One of the perks of working in hospitality is the endless excuses to drink. All under the pseudonym of ‘tasting’. One of the perks of living in the Adelaide Hills is the endless options of ‘tastings’. But most recently I went along for a drinking excuse ‘tasting’ at The Prancing Pony in Mount Barker.

Now beer is not really my thing (due to an annoying intolerance to gluten) but even as a non-beer drinker this place was cool. Really cool.

Named after Tolkien’s Prancing Pony Inn (get excited Lord of the Rings fans), this place has no hobbits (unless you include the children running around) but it does have a connection with Mount Doom, as the element of fire is a major player in this brewery.

The unique fire-brewing technique is a big hit for beer-lovers.  The kettle is heated by a giant flame burner rather than steam jackets which is an old school approach that puts greater reliance on the skill of the brewer and allows him to create greater caramelisation in his beers.

Not only are the beers (apparently) wonderful – the atmosphere of the place is amazing. From families, tradies and little old innocent beer drinking ladies, the venue is a hit for everyone and has a great casual but classy industrial feel as you listen and watch the beer being brewed only metres away. (Apparently it’s also the place to be on a Friday night).

The Prancing Pony

 Visitors to the Brewshed can sample and buy the full range of beers. With a licensed Cellar Door, groups of eight up to 25 can book a tour with the head brewer to learn about the fire brew process, beer flavours and beer history. Tour and group bookings are essential. We serve brew food including buttered Brezels, Pony Burgers, Currywurst and regional tasting platters. With a barista on site, coffee/tea and sweets are on offer for non-beer drinkers. Prancing Pony Brewery’s is open seven days from 10am to 6pm. We regularly participate in and host events. The Prancing Pony brewery is the only true fire brewery in Australia. For updates about our new beer releases and events please visit our website or call us.

Tour Options:

Self guided beer tasting $10 per head
Guided beer tasting $15 per head
Guided tasting and brewery tour $25 per head
Guided tasting, brewery tour and regional tasting platters from $30 per head (depending on food platters).