RAINBOW Brewery’s main brewhouse is ready to make its way to Australia.

Owner Shane Brown said the brewery equipment – which is being made in China – was packed in shipping containers, and the business’s supplementary items including custom-made kegs had been stamped with the brewery branding.

Mr Brown initially hoped the brewery would be able to produce its first beer this month, but progress has been set back about six weeks.

“There’s been delays in things we can't control, but we're certainly pushing the boundaries to make it happen sooner rather than later,” he said.

“One of the things has been the challenge of getting an upgraded transformer to help power supply.

“It’s likely we will be able to start brewing in May. 

“We might be making beer before then with our small brewhouse and test runs, but the main brewhouse won’t be operational until later.”

Mr Brown started developing the idea for the Rainbow business more than two years ago, when he bought the Eureka Hotel in the town.

The hotel adjoins what is now the brewery site, which will be capable of producing up to 40,000 litres of beer a week once fully operational.

Construction took off late last year, after Hindmarsh Shire Council approved a planning permit application for the brewery site.

Mr Brown said the project had generated widespread interest, including on social media.

The Rainbow Brewery Facebook page has about 500 followers.

“There’s no doubt we’re growing in terms of following,” Mr Brown said.

“We’ve had great support from business in the region contacting us wanting us to supply them.

“And there’s been a great level of interest at a Melbourne level as well, with restaurants there looking to have the product.

“It's interesting to see the following without brewing a drop.”

Mr Brown said the brewery’s hero product would be a lager, but pale ale, dry and draught beers would also be on offer.

“Then with the smaller brewhouse we've got ability to do some fairly exotic drops,” he said.

"We'll try all sorts of different types of brews using different components and various hops.”