Fitzgerald & Perrins Castlemaine Prize Ale Poster

The Castlemaine Brewery, established by Edward Fitzgerald in 1858 in Castlemaine, was the foundation of the largest brewing empire in Australia during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Over time, substantial breweries were established at Sydney, Mel­bourne, Newcastle, Brisbane and Perth, and the name ‘Castlemaine’ is perpetuated in the brand name of the famous beverage, Castlemaine XXXX Bitter Ale.

There was much opportunity for business in Melbourne, and Edward and Nicholas Fitz­gerald, in partnership with James Perrins, opened a brewery in South Melbourne in 1871. They traded as Fitzgerald & Perrins, and after the first few weeks of operation weekly beer production was 30–40 hogsheads, increasing to 100 hogs­heads by the end of the first year.

The Castlemaine Brewery Co., Melbourne, Ltd was floated on 1 March 1885, with the shares selling quickly at a premium of 20 per cent. James Perrins was the first managing director, and the company prospered. A 20 per cent dividend was declared in 1888, and during that year another brewery was built immediately opposite the existing brewery. By January 1890 weekly output had reached 1400 hogsheads of beer, plus 6000 dozen bottles of ale and porter.

In 1907 the Castlemaine Brewery amalgamated with five others to form Carlton & United Breweries Pty Ltd. Brewing was discontinued, and the premises were later used as ordnance stores.