The last couple of months have been an absolute whirlwind for us here at Bluestone Yeast. Between travel, conferences, product launches, school holidays, and the inevitable public holiday juggle, it’s safe to say we’ve barely had time to catch our breath — but what an exciting ride it’s been!
As Australia’s leading liquid yeast supplier, we’re proud to be right at the heart of the brewing and distilling community — supporting everyone from large-scale brewers to passionate homebrew clubs with world-class fermentation solutions. These past few months have reinforced how crucial yeast health and fermentation nutrition are to beer quality, consistency, and innovation.
Here’s a look back at what we’ve been up to lately.
CibD 2025 in Hobart – A Huge Success
In early March, we headed to Hobart for the CIBID 2025 Conference (Craft, Independent, and Boutique Industries and Distilleries). What a fantastic few days!
It was inspiring to connect with so many passionate brewers, distillers, and suppliers. The energy, innovation, and collaboration on display were second to none — and we were thrilled by the level of interest in yeast management and fermentation health, two areas we’re deeply passionate about.
A Highlight: Dr. Charles Bamforth’s Masterclass
Dr. Charles Bamforth, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of California, delivered a standout presentation titled “A Top Ten Approach to the Most Flavour Stable Beer.”
His practical, science-backed advice included:
- Using the highest practical pH in beer
- Maximising cysteine levels (for antioxidant protection)
- Increasing polyphenol content for stability
- Managing lipoxygenase activity during malting & brewing
- Minimising oxygen ingress at every stage
- Packaging with yeast to protect against oxygen
- Maintaining high sulfur dioxide levels
- Reducing iron, copper & manganese (oxidation catalysts)
- Choosing better packaging: cans > bottles, crown closures preferred
- Minimising package oxygen and keeping beer cold
- Ensuring fast turnover from packaging to consumption
It was an incredible reminder that flavour stability hinges on the small decisions made throughout the brewing process.
High Country Hop Symposia at Bridge Road Brewers
Next up, we ventured to Beechworth for the High Country Hop Symposia, hosted by the team at Bridge Road Brewers. This event is quickly becoming a must-attend on the Australian brewing calendar, and 2025’s edition didn’t disappoint.
From technical sessions on hop selection and brewing trends to beers and chats under the gum trees, it was a perfect blend of education and community. It’s always energising to be part of Australia’s craft beer scene, and events like this remind us why we love what we do.
New Product Launch: Bluestone Zinc Booster
One of the biggest milestones for us this year was launching our new Zinc Booster — and the response from breweries has been overwhelmingly positive.
Zinc is essential to healthy yeast metabolism, enzyme function, and fermentation performance. Our sterile, liquid zinc solution makes it easy for brewers to add the right dose at the beginning of fermentation.
Breweries using Zinc Booster have reported:
- More consistent fermentations
- Faster fermentation times
- Stronger, healthier yeast performance
- Improved final beer quality
💡 Quick Science Note: Zinc is a key cofactor in numerous yeast enzymatic reactions. A deficiency can lead to sluggish ferments, poor flocculation, and unwanted off-flavours. Our bioavailable Zinc Booster ensures yeast cells are primed for action — with minimal effort and maximum results.
📩 Curious whether Zinc Booster could solve a fermentation issue you’ve been grappling with? Drop us a line — we’re happy to chat fermentation science and recommend the right approach for your brewery setup.
School Holidays, Easter, and Anzac Day: The Balancing Act
Amidst the professional chaos, life outside the brewhouse was just as lively. With school holidays in full swing and both Easter and Anzac Day falling closely together, it felt like there was a new public holiday to juggle every week.
Balancing production schedules, family life, and customer needs wasn’t always easy — but we managed to keep the yeast flowing and (mostly) kept our sanity intact!
A Sunshine Coast Visit: Hoppy Days and Tuns of Anarchy
While on a well-earned break up north, I stopped in at Hoppy Days Brewing Supplies — and I’m so glad I did. Huge thanks to Steve and his team for the warm welcome and for the incredible work they do in supporting homebrewers across the Sunshine Coast.
While there, I also had the pleasure of meeting the crew from Tuns of Anarchy, an enthusiastic and talented homebrew club. I was invited to one of their club meetings, where I sampled some great beers and picked up a few steak tips to boot!
A big shoutout to the Tuns team — thanks for the laughs, the beers, and the awesome club T-shirt. As promised, I proudly wore it to the latest Merri Mashers meeting (see pic 📸)!
Merri Mashers Meetup at Co-Conspirators
The most recent Merri Mashers meeting was held at Co-Conspirators brewpub in Brunswick and was another cracker of a night.
A highlight was Sharif’s five-minute summary on what he’s learned from brewing a non-alcoholic beer — great insights and practical takeaways! The night also featured loads of updates on upcoming competitions and events, reinforcing how active and connected the homebrew community continues to be.
It’s always a pleasure to stay engaged with these dedicated clubs — the energy and creativity on display are second to none.
Looking Ahead
As we head into the second half of 2025, we’re recharged, full of new ideas, and more committed than ever to helping brewers get the most from their fermentations — whether it’s with world-class liquid yeast, fermentation boosters, or just solid brewing advice.
We’re also thrilled to announce our newest homebrew strain coming soon: Edinburgh!
This classic yeast is ideal for Scottish Ales, Wee Heavies, or any malt-forward ale style — with clean performance and rich, layered character. We can’t wait to see what homebrewers do with it.
🔬 At Bluestone Yeast, we’re not just a supplier — we’re a partner in helping you brew consistently, creatively, and confidently.
Let’s Talk Yeast
- Planning your next seasonal release
- Looking to solve a tricky fermentation issue
- Experimenting with new yeast strains
- Or just keen to talk shop over a pint
We’re here for it.
👉 Reach out to us at info@bluestoneyeast.com.au or send a message via our contact form.
Let’s make the rest of 2025 a year of even better beer — together. 🍻
