Every now and then we like to put a bit of a spotlight on our favourite brewers - this time it's a Brew and A with John Stallwood from Nail Brewing, makers of Australia's highest rated beer Clout Stout. Read on and learn something new about brewer John....

Where do you see the Australian craft beer scene in the next 2 – 4 years?

Many of the older breweries will expand and boom and some new ones will become stars. Many of the new ones in the last 5 years and contract breweries will struggle and crash, as running a brewery and a pub sound good, but are hard work.

Favourite beer at the moment (that’s not yours!)?

Hop Hog, Indian Ocean wheat and Eagle Bay Summer ale.

What would be the weirdest beer you’d like to brew? Funds, time, ingredients being unlimited and at full disposal.

Too good to say. Would probably get arrested.

What is the one thing that you most dislike about your job?

Hours, excise and the long password you need to get into the secret brewery cave.

What was your beer epiphany, i.e. the beer that got you hooked on craft beer/brewing or convinced that there was better stuff than the mainstream?

Brewing beer at home and Ballerat in the 90s, Bootleg, Last Drop, Inchant.

Who is the person/people in the industry that you look to as beer “godfathers” for direction / inspiration / advice?

Hugh Dunn, Roger Bussell, Barry Sexton, Ken Aerosmith, Chuck Hahn, Jan Bruckner, Brendan Varis.

Which beer are you most proud of?

Clout Stout, Hughe Dunn, Nail Stout, Nail Ale, Golden Nail.

What is one thing most people wouldn't know about the brewery or your beers?

That someone woke up in the brewery without there glasses and undies after drinking too much Hughe Dunn Brown.

Where do you get your inspiration for your beers from?

My Glass.

What's one key tip you'd give to people starting in home brewing?

Keg your beer. Too much time cleaning bottles needed otherwise.

What do you like most about your job?

Hopefully where I am in 5 years and the beer I drink and brewers I have a beer with.

Nail Beers in store:

Golden Nail

Nail Ale

Nail ESB

Nail Oatmeal Stout

Nail Clout Stout

Nail Red Ale