Passion Fuels Peak Brewing Co. Success

When Josh, a former engineer who had been homebrewing and distilling for over a decade, was medically discharged from the army, he sought a new purpose and found it in brewing.

"I've always loved making things," Josh said, reflecting on his decision to move from engineering to brewing. He saw the opportunity to combine his passion for making beer with his desire to support fellow veterans transitioning from military to civilian life.

Enrolling in the Certificate III in Food Processing (FBP30121), his goal was clear – to turn his home brewing hobby into a career, produce great beer and serve it in his own brewery that functions as a social hub for Defence Force veterans.

Studying at TAFE Queensland’s state-of-the-art BrewLab in Cooper Plains, Josh trained in the perfect learning environment using industry-standard equipment, giving him hands-on experience in commercial brewing techniques.

"Being around like-minded classmates and experienced teachers was incredible. Their knowledge and real-world insights helped me transition from a home brewer to a pro brewer, and my hobby quickly turned into my profession," he explained.

While Josh had years of brewing experience as a hobbyist, TAFE Queensland's hands-on training using the lab's 500-litre tanks, vessels, kettles, filters, kegging, and canning lines transformed him into a professional.

He praised the comprehensive brewing course, which allowed him to master the industry-standard equipment and use advanced scientific tools to improve the quality of his beer in just six months of full-time study.

"The course was brilliant, from learning how to handle yeast to understanding the science of beer to using equipment I’d only heard about before."

Guided by teachers who brought decades of brewing experience to the classroom, Josh graduated in 2023 and still taps into his teacher's mentorship and advice to this day.

"I still call my teachers, asking how to do things, and they always help, which is amazing. They've also helped us set up the brewery - their real-world experience has made all the difference."

Setting up Peak City Brewing Co. in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, Josh now brings the strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a passion for teamwork the military gave him to the local craft beer scene.

His passion for his training was so infectious that his wife, Noey, enrolled to gain the practical skills required to support their brewery venture despite having no prior beer-making experience.

"I had no interest in brewing, and I didn't even drink, but seeing Josh's passion for his studies changed that. He'd come home from his course and share his excitement that it piqued my interest."

With a background in food and catering, Noey saw brewing as an opportunity to apply her passion for creating flavours to a new medium.

"I realised my talent for tasting, developed through my family's catering business in Thailand, could be used to create unique beer flavours, and I decided to study brewing."

"I've always loved cooking and tasting food, and brewing is another way for me to create something flavoursome and special," she said.

As a skilled marketer and passionate cook, Noey assists in brewing beers and will run the brewery's food, bar, and community events.

Studying at TAFE Queensland's Mt Gravatt campus, Noey learned the science behind brewing under the guidance of her teacher using the industry-standard microbrewery.

"Stu was a great teacher, and because English is my second language, he explained everything slowly and step by step, clarifying what to do and what not to do. It was beneficial, and I learnt so much," she said.

Noey learned how different hops can create specific flavours in the final product, helping her to master the fundamental elements crucial for producing great beer.

"Brewing isn't just mixing the water with grains and adding sugar – there's a science to it, and I love experimenting with water, hops, yeast, and malt."

"Understanding the balance of the ingredients and knowing the perfect process required to craft the desired beer style makes brewing the perfect blend of science and creativity," she shared.

Believing that the brewing community has a unique way of bringing people together, their goal is to make their brewery a place where the veteran community can enjoy a great beer and find support and camaraderie often lacking after transitioning to civilian life.

"There's a huge gap for veterans after they leave the army, and we want Peak City to be where they feel at home and get the support they need while contributing to veteran causes and hosting events," he explained.”

“Peak City will be a welcoming space for veterans, defence force members, their families, and beer lovers to connect, relax, and enjoy the best local craft brews.”

As they prepare for their brewery's launch, Josh credits TAFE Queensland for helping them develop the skills they need to make their dream a reality.

"TAFE Queensland gave us the practical experience and the confidence to do this and we're excited to share our passion for beer with the community and support fellow veterans in the process," concluded Josh.