From Concrete to Craft at Copperhead Brewery
John Caruso meets a Cooroy-based brewmaster, whose journey from hardworking labourer laid the perfect groundwork for his current craft as an ale artisan.
In the picturesque hinterland town of Cooroy sits a standout of the local beer scene, Copperhead Restaurant Brewery. Here, Simon Grasby, head brewer of Firetail Brewing Co, crafts beers that reflect both innovation and tradition. A decade ago, Simon’s hands were more familiar with concrete than hops, but today, they are the tools of a man who has redefined his life around the art of brewing.
“I’ve been brewing on the Sunshine Coast commercially for nearly ten years now,” Simon begins, his voice a mixture of modesty and pride. Before that, his work was diverse; concreting, landscaping, commercial cleaning, but it was the birthday gift of a homebrew kit that ignited his passion for brewing. Simon’s early experiments were a labour of love, and frustration and he admits that he dumped a lot of batches.
“Some people drink whatever they make because they made it,” he says. “I wasn’t interested in that. I wanted to create something I was proud to share.”
This pursuit of quality became an obsession, fuelled by the Sunshine Coast’s burgeoning craft beer culture and Simon’s own thirst for perfection. Starting as a homebrewer, Simon moved quickly from basic kits to all-grain brewing. He devoured what little knowledge was available, eschewing unreliable internet advice in favour of conversations with experienced brewers. His big break came at Sunshine Coast Brewery, the area’s only craft brewery at the time.
“The brewer there was a great teacher; he emphasised energy and creativity, not just ingredients,” he recalls. “That stuck with me, and to this day, I tell young brewers, ‘You’re only as good as the last beer you made.’ It keeps you sharp.”
Since joining Copperhead Restaurant Brewery two years ago, Simon has found a home for his creativity.
“We’ve got fourteen taps, and while we have a core range of lagers, pale ales, IPAs, we also have an experimental tap,” he says. “That’s where my heart is. Every month, there’s something new to try.”
One exceptional creation is his Garam Masour, an Indian curry-inspired beer.
“I love cooking at home, so this was an extension of that passion, and it’s one of my favourites,” he shares.
This same ethos of creativity and experimentation is evident in two other Firetail Brewing Co. standouts. One being The Placebo, a non-alcoholic pale ale with less than 0.5% ABV, which offers all the character of a traditional pale without the punch.
“It’s perfect for those who want the beer experience without the alcohol,” Simon explains. “Refreshing, easy-drinking, and a great alternative for those casual moments.”
On the other end of the spectrum is Space Helmets for Monkeys, an Acid IPA that takes drinkers on a bold, 6% ABV flavour journey.
“This one’s for the curious and daring,” Simon says with a grin. “It’s a psychedelic dive into complexity and imagination, crafted for anyone looking to push their palate beyond the ordinary.”
Simon’s beers aren’t just drinks, they’re experiences, each one with its own story, crafted to spark curiosity, delight, and connection. Beyond the adventurous, he’s equally proud of the staples.
“Not everyone wants to experiment. Some people come in for solid, consistent ales and lagers, and we take just as much pride in delivering those,” he says.
His approach to brewing is rooted in authenticity and mentorship.
“I’m no guru, but after a decade in the industry, you learn a lot, not just about beer but about people, customers, and what makes a brewery tick,” he shares. “I’m always happy to pass that on. Helping others in their journey feels like paying it forward.”
At Copperhead Restaurant Brewery, Simon’s philosophy shines through in every pint.
“When you brew onsite and serve onsite, there’s a direct connection – the beer you pour is the same beer you drink,” he says. “It’s all about creating something you’re proud of, something that speaks to the moment.”
From concreter to craftsman, Simon Grasby’s journey is one of transformation, passion, and dedication to a craft he loves. At Copperhead, his beers tell stories of experimentation, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of quality. Whether you’re sipping a crisp lager or deep into the bold flavours of his latest creation, you’re tasting the work of a brewer who refuses to settle for anything less than his best. And for Simon Grasby, that’s exactly how it should be.
