Bailey Brewing Co. Appoints new Head Brewer

Bailey Brewing Co recently announced that Damien Bussemarker will be joining the company as their first-ever Head Brewer. Bussemarker will oversee the fit-out of the Swan Valley brewery and the development of its core range ahead of a Spring 2020 opening.

“Damo is an experienced and innovative WA brewer, and we are excited to have him leading our brewing team here in the Swan Valley” said Bailey Brewing Co director, Steve Bailey.

Damien’s career began in 2012 at the start of the WA craft beer movement, honing his craft at Elmar’s in the Valley, before moving to Mash and, most recently, Odgens in South Perth where he was Head Brewer.

He was drawn to the position at Bailey Brewing Co for the company’s family-friendly approach and the opportunities the new brewery offered.

“What appealed to me about Bailey Brewing Co is how they are focused on bringing families together and keeping things as local as possible. I’ve got two kids and live close by, so this role ticks the boxes for all of us, really” Said Damien Bussemaker.

“DAN AND I HAVE BEEN HOME BREWING FOR A FEW YEARS NOW AND WE QUICKLY BECAME ADDICTED TO THE CRAFT.”

“Every brewery I’ve worked at has had its own personality, history and culture, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with Dan, Steve and Geoff from day one to bring their vision for Bailey Brewing Co to life. There’s still a lot to do before we open, of course, from the actual brewery installation to commissioning, cleaning and recipe development, but I see that as all part of the fun.”

Bailey Brewing Co directors and former electricians, brothers Dan and Steve Bailey, complete the brewing team.

“Dan and I have been home brewing for a few years now and we quickly became addicted to the craft. It’s cool to be opening up our own Brewery now and we look forward to brewing full-time alongside Damo’’ Said Steve Bailey.

The trio plan to use local ingredients where possible in both the tavern kitchen and brewery, which will have a 200,000-litre capacity. A coffee roastery will also be installed at the site.

Development of their core range has begun and will consist of a selection of ‘simple yet flavourful’ beers in crowd favourite formats including a Pale Ale, Lager, IPA, NEIPA, Midstrength, plus a Cider.

Seasonal and experimental varieties will follow, including a coffee stout and a honey beer to honour a past owner of the property, beekeeper Toppy Geer. Now 92, he sold honey from the site for over 38 years before selling the block in 2007.

“Bailey Brewing Co is part of the Swan Valley community and we want to make sure local stories are recognised and remembered. When we bought this property at the end of last year, we learned that it had once belonged to a man called Toppy Geer and we spent the first few months of 2020 tracking him down. We’re pleased to say that Toppy actually came out to visit our property recently and he’s given us the thumbs up to brew a honey beer in his name.” Said Steven Bailey.