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Brewboys Brewery
Brewery
Draught, Bottles & Cans
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Beer Labels
Beer Cans
| Brewboys Brewery was one of the pioneering breweries of South Australia’s modern craft beer movement and became an influential part of Adelaide’s independent brewing scene for more than fifteen years. Established in 2008 by brewers Simon Sellick and Stephen Nelsen, the brewery emerged during the early years of Australia’s craft beer revival, when small independent breweries were still relatively uncommon in South Australia. Both founders brought significant brewing experience and technical knowledge to the operation. Stephen Nelsen was widely recognised within the Australian brewing industry for his involvement in brewing education and training, particularly through Regency TAFE, where he helped train many of the next generation of South Australian craft brewers. Simon Sellick also came from a strong brewing background and shared an interest in producing full-flavoured beers inspired by traditional British and European styles. Their combination of brewing expertise and industry involvement gave Brewboys a strong reputation from its earliest years. During its early period, Brewboys operated from the Regency TAFE brewing facilities at Regency Park. This arrangement allowed the brewery to commence commercial production while remaining closely connected to South Australia’s brewing education sector. At the time, the Australian craft beer industry was still in its infancy, and breweries such as Brewboys helped introduce consumers to a wider range of beer styles beyond mainstream lagers. Brewboys quickly became known for robust and distinctive beers including Ace of Spades Stout, Seeing Double Scotch Ale and other specialty releases that developed a loyal following among early craft beer drinkers. The brewery gained recognition nationally as one of South Australia’s important early independent breweries and regularly appeared at beer festivals and industry events across Australia. As the brewery expanded, Simon Sellick relocated operations to premises on Regency Road at Croydon Park, directly opposite the Regency TAFE campus. Meanwhile, Stephen Nelsen increasingly focused on brewing consultancy work and training brewers through the TAFE system, becoming one of the most influential brewing educators in South Australia. Many brewers who later entered the state’s craft beer industry had some connection to Nelsen’s teaching and mentorship. In 2018 the brewery changed ownership when new operators purchased the business with plans to expand and modernise the Brewboys brand while retaining the well-known beer recipes and identity established by the founders. Around this period Brewboys further developed its taproom and hospitality operations, becoming a popular venue for local beer enthusiasts, live music and community events in Adelaide’s western suburbs. Despite its long history and respected position within the South Australian beer industry, Brewboys faced increasing pressures during the difficult trading conditions affecting Australia’s hospitality and craft brewing sectors in the early 2020s. Rising operating costs, increased competition, changing consumer spending and broader challenges within the independent brewing industry placed financial strain on many small breweries across Australia. In 2025 Brewboys announced it would close permanently after seventeen years of operation. The closure was publicly described by the owners as a difficult decision, with the brewery thanking customers, staff, families and supporters who had helped sustain the business throughout its history. Final drinks were served in mid-2025, bringing an end to one of South Australia’s longest-running modern craft breweries. Although Brewboys ultimately ceased trading, the brewery played an important role in the development of South Australia’s craft beer industry. Through both its beers and the brewing education work connected to its founders, Brewboys helped shape the early independent brewing culture of Adelaide and influenced many breweries and brewers that followed. Brewboys has always held a special place for me, having worked closely with founders Stephen Nelsen and Simon Sellick as their graphic artist, and later continuing that association with the brewery’s new owners, Owen and Dan.  |
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