A Farewell to a Beloved Craft Beer Venue
Beloved Western Australian craft beer venue and 2018 Beer & Brewer Top Australian Beer Venue, Dutch Trading Co, is closing its doors in August after nine years serving as a hub for craft beer in the state.
Transitioning to New Beginnings
Co-owner Joel Beresford shared that Dutch Trading Co. had run its course and he felt it was time to embark on a new project. “Dutch Trading Co. could have kept going indefinitely, but we felt that we had succeeded with our craft beer agenda,” he said.
Connection to Craft Beer
Opening in 2015, Dutch Trading Co. quickly became a beacon in the craft beer scene. Joel Beresford, with over a decade in craft beer retail, took on the challenge of running the bar. “Adjusting to the on-premise life was gruelling, but I am super proud that I embraced it,” he mentioned.
Highlights of the Craft Beer Venue
Over the years, Dutch Trading Co. hosted numerous prominent events. These included:
- Wild ‘n’ Sour event, part of Brasserie Carillon’s international Zwanze Day celebrations
- Tropical Darkness, transforming the venue into an insane jungle with Hawaiian costumes and coconut drinks, which evolved into SludgeFest
- A live feed tasting with Karel Boon of Boon Lambic
- The annual Day of the Dead celebration with New Zealand brewery Garage Project
Such events not only created infectious energy but also strong connections within the industry.
Events that Sparked Joy
For Beresford, the camaraderie and celebration of beer were key to the venue’s popularity. “We served, educated, enjoyed, and shared craft beer for the sheer enjoyment of it,” he remarked.
Final Farewell Events
In true Dutch Trading Co. fashion, the final month of operation is packed with events, including the last SludgeFest. Beresford mentioned, “We will be in party mode for the last two weeks of operation, sharing as much of the good stuff as we can with all our friends.”
Looking Ahead
Though Joel Beresford remains tight-lipped about his next project, there are plans to open a new venue in November. “New challenges await, and a renewal gives us an opportunity to grow and learn new skills as individuals and as a business,” he hinted.
Memories at Dutch Trading Co.
| Event | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Wild ‘n’ Sour | Part of Brasserie Carillon’s international Zwanze Day celebrations |
| Tropical Darkness | Transformed venue into an insane jungle, evolved into SludgeFest |
| Day of the Dead | Annual celebration with New Zealand’s Garage Project |
As Dutch Trading Co. prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a legacy of celebrating craft beer and creating lasting memories. The venue’s influence on the craft beer scene in Western Australia is undeniable, and we look forward to seeing what new ventures Joel Beresford will bring to the table.
