While ginger beer was first manufactured in Australia in 1820, the first recipe for Gillespie's ginger beer originated prior to that in County Durham, England. It differs from others by using a raw, dried ginger known as kibbled ginger, which is unground.

The idea for this family venture came from son Robbie, who was looking for a way to fund university study. His family was already adept at making old fashioned ginger beer for parties and other festive occasions. A few years, and hundreds of exploding bottles later (!) they have perfected a home-style brew that is being sold around Tasmania and at some outlets on the mainland.

The ingredients are simple: sugar, lemon juice, kibbled ginger, yeast and water.