64 | T H E B A R O SSA MA G
Brenton says faith, family and what he
calls his “misunderstood” and “twisted”
sense of humour carries him through.
“Lots of stuff happens around you but
it’s still your life to live and you have
to live it,” he says.
“Originally I was told I had probably
2-5 years at the most… And it’s been
just over two years now. I was told
I wouldn’t be pain free and that I’d
be on drugs most of the time - It was
going to be a slow, awful death so to
speak. But even when I heard that
I was like, that’s life, what can you do?
You can only make the most of it.
“I know a lot of Christians worry
about so many things but every week
in church you get told don’t worry!
Robyn always said I actually go
overboard with that.
“I guess that’s my philosophy... It’s
like gee, one day I’m going to be dead,
so I might as well enjoy and make the
most of what I’ve got while I’ve got it.”
Brewing is Brenton’s happy place and
he’s surprised to discover he doesn’t
mind being behind the bar either.
“You get to talk to people. It’s almost
a bit of therapy and I need that! I’ve
been crazy for years!” he laughs heartily.
“I don’t consider myself a bar man,
I consider myself a brewer that has
to pour beer because he can’t afford
to get anyone else to do it!”
But Brenton wouldn’t have it any other
way as he waxes lyrical about the beauty
of beer. He tells of days harvesting
Keyneton produced hops with grower,
Anthony King; the complexities of
craft malts sourced from Greenock;
his philosophies of life and nature
alongside a little random commentary
on world issues.
He’s also pleased to have won gold
at the International Brewing Awards
again this year, after having had a break
from competing “with being busy with
everything else going on”.
One thing is for sure though, this
brewer is forever grateful for having
driven his truck into the Valley and
discovering his true passions in life.
For Brenton, it’s divine intervention.
“Oh it’s a coincidence, really? Is it a
coincidence that I travelled through my
whole life with all this and all that and
this is where I ended up? Nah, I don’t
think it’s that random I’m afraid.
“I feel at home, right here.”
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OPEN Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm | Saturday 8.30am - 11.30am
Phone 8522 2188
338 Barossa Valley Way,
Gawler East