The Wig and Pen was the brainchild of microbiologist Lachie McOmish, who in about 1991 began thinking seriously about establishing a micro-brewery in Canberra.

The dream came to fruition as the Wig and Pen in 1993 after McOmish had assembled the essential ingredients of premises, brew house, and brewer. The latter was Richard Pass, a talented home-brewer with a keen beer palate. Pass has since moved on, but his contribution is immortalised in the names of some of the award-winning beers which he created.

The brewing equipment was purchased from the Craig Brewery at Darling Harbour, Sydney, which closed in 1992. It was an extract brewery only, so had to be augmented to create the Wig and Pen's full-mash brew house.

An enormous variety of beers are produced at the Wig and Pen. They include six regular brews, ranging from a delicious, rich, creamy stout to a thirst-quenching light ale.

There are also six 'seasonal' brews, including a wheat beer and a Bavarian-style Doppel bock.

To complement this range of fine beers, the Wig and Pen provides great meals and regular live music. On Sunday afternoons you can take part in (or just come and listen to) the Wig and Pen's Muso's Jam Session.