Melbourne, March 2025 – The CERES Harvest Festival is back, and this year, we’re bringing something truly special to the table. In a collaboration that celebrates flavour, using it all, community, and creativity, Molly Rose Brewing and CERES have joined forces to craft two limited-edition Not Wasted releases – the Kitchen Garden Beer and Banana Bread Liqueur.
During a visit to Joe’s Market Garden, Nic Sandery, Molly Rose founder and head brewer, together with Rachel and the team from Joe’s Market Garden, hand-harvested basil that had gone to flower and rosemary from their garden hedge. Kilos of these were then added fresh into a barrel-fermented sour ale that Nic had left over from a previous brew.
Once we sampled the beer, we felt it needed a little pop of citrus and salt! Every year, the CERES Merri Cafe receives an abundance of lemons, some of which they preserve to use in different dishes throughout the year. We added these preserved lemons to the tank, and together with the basil and rosemary, it created a Not Wasted beer with bright, aromatic notes that capture the essence of summer, ready to be enjoyed throughout the cooler months.
While at the Merri Cafe, we picked up a whole heap of banana bread offcuts that Hemi Reidy, Merri Cafe lead chef, and the crew had been saving. Nic soaked and then ran them through the still to extract every last drop of flavour, creating a Banana Bread Liqueur. It’s rich, smooth, and a true celebration of reducing food waste in the most delicious way possible.
To kick off the festival, join us at the Merri Cafe on Friday, March 28th, the night before the big Harvest Festival. This exclusive evening: Hops on the Hill, will feature the beer and liqueur, paired bites, and a conversation with Nic Sandery (Molly Rose Founder & Brewer) and Hemi Reidy (Merri Café Head Chef) as they share the inspiration behind this Not Wasted collaboration.
Event Details:
Hops on the Hill
Friday, March 28th
Merri Cafe, CERES
Tickets: Hops on the Hill
General Entry – $15
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General Taster (includes a tasting plate with matched beer) – $45
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Organic snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at the Merri Bar.
Then on Saturday, March 29th, the CERES Harvest Festival swings into full gear – a day packed with live music, farm tours, workshops, market stalls, and plenty of fun for the whole family. Make sure to visit the Molly Rose crew at their market stall who will be pouring tastings of the Kitchen Garden Beer and Banana Bread Liqueur.
Hope you see you there!