Located on Murray Street, this industrial-esque building has been home to several fallen Hobart icons, such as the Westend Pumphouse and Fox Fridays.
Now, it welcomes the newest taproom to the Hobart craft beer scene – Mountain Culture.
Known for brewing the Best Beer in Australia, Mountain Culture is now pouring in Hobart, serving up their iconic Frickles (don’t knock it till you try it) and is home to the ever-popular Shufl Board.
We caught up with Bernard (Bernie) Jones, Hospitality Group General Manager for Mountain Culture Beer Co., for a quick yarn and some insider deets on what makes Mountain Culture so darn good.
In the heart of the Blue Mountains in Katoomba, New South Wales, Mountain Culture was established in 2019 and quickly became adored by craft beer fans far and wide.
“It’s a beautiful spot. And it has a kind of a ‘Hobart feel’ to it.”
Known for its rugged landscape, waterfalls, and bushwalking trails, Katoomba’s cooler climate and mountain ranges give off major Hobart vibes. So when the opportunity came to expand across the Bass Strait and serve cold ones to Hobart’s craft beer connoisseurs, it just made sense.
“Being that the brand is very much focused on being a part of local communities and bringing good beer to good people, Tassie just felt like a natural fit.”
Hobartians have no shortage of breweries, but there’s always room for more. Mountain Culture is like our adopted little brother, with the same warm heart and love of smashing a well-earned beer after a bushwalk.
“The guys that grew up in the (Blue) mountains came down to Tassie and went, yep, this feels like home.”
Being a natural-born Tasmanian himself, Bernie came home to help open the new tap room with the rest of the crew. And naturally had a good eye for what we Tasweigans want and need in a good pub.
“I think Tassie’s a good fit for the brand. We’re all a bit outdoorsy, we like our people, we like good food, and we like good beer – it fits Tassie like a hand in a glove.”
After a fresh lick of paint, some cockatoo tap handles, and the installation of a Mountain Culture mural featuring their ‘Cult Iconography’– she was ready for her big debut on 15 August.
“We’ve changed some things, obviously got some of the key icons of mountain culture, and there are some murals on the walls. The cockatoo is our mascot for the brand. There’ll be a couple of those around.”
They’re pouring Mountain Culture favourites on tap, alongside limited-release Tassie-exclusive brews made in Hobart at their off-site brewery in Moonah. There was never any intent to just drop mainland beers off on a pallet.
“We’re brewing beer in Tassie for Tasmanians, ’cause it’s important that the beer is as fresh as possible and doing what we can to employ Tasmanians to carry the torch for Mountain Culture.”
Their first Hobart brew was Cake Lakes, a hazy pale ale that was launched just in time for the opening.
“We just want to make good beer, make good food, and have a good time. And, you know, climb the mountain and do a ‘polar bear swim’ and stuff, you know. those normal Tasmanian activities, right?”
Speaking of food, what’s on the menu?
Burgers, fries, parmis (including eggplant for all those vegos out there), shnittys, and a good old-fashioned steak sandwich. And of course, the Mountain Culture classic: The Frickle – a long-sliced burger pickle, dipped in batter and deep fried.
“Yep, you’re probably thinking – I don’t know how I feel about that. But there’s a reason we’ve put it on every menu across the group.”
Bernie assures us it’s a must-try, paired with chipotle mayo. The Frickle is a nod to Mountain Culture’s founder, DJ, and his North Carolina roots.
“No one’s complained yet.”
We got Bernie to spill on any upcoming MC exclusives:
More Hobart-exclusive beer coming – brewed and only available in Tassie under the Mountain Culture Brand. There may be collaborations with local breweries, and potentially some barrels being acquired for some whiskey (but that’s all on the down-low for now).
And yes, MC is keeping the two staples of 105 Murray Street – The Shufl Board and Wednesday night trivia. They’re still screening sports and hosting happy hours.
“Watching sports and drinking beer are two things that go hand in hand.”
So book a table, sample their beer with a tasting paddle, order a Frickle, and play some Shufl down at MC – the newest member to the ever-expanding Hobart beer fam.
“We saw an opportunity to bring good beer to good people and that’s what we’re here to do.”
You heard the man – go treat yourself to a beer at Mountain Culture, located at 105 Murray St, Hobart
