Beer With The Brewer – Dad & Dave’s Brewing
Dad & Dave’s #1 Pale Ale is one of the top sellers on Craft Cartel, so we felt it was about time we interviewed the talented father and son brewer team behind it – Dad (John) and Dave Dumay.
This family owned and operated business on Sydney’s Northern Beaches is known for its tasty, sessional beers. We recently caught up with Dave to find out how long it takes to perfect a recipe and what it’s like working with family.
What got you into brewing beer?
My Dad had always brewed a bit on and off while I was a kid. So when I started my chefs apprenticeship earning $7.11/hr I thought it would be a great way to save a few dollars.
What gave you the urge to start a brewery of your own?
Dad and I had just finished our Graduate Certificate in Malting and Brewing at Ballarat University. We thought we’d give it a go and see how it went. We had our #1 Pale Ale recipe ready to go and we had it contract brewed.
What is it like working with family on your dream?
It’s not without its headaches but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Any plans for continuing your chef career in your own brewpub perhaps?
Dad used to manage pubs back when we were growing up. We have talked about it, but I don’t really want to go back into the kitchen as I’d much prefer to be making the beer!
What is your favourite beer style and why?
Porters, I fell in love with the flavour; the richness and complexity just does it for me. Specially if it’s on Nitro!
How long does it take to perfect a recipe?
Sometimes you nail it in one, others you continuously work on from batch to batch. I like to say a recipe is never perfect. There are always new methods, equipment and ingredients emerging, which can make beer better.
What is it about #1 Pale Ale that makes it so popular?
Sessionablility. It’s an easy drinking beer at a good price point.