Better the Devil You Know

Nobody is more familiar with beer’s inspiration and passion than Peter McAppion, a proud WA local and zealous beer nut. Frustrated with beers that seemed all head and no body, Pete decided to grab conventional brewing tactics by the thorns. Knowing he could harmonise his broad knowledge base, Pete realised it was time to transform his frustration into inspiration. Out of this dream, Thorny Devil was born.They say that doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results is a mark of insanity. Pete wasn’t exactly going insane, but he was becoming a bit disenchanted with his existing situation —one who couldn’t quench his obsession with finding new craft beers. Instead of setting off on a hero’s quest to capture a golden brew, he took matters into his own hands, synthesising his skills in chemistry and brewing to produce some unique beers and ciders to ignite the taste buds of discerning drinkers. Thorny Devi Although Pete’s mates served as eager guinea pigs for these initial experiments, word got out that something different was a-brewin’. Positive feedback from thirsty guzzlers propelled him to begin honing his process. This turn of events signalled a sea change for Pete, who incrementally withdrew from the corporate grindstone as he worked to build a professional brewery in Mandurah’s local Cape Bouvard Vineyard. After peddling the aptly named Thorny Devil beers and ciders at local festivals, Pete gained a better understanding of exactly what it was that people loved about these drinks. With some steady refinements, Thorny Devil transformed into a true contender in the craft-beer world, winning numerous awards at the Australian International Beer Awards, Australian Craft Beer awards and Perth Royal Beer Show.These days, Thorny Devil is in a constant state of moving forward but remembering its roots, striving to unite perceptive beer drinkers with handcrafted brews in irresistible flavours that carry a little bit of Mandurah in every sip. Beer is all about experimenting, having fun, and exploring, which perfectly encapsulate the story of Thorny Devil.When Pete isn’t drinking, obsessing over, or making beer, you can find him hanging around Mandurah and Fremantle getting in a little surfing, 4WDing, diving, fishing, and camping. Mandurah has so much to offer, so who wouldn’t want to enjoy the iconic WA lifestyle?

To get in touch with Pete to talk beer, the meaning of life, or anything else, summon him via phone, email, or social media here!

Beer isn’t some high school crush around these parts; it’s more like our soulmate, and there’s no chance it’ll become “the one that got away.” To put it succinctly: beer is our true love. But it’s not just the liquid gold we’re fanatics about; we love everything that beer has the potential to represent.

Inherent in the process of making beer are so many opportunities. We get to create new flavours, learn about different techniques, and, most of all, we get to share it with people and spread the word about just how exceptional craft brews can be. We get to explore and connect and learn, uniting those who value meticulously curated brews—and know the difference between marketing fluff and something truly handcrafted—with our simple, homespun blends.

Thorny Devil broadens people’s horizons, showing them the amazing results that are achieved through the chance to slow things down, provide ultimate care and exacting detail to every step of the process, and lovingly pour our hearts and souls into each glass. Pete and Señor Throm personally oversee the fermentation and brewing of every batch, after all. This level of mindfulness is what differentiates Thorny Devil craft beers from those mass-produced cans lining store shelves, and it’s what our beers are all about.