From Brews to Barbershops: A Beer with a Bloody Good Cause

Ben’s the kind of bloke you’d grab a beer with and now, he’s brewed one that’s helping make a difference.

He’s a dad, husband, and the Head Brewer at Hound & Stag Brewing Co. Originally from Footscray in Melbourne (go the Doggies!), Ben spent nearly 15 years as a paramedic based out of Beenleigh. On top of that, he’s also served in the Army Reserves. Safe to say, he’s seen some stuff.

After years on the frontline, a psychologist told him to find a hobby. Something to switch the brain off after tough days on the job. A mate suggested homebrewing, and boom, Ben was hooked.

“It just made sense. The science behind brewing clicked for me, and it gave me something to focus on that wasn’t work, trauma or stress.”

What started in his garage as a bit of a side project turned into something way bigger. His landlords got curious about what he was up to and after a few cheeky samples, they were sold. Fast forward a couple of years and they’d gone from landlords to business partners. That’s how Hound & Stag Brewing Co. was born.

The Barbershop Chat That Sparked a Beer

Like most good ideas, this one started at the barber’s.

Ben was in the chair chatting to his barber, Ryan, as you do, and the convo turned to brewing a beer that smelt and tasted like a proper barbershop: oak, leather, tobacco, citrus. The kind of stuff that reminds you of old-school aftershave and fresh fades.

Ben reckoned a Baltic Porter would be the go. Rich, dark, full of character, and a style he’d always wanted to brew. Then they thought: why not tie it to Men’s Health Month in June and raise some coin for a mental health charity?

Solid idea. But it had to be the right charity.

Spotting LIVIN on the Way to Work

Riding to the brewery one day, Ben clocked a LIVIN sticker on the back of a car. He knew the name, had seen the good work LIVIN does in the mental health space, especially with young people and blokes doing it tough.

So, he reached out. A few emails later and the idea was a goer. Baltic Barbershop was happening, and it was gonna support LIVIN.

“After years on the job, I’ve seen how mental health can sneak up on people. It’s a silent killer. If you’re struggling, don’t do it alone. Talk to someone. Your mates, your missus, your doc, just speak up. There’s help out there.“

Let’s Raise a Glass – and Raise Awareness

The Baltic Barbershop Baltic Porter will officially launch at Hound & Stag Brewing Co 1st June. The LIVIN crew will be there on launch day, delivering a powerful presentation and being part of the conversation.

For every Baltic Barbershop beer sold, a portion will be donated directly to LIVIN, helping to support our programs and spread the message that It Ain’t Weak to Speak.

Come down, share a brew, and be part of something bigger. Because great things happen when good people come together over a beer and open up..