Is sipping beer at a local brewery one of life’s greatest pleasures? My plus one and I confirmed the answer is ‘yes’ on a recent visit to the Deeds Taproom.
The moment I opened the door, I knew I was in the right place. It smelled like heaven. (If you are unacquainted with the angelic scent of the afterlife, heaven smells like a delicious, boozy cereal factory.) The onsite brewery filled the air with the sweet scent of toasted grains and hops.
There’s a lot going on at Deeds. The swanky venue houses a taproom and brewery under one roof. And there’s more brewing behind the scenes, as my plus one and I soon discovered. 
The owners invested millions into fitting out a former car workshop, and it shows. Gone are the cliché days of a draughty taphouse furnished with wooden pallets. Instead, there’s moody lighting, multiple levels, and an interior design evoking barrels stacked floor to ceiling.
Our first order of business was ordering a tasting paddle. With 22+ taps behind the bar, there was A LOT to choose from. We then joined ‘Mr Deeds’ for a guided brewery tour. The brewery side of Deeds produces 2 million litres of beer a year, fueling the multitude of taps in the taproom (and beyond). 
The brewery launches new beers every two weeks. So there’s always something creative brewing behind the scenes. Want to try a pineapple mango sour? How about an imperial stout that tastes like a chocolate orange? Or maybe a smashable pre game pale ale? The brewers might continuously try new things, but there’s science and substance behind their style.
If these descriptions make your coeliac friend weep, never fear. The fridge is stocked with seltzers and gluten-free beers. Quality Australian spirits line the back bar and their cider is some of the best I’ve tasted on tap.
There’s also a secret squirrel distilling operation. Hidden behind stainless steel tanks of beer sits a brand new copper still. It seems like a perfect fit, as the brewery already has an extensive barrel aging program. And if there’s anything that matches barrel aged beer, its whisky.
Back in the taproom, I was ready to tastes the fruits of the brewers’ labour. This isn’t just a euphemism. One of the beers we tried on tap was the Ripple Effect, made with raspberry and banana purée. The cream sour ale evoked a cross between a smoothie and raspberry ripple ice-cream. 
Although I’m a fan of liquid dessert, I highly recommend perusing the food menu as well. The restaurant’s elevated dishes don’t disappoint. The seafood linguine is served swimming in a rich buttery broth and the crispy polenta chips come with truffle oil and black garlic emulsion. But my favourite was a nightcap, in the form of a stout brownie topped with peanut butter ice-cream and served alongside a sweet peanut butter imperial stout. 
Whether you’re looking for a local knock-off beer or a special occasion booking, Deeds Taproom has you covered. Oh – and if thoughts of beer brownies excite you as much as they excite me, book now for The Great Deeds Bake Off. It’s a cake-baking competition with some ‘sweet’ prizes and delicious samples, all made with Deeds’ beers.
– Jenny
Jenny Schmidt is an event adventurer. When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling the latest craft beer or sipping a creative cocktail.
Deeds Taproom and Kitchen
4 Paran Pl
Glen Iris VIC 3146
Book now for Brewery Tours, Limited Release tastings, and The Great Deeds Bake Off.
