Blind Boy Brewing Founder Wins Top Award, Champions Accessibility

Jacob Viel, the founder of Blind Boy Brewing in Salisbury, Brisbane, has won multiple medals and was jointly named Emerging Queensland Brewer at the 2026 Queensland Royal Beer Awards. Viel, who is legally blind, has integrated accessibility features into his brewery's operations and products. The brewery will host screenings of a documentary about Viel, "Brewing Blind," on April 18 and 25 at the Food Connect Shed in Salisbury.

Award Recognition and Business Background

At the 2026 Queensland Royal Beer Awards, Jacob Viel's Blind Boy Brewing won multiple medals. Viel was jointly named Emerging Queensland Brewer at the event.

Viel began brewing as a hobby approximately ten years ago using equipment from his father. He later joined the Brisbane Amateur Beer Brewers and completed a brewing course at TAFE.

"I can brew beer, I can do a lot of other jobs in a brewery, but I couldn't get a job because of the stereotypes and stigmas," Viel stated, describing challenges securing employment in the brewing industry, which he attributed to attitudes regarding his visual impairment.

He first established a microbrewery under his house before moving to a commercial location through the Food Connect small business incubator in Salisbury.

Brewery Operations and Adaptations

Viel stated that the core brewing processes at Blind Boy Brewing are similar to traditional breweries but include specific adaptations:

• Using digital software and large whiteboards instead of printed materials.
• Implementing color-coded labels to assist with visibility.
• Brewing with a workmate present.

Viel described the brewery's beers as "balanced, not too complex, highly drinkable."

Product Accessibility Features

Viel stated that accessibility has been a focus for the brand from its beginning. The brewery's packaging and branding incorporate several features:

• Cans feature raised braille text that states "Blind Boy Brewing" and identifies the beer type. The braille was produced in collaboration with the company Rallings.
• The brand uses a high-contrast color scheme of bright yellow with black font.
• The typography is designed to be dyslexia-friendly.
• The logo uses a silhouette character, which Viel stated is easier for him to see than detailed artwork.

"My decision to start my own brewery meant that I could create the brand I wanted to see out there... a really accessible brand with an accessible product," Viel said.

Advocacy and Industry Challenges

Viel advocates for greater accessibility within the brewing industry. He noted that in typical bars, "I can't see the taps, the lighting is usually dimmed, and a tiny blackboard away from the customer might be the only way to read the menu."

He encouraged other breweries to consider accessibility in their products and workplaces. Suggested improvements for bars could include providing menus in multiple formats, such as printouts or digital versions, using color-coded decals, or improving lighting.

"Standing there with my trophy and medals, and the beer I created, in front of the industry that was hard for me to get into, gave me credit that yes I am a blind brewer, but I can still brew very, very good beer," Viel stated on winning awards.

Future Plans

Blind Boy Brewing will host screenings of the documentary "Brewing Blind" on April 18 and 25 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Food Connect Shed in Salisbury, Brisbane.

Viel stated his goals include fostering opportunities for people with disabilities in brewing and promoting broader discussions about accessibility in the industry.