STUART Whytcross has been brewing over the idea of making Barellan's golden grain - malt barley - into beer for some time and now with community backing, his pipe dream is set to become a reality.
Mr Whytcross, an industrial arts teacher by day and novice brewer by night, had travelled to more than 12 countries sampling their finest ales before deciding to create a unique brand of brew in his home town - to be known as Barellan Beer.
"I would be sitting in a pub off the beaten track in Germany and think this is an opportunity Barellan could take on," he said.
"Beer doesn't tend to have the origin base story like wine does, but with Barellan being a strong malt producing region it's the perfect fit for the town to have its own beer."
But rather than keep the concept to himself, Mr Whytcross opened it up to the community - and since it hit the internet only 16 days ago more than $16,000 has been pledged.
Punters can buy different levels of involvement in the project, such as being part of the taste-testing crew of 20 trial beers on August 9 - from which a vote will be held to decide on the winning brew, or buying a case of Barellan Beer for $100.
The 20 trial beers will be made by professional and hobby brewers with a simple brief to make a beer to appeal to the people of Barellan.
Pictured with Mr Whytcross (front) are community members Beth Preston, Golden Cafe, Kevin and Louise Millian, "Glenora", and Commercial Hotel publican Brent Danaher.
The Barellan Beer will be launched to the public on the Barellan Working Clydesdales and Heavy Horses Good Old Days weekend in October, with all proceeds to be returned to community organisations.