A NEW boutique brewery opened in the heart of the Wangaratta CBD aims to quench locals’ thirst for craft beer offerings, while also showcasing a host of locally-sourced produce.

Based on Victoria Parade, Pedal Slowly was officially opened in late January as the realisation of more than 30 years of brewing passion for local man Terry Stubberfield.

With all beer brewed on site, the venue’s eight taps showcase Mr Stubberfield’s passion for Belgian beers, and his hope to offer a tipple for every beer enjoyer.

“Gradually the niggle, the idea of having a brewery has grown, and for good or otherwise it morphed into bringing it into reality,” he said.

“I think it’s a big enough town where a little brewery should have enough interest if we do it well enough.

“We’ve got eight taps, so it’s not huge but it gives us enough scope to provide a range of beer styles, and hopefully in doing so, people will find one or two beers that match their taste.”

Current offerings include a Kolsch, a Helles Lager, a Belgian Blonde, a Hazy IPA, a French/Belgian Saison, a Golden Belgian Ale, an Imperial Stout and a Belgian table beer, which Mr Stubberfield said was a historic beer brewed during medieval times with a lower alcohol content to provide hydration.

He said other styles, such as a Pale Ale and a Baltic Porter, would be rotated through the taps in the coming months.

“I don’t expect many people are going to come along and say they like every beer – that’s like going to a winery and tasting each wine and saying ‘that’s great, I’ll have a case of each one thank you,” he laughed.

“So by intent they are quite different beers and the reactions are going to be mixed, which is part of the fun.

“All I’m hoping is that people will be interested enough to say ‘that’s not my one’ but that they’re willing to try a different one.”

Mr Stubberfield acknowledged that beer was not for everyone, and despite encouraging those people to reconsider their position, he noted a range of different wines from the King Valley, as well as non-alcoholic drinks from Beechworth’s Billson’s Brewery, were also available.

Snack foods can also be ordered, with chips, arancini balls and vegetable spring rolls supplementing a locally-sourced tasting platter featuring cheeses, smoked meats and assorted relishes from throughout the region.

Pedal Slowly is open from midday to 7pm on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and extends its hours to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.