Meet Chuck Hahn

A lifetime in brewing. A return to what matters most.

Few people have shaped Australian beer quite like Chuck Hahn.

Over a brewing career spanning more than five decades, Chuck has helped introduce generations of Australians to great beer, and the idea that it should be balanced, approachable and made to be shared.

From founding Hahn Brewery in the 1980s to helping build James Squire, Kosciuszko Brewery and many more household names, Chuck’s impact on the Australian brewing landscape is hard to overstate. Today, alongside son Scott Hahn, he has returned to independent brewing with Chuck & Son's Brewing Co. - a family-owned brewery and Tap Room in St Peters, Sydney, built around classic beer styles, hospitality and bringing people together.

Chuck’s brewing journey began long before craft beer became part of everyday Australian life.

Originally studying chemical engineering before moving into brewing, Chuck began his career at the Coors Brewery, spearheading the recipe for Coors Light, which went on to become an international favourite. From Colorado to Australia via New Zealand, Chuck worked across a number of breweries internationally, building the technical expertise and brewing philosophy that would later become synonymous with his name.

In 1988, Chuck founded Hahn Brewery - one of the breweries that would help reshape modern Australian beer culture.

At a time when craft beer was an unusual concept, Chuck introduced a stronger focus on flavour, freshness and brewing quality, while still making beers that everyday Australians genuinely wanted to drink.

The brewery quickly gained a loyal following and became known for combining technical excellence with approachability - a philosophy Chuck still believes in today.

Over the decades that followed, Chuck played a key role in the growth of Australian craft brewing.

Through projects including James Squire, Malt Shovel Brewery and Kosciuszko Pale Ale, he helped introduce Australian drinkers to a wider world of beer styles while continuing to champion balance and drinkability over trends or gimmicks.

His work has earned widespread recognition within the brewing industry and cemented his place as one of Australia’s most influential brewers.

After decades in the industry, Chuck could easily have retired quietly.

Instead, alongside son Scott Hahn, he chose to return to brewing with a very clear vision: create a brewery centred around timeless beer styles, welcoming hospitality and genuine connection.

That vision became Chuck & Son’s Brewing Co.

Located in St Peters in Sydney’s Inner West, the brewery combines a working brewery, Tap Room and gathering place for locals, families, beer lovers and visitors alike.

Every beer is brewed with the same philosophy Chuck has carried throughout his career: great beer should be balanced, approachable and made to bring people together.

At Chuck & Son’s, the focus isn’t on chasing extremes.

It’s on brewing beers with character, balance and drinkability - beers that suit long lunches, afternoons with friends and nights that stretch on a little longer than planned.

From crisp pilsners and pale ales to seasonal releases and classic lagers, the brewery’s approach reflects Chuck’s long-held belief that the best beers are often the ones people come back to again and again.

It’s a philosophy built not just on brewing experience, but on understanding the role beer plays in bringing people together.

Today, Chuck remains deeply involved in the brewery, working closely with the brewing team and continuing to share the knowledge and experience gathered over a lifetime in beer.

Together, Chuck and Scott have built more than just a brewery.

They’ve created a place designed for gathering - where great beer, good food, live music and warm hospitality come together under one roof.

Chuck & Son’s Brewing Co. continues to brew and pour fresh beer from its St Peters brewery and Tap Room, welcoming everyone from craft beer enthusiasts to families, locals and first-time visitors alike.

Chuck & Son’s Brewing Co. is located in St Peters in Sydney’s Inner West.

Visit the Tap Room to enjoy fresh beer brewed on site, food, live music, events and one of Sydney’s most welcoming brewery experiences.