Grainfed Brewing Success: Lachlan MacBean’s Journey from Contract Brewing to Owning a Thriving Brewery, Crafting Award-Winning Beers, Overcoming Major Challenges, and Building a Local Community Hub That Brings People Together. (Episode 4 - Grainfed)

In this episode of The Brewers Institute, host Michael Capaldo interviews Lachlan MacBean, founder of Grainfed Brewing Company, about his transition from contract brewing to establishing his own brewery in Newcastle. Lachlan shares the challenges he faced, including navigating council approvals and investing in equipment like a centrifuge to improve beer quality. He reveals how his best-selling hazy pale ale went from skepticism to success, becoming the brewery's top seller. Lachlan also discusses the importance of community, building a local hub, and his unique approach to brewing with a focus on quality and authenticity. This episode is a deep dive into how passion, perseverance, and a strong purpose can drive business success. Tune in for an inspiring journey through the craft brewing world.

A glimpse into the questions Michael posed to Lachlan MacBean:

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your business, what the brewery name is, and what you do there?
   
   Lachlan MacBean, the founder of Grainfed Brewing Company, describes his business as a local brewery based in Newcastle, located in a suburb called Lambton. The brewery operates with a 1,500-liter brew house and enough fermentation capacity to produce around 190,000 liters of beer annually. They have a 12-tap bar and a 120-seat venue where they sell wholesale to pubs, clubs, bars, bottle shops, and directly to the public. Lachlan's focus is on creating a community-oriented space where people can enjoy quality beers and food, and his motto has always been "Think Local, Drink Local." The brewery has been running since 2012, although Lachlan only started brewing in his own facility in June 2023.
   
   

2. What motivated you to go from contract brewing to building your own brewery?
   
   Lachlan MacBean was motivated to build his own brewery to ensure consistent production and better control over beer quality, which was challenging with contract brewing. He wanted to secure his wholesale business and create a sustainable model. Additionally, he didn’t want to reach retirement wondering "what if" he hadn’t pursued this dream. With support from his wife and a local banker, he took the leap to establish Grainfed Brewing Company.
   
   

3. How did you decide how much money you could invest into the business?
   
   Lachlan MacBean determined how much money to invest in the business by creating a budget based on the estimated costs of setting up the brewery. He focused on finding cost-effective solutions, such as acquiring second-hand equipment and using recycled furniture for the venue. While his approach didn’t include a large financial buffer for delays, he relied on tight budgeting, support from an understanding landlord, and personal resources, including taking significant risks like borrowing against his house, to bring his vision to life.
   
   

4. What challenges did you face when you were setting up your brewery?
   
   Lachlan MacBean faced delays due to government bureaucracy, financial strain from paying rent for over a year without income, and the challenge of coordinating tradespeople and equipment installations. Hiring a project manager helped streamline the process. Mentally, the stress of balancing these hurdles while maintaining his contract brewing business was significant.
   
   

5. What does success look like to you in your business?
   
   For Lachlan MacBean, success means creating a sustainable business that serves as a community hub, bringing people together over quality, approachable beers. He values a strong workplace culture where employees enjoy their work and feel valued. Long-term success includes paying off debts, achieving financial stability, and eventually having the business run smoothly without his constant presence. Ultimately, Lachlan envisions Grainfed Brewing as a family and staff-owned business that upholds its purpose and authenticity.
   
   

6. What would you tell yourself on day one of your brewing journey?
   
   Lachlan MacBean would tell himself on day one to relax, trust your abilities, and have confidence in his knowledge and experience. He’d remind himself that he’s not an imposter and that his skills in brewing and business are real. Staying true to his authentic approach and focusing on quality and community would be key messages. He’d also encourage himself to embrace challenges and enjoy the journey of building something meaningful.

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Quotable quotes from our special The Brewers Institute guest:

Success is not about rapid growth; it's about building a sustainable business with purpose and authenticity — Lachlan MacBean

Bringing people together over a great beer is what makes all the challenges worth it — Lachlan MacBean

I didn’t want to reach 65 and wonder 'what if — so I took the leap and built my own brewery —  Lachlan MacBean

Quality is non-negotiable; every beer reflects the passion and care we put into it —  Lachlan MacBean

Think local, drink local—that's more than a motto; it's the heart of what we do —  Lachlan MacBean

 

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