Stone & Wood has again brewed up their much-loved Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer in support of vital medical research through The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation and its community and fundraising initiative, The Common Good.
The special brew, which pays homage to the original Ekka Strawberry Sundae, is now in its sixth year and was the brainchild of Stone & Wood Brisbane Head Brewer Mick Barnes and another brewer, Brendan, in 2020.
“When the physical Ekka show was cancelled a few years ago (due to the Coronavirus pandemic), we kept thinking of the delicious strawberry sundaes and all the money they raised for the Foundation,” Mick said. “Then we said to ourselves, well, we can’t exactly make ice cream – but what about beer?”
The beer is described as creamy and delectable, and its distinctive flavour is achieved when 60 kilograms of Queensland strawberries, lactose and vanilla are combined.
Mick watches the fermentation process closely over several weeks to ensure the fusion of flavours is just right.
The Ekka Strawberry Sundae program was a key fundraiser for The Common Good, an initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, for 35 years. However, early in 2025, the Foundation announced its decision to hang up the scoops on the program. You can read more about that decision here.
“We are incredibly proud of all that has been accomplished over the past 35 years, but as we approach our 40-year milestone in 2026, we’ve made the difficult decision to step back from the program,” says Chloe Nguyen, General Manager of Communications, Marketing and Engagement, The Common Good.
“We are so grateful to Stone & Wood, who have decided to bring the special beer back for a sixth year and continue to raise valuable funds for medical research and awareness of our mission to help people live healthier for longer.”
In 2025, the limited-edition brew will be available at Craft Beer Alley at the Ekka from August 9-17 and from August 7 at Stone & Wood’s Fortitude Valley brewery.
