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Photograph from 1952, label says: "Resch's Special Export Pilsener, brewed & bottled by Tooth & C.O. Limited. Sydney, Australia"

33°53′48″S 151°12′55″E / 33.8967432°S 151.2152146°E / -33.8967432; 151.2152146 Resch's is a brand of beer produced by Carlton & United Breweries, available in New South Wales, Australia. It was also the name of the Sydney brewing company who produced the beer brand and were based in Redfern until taken over by Tooth & Co in 1929.

History

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A building which was a brewery for Resch's now part of an apartment complex.

Resch's Limited was a Sydney-based brewery founded by Edmund Resch. The company collapsed in 1929, at which time it was taken over by Tooth & Co The name lived on in the brands of beer that continued to be produced. Waverley Brewery closed in 1983, and was redeveloped into the Moore Park Gardens Apartment Development by Dealruby in the 1990s. By the 2000s Resch's DB (Double Bitter) and DA (Dinner Ale) had been phased out of production.

Current status

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Carlton & United Breweries currently produces Resch's Draught for the New South Wales hotel market.[1] It is also available in a small number of venues in South East Queensland. Resch's Pilsener is available in 750ml bottles (known as "longnecks") and 375ml cans throughout the New South Wales and available nationally via online retailers.

Resch's Real Bitter was discontinued in mid-2018 joining other retired varieties including Dinner Ale (DA), Smooth Black Ale, Extra Stout, Premium Lager, Premier Lager, Sydney Bitter and Double Bitter (DB). Dinner Ale made a limited return in 2022, also in 375mL cans like the Pilsener, and is available only through Liquorland and First Choice Liquor.[2]

In January 2012, Carlton & United Breweries released a limited edition of Resch's Draught in 24 can cartons, using the old green and white labelling as well as the "Resch's Lion" adorning the top of each can.[3]

Reschs Appreciation Society

[edit]

On 27 February 2009, the Resch's Appreciation Society was formed. This has grown steadily in membership over 10 years and contained approximately 9,000 members as of November 2020. The group regularly meets to socialise and raise money for men's health through the Movember Foundation.

Revival

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Despite a lack of advertising or investment from its current owner, Resch's has been growing in popularity in recent years. On 16 September 2019, Resch's was voted Australia's favourite beer in a news.com.au poll. While speculation has continued regarding the main reason for this, the loyalty of Resch's drinkers in the face of the brand's uncool image as 'old man's beer' is remarkable, having retained a core of consumers despite the explosion in marketing of craft beers.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Resch's

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Resch's is an iconic Australian beer brand, renowned for its and draught varieties, originating from the Resch's Brewery established by German-born brewer Edmund Resch in during the late . Resch, who arrived in in 1863, began brewing operations in 1879 that emphasized quality and innovation in a burgeoning local industry. By 1897, Resch formalized his enterprise as Resch's Limited through the acquisition of Allt's Brewery & Wine & Spirit Company in , marking the official inception of the company that would become synonymous with Australian pub culture. Under Resch's leadership, the brewery expanded rapidly, consolidating multiple facilities by 1900, including the acquisition of the Waverley Brewery, and incorporating advanced brewing techniques that contributed to the brand's reputation for crisp, refreshing beers popular in . The company faced challenges during , including Resch's brief internment due to his German heritage, but it rebounded to achieve significant commercial success in the . Following Resch's in 1923 and the company's financial collapse in 1929, Resch's was acquired by rival & , which integrated the brand into its Waverley Brewery operations while preserving its distinct identity. The brand remained under until (CUB) acquired Tooth's brewing operations in 1983; in 2020, Asahi Group Holdings acquired CUB (as of 2025), integrating the brand into its portfolio. Today, Resch's Draught remains a staple in New South Wales pubs, particularly in Sydney, where it holds a loyal following for its balanced flavor profile and historical ties to the region's hospitality scene, though it is less widely distributed nationally compared to other CUB brands like Victoria Bitter. The brand's legacy endures through its association with Australian brewing heritage, inspiring modern tributes such as themed pubs operated by Resch's descendants, and it continues to symbolize resilience in the face of industry consolidations.

History

Founding and Early Operations

Edmund Resch, a German immigrant born in 1847, arrived in in 1863 and initially pursued mining and hotel ventures before entering the industry. After establishing the Lion Brewery in , , in 1879 with his brother Richard, Resch expanded operations to other regional sites including in 1883 and Silverton and in 1885. In 1895, he shifted focus to , taking over management of Allt's Brewing & Wine and Spirit Co. Ltd in Redfern, which he purchased outright in 1897 for £67,000, marking the foundational step for what would become Resch's primary urban operations. This acquisition allowed Resch to centralize brewing activities in Dowling Street, Redfern, where he began producing lager beer using traditional German techniques—a style previously unknown in . By 1900, Resch had acquired the Lager Bier Brewing Co., further consolidating his position and relocating the Waverley Brewery operations from to the larger Redfern site to accommodate growing demand. The company was formally incorporated as Resch's Ltd in July 1906 with an authorized capital of £150,000, enabling significant expansion and the establishment of numerous tied public houses across . Under Resch's direction, the brewery became a major producer of , , and ale, emphasizing additive-free brewing methods that distinguished its products in the local market; the firm even earned the title of "Brewer by Appointment to His Excellency the " from 1904 to 1914. To modernize production, Resch sent his sons Edmund Jr. and Arnold to study advanced brewing techniques in and the , incorporating these innovations to enhance quality and efficiency. The early success of Resch's was tempered by external pressures, particularly during World War I when Resch was interned as an enemy alien in 1917 due to his German heritage, disrupting leadership at a critical time. Wartime restrictions on alcohol production, including limits on beer strength and trading hours imposed under the War Precautions Act, strained operations alongside rising costs. Resch passed away in 1923, leaving a substantial estate valued at £316,828, but the ensuing Great Depression exacerbated financial vulnerabilities, leading to the company's collapse in 1929 and its acquisition by Tooth & Co. Ltd.

Corporate Takeovers and Brewery Closure

In July 1929, Resch's Limited entered voluntary liquidation, after which Tooth and Co. acquired its assets for approximately £2,500,000, marking a significant consolidation in ' brewing industry. This transaction, facilitated through the exchange of shares to the Resch family, integrated Resch's operations into Tooth's portfolio, with the Waverley Brewery in Redfern continuing as a key production site for Resch's and other beers. The move reflected broader trends of industry concentration driven by competition for tied houses and rising production costs, allowing Tooth to expand its market dominance without disrupting established brands. Under Tooth's ownership, Resch's beers were produced at the Waverley for over five decades, maintaining the brand's popularity in pubs. However, in 1983, Tooth closed the facility as part of a $60 million rationalization and modernization program across its operations, prompted by intensifying industry consolidation, economic downturns, and the need for centralized, efficient brewing amid declining local competition. The closure resulted in the loss of around 800 jobs and shifted Resch's production to other Tooth sites, such as the Kent in Chippendale. The Waverley Brewery site in Redfern, spanning 2.6 hectares along South Dowling Street, stood vacant until the early 1990s, when it underwent demolition of most structures and redevelopment into the residential Moore Park Gardens complex by Dealruby Pty Ltd. Completed in stages by 2000, the project preserved select heritage elements while creating over 560 apartments, transforming the industrial site into a medium-density urban community integrated with nearby Moore Park. Following Tooth's sale of its brewing assets to Carlton and United Breweries (CUB) in 1983, Resch's heritage variants faced gradual phase-out as CUB streamlined its portfolio toward core lagers. Specifically, Resch's DA (Dinner Ale), a staple since the early 1900s, was discontinued in the mid-1990s, while DB (Double Bitter) followed suit by the early 2000s, reflecting shifts in consumer preferences and production efficiencies under the new ownership.

Products

Current Offerings

Resch's beers are primarily produced by , which assumed control following its merger with in 1983. This arrangement has sustained the brand's output from facilities in Abbotsford, Victoria, focusing on traditional styles for regional distribution. The flagship Resch's Draught is a core available on tap primarily in pubs, offering a crisp, refreshing profile with subtle malt and hop notes. It has an (ABV) of 4.4%, making it a sessionable option suited to the local hospitality scene. Resch's Pilsener maintains the brand's traditional lager heritage, available in 750 ml bottles and 375 ml cans across and select national retailers. With a 4.4% ABV, it delivers a clean, dry finish emphasizing balanced bitterness and malt character. Resch's Real Lager was introduced in March 2023 as a reformulated 4.2% ABV option in 330 ml stubbies, positioned as a modern easy-drinking with the marketing slogan "New taste. Real beer." It emphasizes smooth crispness and is distributed via major liquor outlets in . Limited editions have occasionally revived heritage packaging, such as the 2012 release of Resch's Draught in 24-can cartons featuring vintage green and white labeling.

Discontinued Variants

Resch's DB (Draft Bitter), a popular mid-20th-century offering known for its robust flavor, was phased out by the early 2000s as consumer tastes increasingly favored lagers over traditional bitters. This shift reflected broader trends in the Australian beer market during the late 20th century, where lagers gained dominance due to their lighter profiles and faster production methods, leading many breweries to prioritize them amid rising competition. The original Resch's DA (Dinner Ale), introduced in the early 1900s as a sessionable ale for everyday drinking, was discontinued in the and replaced by lighter alternatives better suited to evolving preferences for less robust beers. It was temporarily relaunched in April 2022 in 375 ml cans through select retailers including and First Choice Liquor, targeting consumers seeking nostalgic flavors after a 25-year absence; this variant featured a 4.9% ABV and a fuller-bodied profile with hearty notes, available while stocks last in . The relaunch ended after the limited run, and it has not been revived since. Resch's Real Bitter, launched as a straightforward English-style bitter, was terminated in mid-2018 as part of Carlton & United Breweries' (CUB) efforts to streamline its portfolio amid low sales volumes. This discontinuation exemplified ongoing brand rationalization under CUB, driven by cost efficiencies and a market tilt toward premium imports and craft options over standard bitters. During the Tooth & Co. era following the 1929 acquisition, Resch's produced other historical lines such as stout and various ales, which were gradually discontinued as the brand adapted to industry mergers and shifting consumer demands for imported premium beers and streamlined domestic offerings. These factors—corporate consolidations like the eventual CUB integration, preferences for lighter lagers and international styles, and operational cost savings—collectively led to the retirement of these variants, narrowing Resch's focus to core surviving products.

Cultural Significance

Reschs Appreciation Society

The Reschs Appreciation Society was established in as a aimed at preserving and promoting Resch's , a beloved staple. By November 2020, the group had grown to over 10,000 members, expanding to over 15,000 by 2023, reflecting sustained enthusiasm among fans. The society organizes annual events to celebrate Resch's heritage, including Edmund Resch Day, honoring the beer's founder. For instance, the June 2025 event at The Resch House in featured the induction of 11 new members into the "Order of Resch," a ceremonial recognition of dedicated supporters. These gatherings foster community and highlight the brand's cultural legacy. In addition to celebrations, the society actively fundraises for charitable causes, notably the Movember Foundation, through merchandise sales and event proceeds, having raised over $28,000 for initiatives by 2024. It also advocates for greater availability of Resch's across pubs and venues, creating tools like the RAS Passport to encourage patronage at stocking locations and boost local . The group's advocacy extends to influencing product development, successfully pushing for the limited return of Resch's Dinner Ale in April 2022 via member petitions and campaigns. In 2023, it contributed to the launch of Resch's Real Lager, a modern revival of a discontinued variant, through similar efforts. The society maintains a strong online presence via its website, reschsappreciationsociety.com.au, which includes venue maps, merchandise, and updates, positioning Resch's as an iconic, superior beer worthy of preservation.

Modern Revival and Popularity

In September 2019, a news.com.au poll declared Resch's Australia's favorite beer, capturing 25 percent of 11,000 votes in the initial tally and igniting widespread media coverage across the country. This unexpected win for the heritage lager, which receives minimal national advertising from owner Carlton & United Breweries, underscored its enduring appeal among consumers and fueled debates about the resurgence of classic Australian brews amid the craft beer surge. The poll's results highlighted Resch's cult-like following, particularly in its home state, where it has cultivated loyalty through regional traditions rather than aggressive marketing. The from 2020 to 2022 amplified this , driving heightened demand for heritage beers like Resch's as consumers sought comfort in familiar, storied brands during uncertain times. This trend contributed to limited-edition revivals, including the return of Resch's cans in August 2020 and Dinner Ale in April 2022, both tapping into sentimental connections to Australia's brewing past. The Reschs Appreciation Society supported these relaunches through consumer campaigns, further boosting visibility. By 2023, this momentum led to the market expansion of Resch's Real Lager across , reformulated at 4.2 percent ABV and marketed as a straightforward "real beer" alternative to the crowded segment. Sold in 330ml stubbies, the variant emphasized easy-drinking accessibility while leveraging the brand's nostalgic cachet. Today, Resch's enjoys steady popularity in pubs, where it remains a staple on tap, though its distribution stays regionally confined to , limiting broader national reach. Media outlets continue to reference its 2019 poll triumph as emblematic of the brand's grassroots cult status.

References

  1. https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/drink/the-origin-of-your-favourite-beer-reschs-dates-back-to-a-german-man-who-was-later-imprisoned/news-story/ac7f230e50c5d134a109493dfdec6637
  2. https://localmags.com.au/new-blog/true-brew
  3. https://archivescollection.anu.edu.au/index.php/reschs-limited
  4. https://timegents.com/2019/03/06/the-breweries-of-edmund-resch/
  5. https://brewsnews.com.au/reschs-quiet-achiever-for-cub/
  6. https://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/food-and-drink/article/now-open-resch-house-george-street-pub-celebrating-true-nsw-beer
  7. https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/the-resch-house-upcoming-sydney-cbd-pub-to-honour-all-things-reschs/news-story/afe00d8e8ed47bfcb861a57fc64f837e
  8. https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/resch-edmund-8186
  9. https://dictionaryofsydney.org/organisation/reschs_ltd
  10. https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/histories-local-parks-playgrounds/history-edmund-resch-reserve
  11. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/28100098
  12. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/230951791
  13. https://www.academia.edu/48374931/Tied_Houses_Taxes_and_Technology_Concentration_in_the_Brewing_Industry_of_New_South_Wales_1882_to_1932
  14. https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/600847
  15. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110593029
  16. http://east72.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Tooth-Co-1981-part-I.pdf
  17. https://www.mooreparkgardens.au/building-information/
  18. https://www.beerandbrewer.com/tooth-company-archives-added-to-unesco-world-register/
  19. https://brewsnews.com.au/cub-brings-back-reschs-dinner-ale/
  20. http://www.australianbeers.com/history/cub.htm
  21. https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/353/730026/
  22. https://www.kegsonlegs.com.au/products/reschs-draught-kegonly
  23. https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/reschs%2Bpilsner%2Bbeer%2Baustralia
  24. https://www.lasoo.com.au/products/carlton-united-breweries/627466/reschs-pilsener-iconic-australian-beer-refreshing-dry-finish-44-abv-375ml-case-of-24-cans
  25. https://theshout.com.au/reschs-real-lager-receives-revival/
  26. https://brewsnews.com.au/the-rivival-of-iconic-reschs-beer-gets-real/
  27. https://chipguide.themogh.org/cg_chip2.php?id=AUNSRB&v=1586126200
  28. https://australianbeerposters.com.au/shop/reschs-db-double-bitter-waverley-brewery-sydney/
  29. https://allaboutbeer.net/jolly-good-ale-and-old-coopers-brewery-1862-1998/
  30. https://concreteplayground.com/sydney/food-drink/reschs-is-re-releasing-its-dinner-ale-for-a-limited-time
  31. https://www.brewgene.com/beer/reschs-dinner-ale
  32. https://www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/new-in-store/reschs-comeback-after-25-years
  33. https://brewsnews.com.au/reschs-appreciation-society-launches-2021-passport-to-beer/
  34. https://www.facebook.com/ReschsAppreciationSociety/posts/edmund-resch-day-2025-at-thereschhouse-was-epic-congratulations-to-all-of-the-11/1570859837654037/
  35. https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/eating-out/reschs-fans-launch-a-pub-passport-to-boost-nsw-tourism-20201106-h1rzlv.html
  36. https://reschsappreciationsociety.com.au/
  37. https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/drink/reschs-crowned-australias-favourite-beer-in-newscomau-poll/news-story/7aa32fce2e466b43bee91debc02e9817
  38. https://insidefmcg.com.au/2023/03/20/cub-brings-back-reschs-real-lager-after-consumer-led-push/
  39. https://www.drinkstrade.com.au/news/reschs-revival-all-set-for-nsw-market/
  40. https://brewsnews.com.au/nostalgia-and-the-rise-of-reschs-and-emu-export/
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