Sam Martin

Albies has produced some fine alumni – and none more interesting than Great Hops brewer Sam Martin…

Sam left Albies in 2002 after completing a Bachelor of Science Degree. He then worked for Lockheed Martin (an American aerospace, defence, arms, security, and advanced technologies company with worldwide interests) in their commercial space division in 2003.

Feeling the need for a change, Sam then started a dental degree in 2004 at the University of Sydney (USYD), which he completed in 2007. He began his first Job in Hunters Hill while his girlfriend (now wife) Kate was studying medicine at the University of Sydney (USYD).

“We lived in a little flat in Bondi and I started making beer while studying dental implants back at USYD. Both of us got sick of Sydney and went looking for space and a new lifestyle and we ultimately ended up back in Armidale.”

In 2012 they purchased 33 Old Inverell, Armidale, and Sam got to work putting up a new building so he could start brewing. He had previously purchased a fire engine in 2009 (for a road trip) and it became an important part of the brewery and bar. After a long time explaining to neighbours and council that breweries are needed in the community, they started selling beer in 2017. It wasn't until the end of 2019 that Sam opened ‘like a regular brewery’ without restrictions placed on them and the Grand Opening was held on January 26, 2020.

After a massive six years of building, brewing and some red tape, the team were finally gaining traction. Early 2020 was looking good and all indications were that the brewery was actually going to work out financially!

“Then Covid-19 hit and put the hand brake on - but that's okay. It’s very frustrating but so are drought, floods and fires. Until recently we were selling cases of beer from the brewery door trying to cover costs and give our remaining staff some hours as well as providing great quality beer to locals.”

Now we are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a great response from our local patrons as well as people visiting from all over the state keen to see the New England.

Moving forward, Sam is … making more and more beer!

“Even at a loss to keep fun, tasty beers at the lips of our locals and supporters. We are not making alcoholic gel - Just really awesome beer! And we have now built a large outdoor area for smokers and functions. We are also modifying our brew-house to decrease the time of each brew.”

Covid -19 is nothing I’d like to speculate on. Although I love epidemiology I am not an expert - the only experts are those who reflect on the pandemic when it’s over. I love hearing stories of older people doing group chats and reaching out to friends they have not talked to in a long time. These online ‘beers’ that people are having may not have come about without this pandemic. I myself am talking to more friends and spending more time with the family.

“So, as I see it, my occupations are Brewer, Dentist, Husband and Father I guess. So come in and try some of our delicious, locally brewed beers with your family and friends. I look forward to seeing you soon!”