord Howe Island and the importance of protecting it. We are proud to work closely with the Lord Howe Island Board to ensure that our plant collection practices are sustainable and in harmony with the local environment.