Australia-based hospitality business Comiskey Group has acquired Eumundi Brewery from Lion.
The company purchased The Imperial Hotel in 2023, where the microbrewery was originally launched in 1988.
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Comiskey said in a statement “the brewery is set to become a cornerstone of the group’s operations.”
The move allows the company to optimise the brewery’s role in the hotel’s operations while “elevating visitor experiences”, the group added.
Comiskey, which launched a distillery three years ago, said the deal “represents a natural evolution for the group” and “highlights their dedication to broadening their ventures”.
Director Rob Comiskey said: “Eumundi Brewery has a solid foundation for us to continue to grow and distribute Australia-wide. With this growth, the brewery will create even more local employment opportunities. We are excited to see what the future holds.
“I have always been a fan of the Eumundi Brewery products and brand. One of the main reasons we purchased The Imperial Hotel was its connection to the brewery.
“Owning the brewery as well was an obvious next step, enabling us to invest further and make it the centrepiece of the hotel.”
Castlemaine Perkins (now Lion) purchased the Eumundi beer brands from Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) in 1998, a decade after Eumundi Lager was first introduced. The brewing of the brands was discontinued in 2004.
In 2017, Lion restarted production of the Eumundi beer brand and opened a new brewery for the label in The Imperial Hotel, its original home.
A Lion spokesperson told Just Drinks the group will continue supplying packed products to off-trade customers until the end of June.
“The decision has no people impact and no significant ramifications for Lion’s other portfolio brands or brewing sites.”
