Why Water Profile Matters in Brewing Great Beer

At Shack Bay Brewing, nestled along the stunning Bunurong Coast in Inverloch, Victoria, we often get asked what makes our beers taste so clean, balanced, and full of character. While hops and malt get most of the glory, there’s one crucial ingredient that often flies under the radar — water.

Believe it or not, water makes up more than 90% of beer. Its mineral composition — known as the water profile — plays a major role in how each style tastes, feels, and finishes. Getting this right is what separates good beer from great beer — and ensures consistency from one batch to the next.

At Shack Bay Brewing, we start with pure local water from Bass Coast’s supply, using it just as it comes, naturally filtered and full of coastal character. We don’t amend or modify our water chemistry; instead, we embrace its subtle shifts throughout the year. These variations are part of what make each batch unique, allowing every beer to reflect the season, climate, and environment it was brewed in.

The mineral balance found in our local water gives our beers their distinctive sense of place, a genuine taste of Inverloch and the Bass Coast. It’s what gives our Hazy IPA its soft, rounded texture after summer rains, or lets our Pale Ale shine crisp and bright when the water runs cooler in winter.

Consistency Through Character

Brewing in a coastal climate like the Bass Coast means embracing nature’s rhythm. The water profile can change subtly across the seasons, and rather than fighting that, we work with it. Each beer becomes a small snapshot of its environment — a reminder that great brewing isn’t always about control, but about respecting the natural balance.

More Than Just a Local Drop

For us, understanding and mastering our water profile isn’t just about chemistry; it’s about honouring the region. Every beer we make celebrates the clean coastal air, the rolling surf, and the relaxed lifestyle that defines the Bass Coast. Great beer starts with great water and around here, we’re lucky to have both.

So next time you raise a glass of Shack Bay, remember it’s not just hops and malt doing the hard work. It’s also a carefully crafted taste of Bass Coast’s water, refined and reimagined for beer lovers who appreciate quality and consistency.