The final Tasmanian-brewed Boag's beers were bottled in Launceston this morning, officially ending 145 years of local production. The brewery will shut its doors for good on November 6, taking with it 42 local jobs and making Tasmania an importer of its own iconic beverage.
The last longnecks of Boag's exited the assembly line this afternoon, ahead of the closure of the historic Launceston brewery on November 6. The final brewing day was in September. The brand will continue to be brewed on the mainland in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Brewer Adrian Hinds, who has spent 22 years at the brewery, described his final day as deeply emotional. "Today was the last drop of Boag's put into containers; tanks are empty, everything's on a carton or pallet ready to go out to the public," he said. Mr Hinds said for the final mashing, everyone had a chance to add a handful of grain to the mash tuns to mark the moment.
Boag's tour guide Phil Crowden, who has guided visitors around the brewery for 17 years, said he had faith the mainland-brewed product would still satisfy fans. "The technology's got so good at the moment ... you can actually emulate the water from any particular place in the world," he said.
Boag's is the bestseller at Launceston pub The Gunners Arms. Publican Adrian Singline said Lion had assured him there would be no additional cost to stock the brand when production moves interstate. He described the brewery's closure as a loss for the community and tourism sector.
Lion Australia, owned by Japan's Kirin, announced the end of local brewing in June, citing inflation and long-term declines in beer sales. Most of Boag's brewing had already moved interstate, leaving the Launceston site running at one-fifth capacity. The brand was originally founded in 1881 by Scottish migrant James Boag, and was purchased by Lion in 2008 for $325 million.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has expressed interest in purchasing the historic three-hectare site, with local developer Errol Stewart proposing a mix of commercial properties, a boutique hotel, and public spaces. Business Minister Felix Ellis said the government continued to engage constructively with Lion over the site's future.
The Boag's Brewhouse taphouse and museum will continue to operate beyond November, and a documentary cataloguing the final days of the brewery and its workers is set to be released.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The closure eliminates 42 local jobs and severs a 145-year connection between Boag's and its Tasmanian birthplace, making the state an importer of its own celebrated beer.
- The North Esk River site presents a rare inner-city redevelopment opportunity for Launceston, with potential for hospitality, tourism, and public space.
- Losing a major tourist attraction and a landmark beloved by visitors signals a shift in the city's economic base away from local manufacturing.
Background
The Esk Brewery was founded in Launceston in 1881 by Scottish migrant James Boag and operated under the Boag's name for over a century. In 2008, Lion Australia, a subsidiary of Japanese giant Kirin, purchased the brand for $325 million. The company announced the end of brewing in Launceston in June 2026, citing inflation and falling beer sales. Most production had already shifted interstate, with the Launceston plant running at just a fifth of its capacity.
Key Perspectives
Workers and the Local Brewing Team: The final days were marked by emotion and ceremony. Brewer Adrian Hinds, a 22-year veteran, described the moment as deeply sad, taking time to absorb the sounds of the last brew. The team participated together in the final mashing ritual.
Lion Australia: The company determined that production was no longer viable in Launceston due to economic pressures. It plans to transfer brewing to Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, retaining the brand's national presence. Decommissioning of the site is expected to take 12 months after closure.
Tasmanian Government and Developers: Premier Jeremy Rockliff and developer Errol Stewart see the three-hectare property as a major economic opportunity for the Launceston CBD, with plans for a boutique hotel, commercial spaces, and public open spaces. The government is in constructive talks with Lion over the site's acquisition.
Local Publicans and Consumers: Publicans like Adrian Singline of The Gunners Arms regard Boag's as a top seller. While Lion has offered no price increase, customers are expected to be watchful for any change in taste resulting from the shift in brewing location.
What to Watch
- The final closure of the Launceston brewery on November 6, 2026.
- Consumer reaction to the taste of mainland-brewed Boag's once it becomes the standard offering.
- Government negotiations with Lion over the purchase and redevelopment of the historic site.
- The release of the documentary chronicling the brewery's final days and the stories of its workers.