Brewing Success: Nathan Munt of King River Brewing Shares How He Built a Thriving European-Inspired Brewery in High Country, Victoria, Overcame Challenges to Grow, and Crafted Beers That Transport Customers to Belgium and Beyond. (Episode 5 - Nathan Munt)

1. How many years have you been brewing the King Belly Kolsch beer?

Nathan Munt shares that he has been brewing the King Belly Kolsch beer for eight years. It was one of the first four beers introduced when King River Brewing opened and has remained a favorite due to its balanced flavor and appeal to a wide range of beer enthusiasts.

2. What inspired you to create the Italian Pilsner, and how has it resonated with your audience?

Nathan Munt shares that the inspiration to create the Italian Pilsner came from King Valley's rich Italian heritage, known for its Italian varietal wines and being the home of Prosecco in Australia. He wanted to craft a beer that reflected this cultural connection while offering a clean lager with a touch of character. The Italian Pilsner has resonated strongly with the audience, particularly due to its unique flavor and the striking can design featuring brush strokes of the Italian flag. Nathan notes that the beer's popularity has grown steadily, becoming a standout choice in local pubs and Italian-themed venues.

3. What’s your professional background, and how did your previous experience influence your approach to brewing?

Nathan Munt shares that his professional background is in finance and IT analytics, where he specialized in database engineering, business intelligence, and reporting for large financial institutions. This experience honed his analytical skills and his ability to solve complex problems, which have significantly influenced his approach to brewing. Nathan explains that his background helps him focus on understanding market dynamics, maintaining financial sustainability, and ensuring operational efficiency. His data-driven mindset and attention to detail have been instrumental in crafting high-quality beers and navigating the challenges of running a brewery.

4. How do you manage the business side of things alongside brewing?

Nathan Munt shares that he manages the business side of King River Brewing alongside brewing by wearing multiple hats and prioritizing tasks effectively. While he focuses on designing recipes and ensuring the quality of their European-inspired beers, he also takes charge of sales, marketing, accounting, and general business management. Nathan explains that balancing these responsibilities is challenging, especially in a growing business, but his background in finance and analytics helps him stay on top of cash flow, margins, and operational planning. He credits his passion for brewing and his commitment to the brewery's vision as key motivators in handling the dual roles.

5. What does the future look like for King River Brewing, especially regarding production and branding?

Nathan Munt shares that the future of King River Brewing focuses on expanding production capacity and enhancing branding to strengthen its presence in the craft beer market. He plans to invest in larger tanks to meet growing demand and explore opportunities for additional taprooms in higher-population areas to improve direct-to-consumer sales. On the branding front, Nathan emphasizes creating a deeper connection between the brewery’s regional roots in High Country, Victoria, and its European-inspired beers. His vision includes showcasing the brewery's unique identity while maintaining a commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer engagement.

6. What would you tell yourself on day one of your brewing journey?

Nathan Munt shares that if he could speak to himself on day one of his brewing journey, he would say, "Believe in yourself." He explains that self-doubt often led to overanalyzing decisions and second-guessing his instincts. Nathan emphasizes that having confidence in his skills and staying true to his vision would have made the journey smoother. He adds that despite the challenges, his persistence and passion have brought him to where he is today, and he would remind his past self to trust in the process and the goal.