A BEER GOES BIG

2025 saw us immortalise the iconic, bright-orange can with a 10-metre-high monument, as we transformed our 30-tonne grain silo into Sydney’s first urban “Big Thing”. The aptly named “Big Orange Goblin” is a tribute not only to the Grifter Pale Ale itself but to the local independent brewing community that the Inner West is famous for, an area referred to as “The Ale Trail”. 

The B.O.G quickly generated press coverage and a Wikipedia feature, sparked competitions and led to its own merch line. Most importantly, as a functioning grain storage system, it means our Pale (like all our beers) is more ethical, as our need for deliveries is reduced along with our carbon footprint, landfill and brewer workload, all at once.  

Two months after the unveiling of the B.O.G, we clocked 1000 batches of Pale across our history, a milestone celebrated by our brew team and customers alike. In fact, that number only includes batches brewed since we moved into our Marrickville space in 2015! 

Working out to millions of litres to date, it’s no wonder The Orange Goblin is our undisputed bestseller. The beer routinely places highly in the GABS Hottest 100 and takes out accolades like medals at the Independent Beer Awards. 

So, that’s where we’ve arrived. But where did it all begin? 

HISTORY BREWING

The Old Fitzroy Hotel in Woolloomooloo was the first venue to have Grifter Pale on tap. Thirteen years ago, we got the call that our beer was going on at The Fitz on a Friday arvo. We turned up with an army of family and friends, drinking the keg dry in about two hours. That thirsty enthusiasm ensured a follow-up order. And we’ve kept the tap running ever since. 

For a long time, The Fitz was one of only a handful of venues pouring our Pale, known as “The Edward” back then. We’d do keg deliveries on Thursdays and have a beer with the publican every week. He’d pay us with a cheque, and handshakes meant more than any contract. 

This formative relationship is part of our DNA. We started out as a group of young “grifters” learning by doing. It’s because of early and ongoing support from communities like The Fitz that we’re where we are today.  

A MONUMENTAL EVENT

To celebrate this shared story, we brewed a collaborative beer by going back to our roots. Old Fitz Original Pale was inspired by a relic of a recipe from 2012, Batch #2. This sip of history might be a little different to the Pale of today, yet the connection between eras is undeniable and delicious. 

The malt bill is identical to what it was back then. However, the old-school trend of blending yeast really elevates that character. The addition of unprocessed hop flowers (although an absolute nightmare practically speaking) lends a lovely, subtle floral aroma. Matching the heritage pub that is The Old Fitz, Original Pale feels like a classic English ale, rather than the more modern take of our contemporary Pale.

Original Pale drinks golden, bitter, floral and full of flavour. It was available exclusively at The Fitz and the brewery tasting bar for a limited time. We launched the beer with a bar shout on the 20th of February 2026, some 15 years after the first Grifter Pale was brewed, going full circle. The event was a tribute to this enduring beer, at the first pub to ever stock it. 

To everyone who has ever supported us by buying, drinking and enjoying a Pale: thank you! Here’s to many more milestones for our beloved Orange Goblin.

Full and mixed cases are available via the online store – for delivery straight to your door with free shipping included. And keep your eyes peeled for a return of the Old Fitz Original...