Hi! I’m Tyrone McDonald

I’m senior brewer at King Tide Brewing.

That means everyday my boots are on the ground in an up-and-coming craft brewery keeping the machine moving. Manning the brewhouse, cellar processing, packaging and the occasional interaction with customers and suppliers. My days are busy and sometimes chaotic but that is what it takes to keep your schooners full of your favourite liquid gold.

From lab rat to fermentation vats

I started my working life programming robots and diagnosing animal disease outbreaks for the CSIRO before leaving and following my passion for brewing.

Little Creatures/White Rabbit in Geelong was my home for the next several years as I spent my time brewing, fermenting and packaging a wide range of beers – including the AIBA 2017 Champion Australian Beer.

Afterwards I moved down the Great Ocean Road to the beautiful town of Aireys Inlet to take on being the head brewer at the proudly independent Salt Brewing Co and making sure the locals and tourists alike are never left thirsting for a delicious beer.

Since then, I’ve moved up north to the coastal city of Coffs Harbour to be a senior brewer at King Tide Brewing and to help keep those subtropical thirsts quenched.

Experience

Head Brewer
Salt Brewing Co
Jul 2018 – Present

Brewer
Little Creatures – Geelong
Aug 2015 – Jul 2018

Molecular Diagnostician
CSIRO – Australian Animal Health Laboratories
Nov 2009 – Aug 2015

Education

General Certificate in Brewong
Institute of Brewing & Distilling
2021

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Biotechnology)
Deakin University
2004 – 2009

Credit

Artwork:
All artwork was created by the very talented Pinchiedraws.