INTRODUCTION TO XXXX BREWERY

Welcome to XXXX Brewery

XXXX is one of Australia’s most iconic beer brands, brewed in the heart of Milton, Brisbane, by Castlemaine Perkins. With roots dating back to 1857, when Castlemaine Brewers was founded in the town of Castlemaine in Victoria, XXXX has become a symbol of Queensland pride and is the go-to choice on tap in pubs and bars across the state. Its popularity now extends well beyond Queensland, being enjoyed by beer-lovers the world over, but it remains especially beloved in its home state, with its crisp, refreshing taste ideal for the state’s humid, subcritical climate.

The brand’s name – XXXX – has sparked curiosity and earned nicknames over the years. Among Australian military personnel, it was humorously referred to as “Barbed Wire” because the four Xs resembled the spiky fence used in the Outback. In fact, its name is a throwback to a long-standing tradition of using Xs to indicate the strength of an ale. Launched in 1878, Castlemaine XXX Sparkling Ale was an instant hit. But that was just the beginning. After installing Queensland’s first telephone system, pioneering refrigeration and using crown seals instead of corks, XXXX Bitter first hit the market in 1924 and has never looked back.

At the heart of the brand’s identity is its long-time mascot, Mr XXXX – a laconic cartoon fellow in a suit and boater hat who’s been part of XXXX’s character since the launch of XXXX Bitter. Visible on the city side of the Milton Brewery, his true inspiration remains a mystery. His creator was probably Ian Gall, one of Australia’s most respected illustrators of the time, and he was possibly inspired by a Fortitude Valley newspaper seller with a big smile and even bigger personality – there’s a print outside the XXXX Alehouse lift that backs up the story. “Australians wouldn’t give a XXXX for anything else” has become one of the most recognisable beer taglines in the country and – together with Mr XXXX – perfectly captures the brand’s cheeky, down-to-earth Aussie attitude.

The XXXX label is rich in Queensland imagery, usually depicting the Milton Brewery alongside the Ipswich railway line. Older labels featured steam and diesel engines, while modern ones show the Queensland Rail EMU, reflecting not just the ever-evolving face of Brisbane, but also the brewery’s commitment to and reputation for innovation.

One of the most traditional ways to enjoy XXXX is at the Breakfast Creek Hotel in Newstead, where it’s still served from wooden barrels. Although it’s not cask-conditioned like British real ale, this version of the beer is unpasteurised and served via gravity, offering a unique taste experience.

Even in pop culture, XXXX has made a mark, most notably in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, where the fictional Australian-inspired continent is named “Fourecks” in homage to the beer.

From its iconic mascot to trivia under its caps and its appearances in literature and lore, XXXX is a beloved slice of Aussie culture that continues to bring mates together, one stubby at a time.

History of XXXX

The year was 1877. Two brothers, Nicholas and Edward Fitzgerald, left Victoria and headed north to Queensland in search of the good life, armed with some serious brewing know-how. They’d already built successful breweries in Victoria and New South Wales and they figured Brisbane could use a decent drop too.

Teaming up with two locals – Michael Quinlan and Nicholas Donnelly – they formed a joint venture. It wasn’t smooth sailing at first. Donnelly pulled out early and after Quinlan passed away, it was his wife, Kate, who stepped in to keep things going. She partnered with a businessman named George Grey and together with the Fitzgeralds focused on one goal: brewing great beer.

By 1878, they’d nailed it: Castlemaine XXX Sparkling Ale was launched with great success. Orders flooded in, but getting messages from the city office to the brewery quickly enough was a nightmare, so they did something bold: they installed Queensland’s very first telephones. This was just the start of a long tradition of innovation at XXXX. The brewery was one of the pioneers of refrigeration and switched to crown seals instead of corks before launching XXXX Bitter in 1924. In recent years, the brewery’s commitment to sustainability has led to it becoming a carbon-neutral facility, employing world-class water reuse systems, biogas from leftover solids and solar power from more than 2000 rooftop solar panels.

The brewery and the beer have not stopped evolving, but one thing has stayed constant: a deep commitment to quality, community and good old-fashioned Queensland spirit.

XXXX Brewery Tour: Experience the Legend Firsthand

Step behind the iconic red and yellow logo and experience one of Brisbane’s greatest attractions – the XXXX Brewery Tour. Located just minutes from the city centre, this immersive 90-minute tour is your chance to explore over 145 years of brewing history, right where it all began.

Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a die-hard fan, the tour offers a fascinating look at the story behind Queensland’s most famous beer. Have you ever wondered how XXXX is brewed to such perfection? Or what it tastes like when it’s poured fresh from the source? You’ll find all the answers – and much more – on this legendary walk-through.

Your journey begins at the Visitor Centre, where cutting-edge technology brings to life the tale of Castlemaine Perkins, the home of XXXX and its deep roots in Queensland’s culture. From there, guests are led into the working heart of the brewery, where you are immediately enveloped in the warm, grainy, distinctive aroma of malted barley undergoing the mashing process. Here, you’ll learn how the raw ingredients – malt, hops, yeast, water and sometimes sugar – come together to create the perfect brew. From the viewing room above the Huppmann Brewhouse, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the entire brewing process and witness the power of the southern hemisphere’s largest single packaging line – a rare, up-close look at large-scale beer production in action.

Of course, no tour is complete without a taste, so you’ll wrap things up with a beer-tasting session in the Alehouse, sampling some of XXXX’s most iconic brews straight from the source. It’s the perfect way to toast to a tour well done.

And if you’re feeling peckish, the Alehouse Restaurant offers a mouth-watering menu – just updated in March – featuring classic Aussie pub fare with a fresh twist. Pair your pint with a juicy steak or enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends. 

Whether you’re a beer buff or just looking for a unique Brisbane experience, the XXXX Brewery Tour is an unmissable way to discover the craft, the culture and the cheeky charm behind this beloved Australian icon.

Accessibility

XXXX Ale House is located at 20 Paten St, Milton. If driving from Brisbane city centre, head east on Milton Road, right into Castlemaine Street, left onto Black Street, then left on Paten Street. However, there is limited undercover parking, and also limited paid meter parking. In addition, on Suncorp Stadium event days, there are parking restrictions throughout the area from midday, so we advise all guests to take public transport. Travel one-stop From Roma Street Station along the Richlands/Ipswich line to Springfield Central Station, from where it’s a 250-metre walk. Alternatively, take bus numbers 411, 415, 417 or 445 from City Hall to Coronation Drive at Cribb Street, from where it’s a 450-metre walk. 

For those self-driving, there is one designated accessible parking spaces near the main entrance, directly under the Alehouse building at the corner of Black and Paten Streets. If arriving by taxi or rideshare, there is a safe and convenient designated drop-off point at the corner of Black and Paten Streets, immediately in front of the Alehouse accessibility ramp. 

In the Alehouse are two spacious accessible toilets (male and female) located on the first floor in the guest’s taste room, which is visible as you alight the lift on the first floor. 

We welcome service animals; there are three convenient grassy areas nearby for toileting: in the garden immediately at the base of the accessibility ramp in Paten Street; the grassed nature strip in front of OfficeWorks on the other side of Paren Street; and adjacent to security at the main entrance on the corner of Black and Finchley Streets.

Tours run from Wednesdays to Saturdays, and are open for those aged 18 and over only, so bring official ID with you. You must not have consumed alcohol before the tour, and fully enclosed, flat shoes are mandatory. There are many steps on the tour route, which makes it inaccessible for wheelchair users, as well as some people using mobility aids. Navigation might also be tricky for those living with low or no vision. It’s a working brewery, so it can be noisy and busy, which may disturb those with sensory sensitivities. 

While full access to the main tour route for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids is not possible due to a large number of stairs, a limited visit is still achievable. Guests can enter the Alehouse and peruse the memorabilia and merchandise on sale. There’s also access to the two theatres, one screening the world history of the noble art of brewing, and the other covering the history of Castlemaine XXXX. Guests with limited mobility are welcome to participate in the tasting session, where a video of the canning, bottling and kegging operations runs as a loop. The Alehouse restaurant and bar is both accessible and spacious, with limited views of the working brewery.