Redback is Australia's original wheat beer, brewed from both malted wheat and malted barley, and a blend of Saaz and pride of Ringwood hops. The combination of quality ingredients and the care taken by Matilda Bay's brewers resulting in a unique refreshing beer that has a creamy mouth feel and a subtle bitterness on the palate.

"For almost 20 years it has been the benchmark for other Australian wheat beers"

-Amy Wild, Australian Bartender Magazine

"The pride of Matida Bay, Redback is almost always the first to disappear from any ice-filled bathtub or communal esky"

-Pat Nourse, Australian Gourmet Traveller

"Redback is an effortless drinking style with a refreshing hoppy finish that will come into its own during the summer months"

-Colin Wile, Canberra Times

"Redback Original kicked off the nation's beer revolution from Fremantle 20 years ago"

-Vic Crossland, West Australian

"Discover why this crisp brew, with traces of clove and fine citrus, is the ideal partner for lazy summer days"

-Elizabeth Corfe, Voyeur

Redback is modelled on the weizen beers of southern Germany where, for centuries, this style of beer has been popular, particularly in summer when its refreshing qualities come into their own.

Australia's long hot summers provide ample opportunity to enjoy weizen-style beers and, as one of the world's largest producers of wheat, there are "Hectares of Beer" at our disposal.

Brewing wheat beer is a little more difficult compared to other beer. However, that just seems to make it more worthwhile when you get the recipe right.

Redback started life as a Matilda Bay seasonal beer called "Summer Wheat" in 1986. It became so popular that we had to make it a permanent part of our portfolio and for almost 20 years it has been the benchmark Australian wheat beer.

Back in the 80s, the sales of many beers were confined to their state of origin, but Redback carved out its place in the national beer market, not only as Australia's Original Wheat Beer, but as Australia's first specialty beer, and probably one of the first truly national beers.

In 1993 Redback was awarded Grand Champion at the Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA). It has continued to collect a number of awards over the years - in fact, in 2003, it won yet another Gold Medal in the wheat beer class at the AIBA.