The world needs more trailblazers like Six String Brewing Co.

They spent years bursting through bureaucratic obstacles to reach their opening in 2013, before going about the task of introducing good beer to NSW’s Central Coast. But while it was hard work, the Six String crew will always tell you it was worth it - not just for others, but also for themselves.

Sharon Benson, one of the OG and crucial players at Six String, says, “We’re as passionate about drinking beer as we are about brewing it, and always brew what we love to drink ourselves.”

We asked Sharon to give us a bit more of a glimpse backstage at Six String.

Tell us about how Six String Brewing came about.

“Six String was started in late 2012 by Chris (Benson) and school mate Adam Klasterka. Chris has been a home brewer since he was about 21, but it wasn’t until he did a bike trek around WA and stopped off at few of their craft breweries along the way that the idea of his own brewery sparked.

“Growing up on the Coast, Chris and Adam wanted to bring craft beer to where they knew best and despite having to overcome countless hurdles and being tempted to setup elsewhere, they stuck it out and set up in 2012, finally opening their doors in 2013."

“The Six String name came from Chris’ love of music (at the time he played a six string bass) and he hoped to combine his two favourite things: good beer and good music.”

Why do you love beer?

“For Chris, the original draw was the challenge of creating good beer, and experimenting with different styles and flavours. We love that what was once very clear lines between styles are now being blurred, leaving room to experiment and create something that tastes good.

“Whether it’s using a new hop or a new brewing technique or creating a beer for an occasion, a cool winter night, a celebration, a day at the beach, a mowing beer, there are endless limits for creativity with beer.”

What does being an independent brewery mean to you?

“For us, being independent means that everything we do has an impact on our local community - the jobs we create, the events we’re involved with, the live music we support and the profits we make are all supporting our local community.

“All our staff from taproom casuals, delivery drivers, accounts, sales team and brewers all have a say in what they want to see brewed and as a small team they all work hard to get our beer out there.

“Independent breweries and the beers they brew will always be unique - there is no corporate agenda or cookie cutter way of doing things. We take pride in everything being hand crafted from start to finish.”

What’s something that sets Six String apart from other breweries?

“We walk our own path, brew what we want and brew what we ourselves enjoy drinking.

“Before we opened there were not many craft breweries in NSW. Now in our 9th year, the craft beer industry has grown around us, and there’s a new brewery popping up every other week. We have in many ways fought some of the hard battles for breweries that followed: from getting people to accept craft beer, to educating people on the benefits of cans over bottles… even challenging people to drink beers with flavour!

“Plus it’s good beer! Our Coastie Lager won Best International Lager at the 2021 Australian International Beer Awards. To win a category that is dominated by multinational companies and be able to say we have the best lager in the world is amazing.”

If you could see any musician/band play a live gig, who would it be, and what beer would drink while watching?

“We’d just love for any sort of live music to be back! A TPA with Ziggy Alberts, a Dark Red with Archie Roach, a Shreddin' with Slash or a couple of Coasties with Eddie Vedder… there would be too many to choose.”

People from all around Australia shop on Only Craft Beer. What’s something you’d say to someone who’s never tried Six String before?

“Our core range is a really great place to start and see what we’re all about. There is a beer for everyone, every taste, and every occasion. If you’re after a full-flavoured amped-up beer, or up for expanding your palate, our seasonal range is ever changing, so there’s always something new to try.”

Winter’s just finished, and you’re getting together with five mates to share a carton of Six String beer. Which beer do you pick, and why?

“Would say either a mixed carton with a little something for everyone, or a carton of TPA is always a crowd pleaser. Easy drinking, super refreshing and not too high in ABV. This beer was brewed as a nod to the Central Coast lifestyle. The ultimate refreshing beer at the beach.”

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Six String may have started at the Central Coast, but with Only Craft Beer you can have their beers delivered directly from the brewery to your door. From the award-winning Coastie Lager to the tooth-and-claw ferocity of Six String’s Dark Red IPA, Only Craft Beer has you covered.