Lime Cordiale isn’t just making waves in the music scene. With the creation of LARGO, their carbon-neutral beer, bandmates (and brothers) Oli and Louis Leimbach are tapping into new territory.
It’s not just about having a branded beer. When we caught up with Oli – fresh from an arvo surf, of course – he spoke about the process of building a product that resonated with their values, lifestyle and their deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.
See, plenty of entertainers have ventured into creating drinks. LARGO’s claim to fame is its carbon neutrality.
“We’re super conscious of our footprint. Touring, jetting around the world – it all adds up,” Oli explains. With a beer that’s not only delicious but also eco-friendly, Lime Cordiale wanted to change the game for both the environment and their fans. “There are so many beers out there, and we didn’t want to just add to the pile. Going carbon-neutral sets us apart.”
But what does “carbon neutral” actually mean when it comes to beer? By partnering with Surry Hills distributor Pinnacle Drinks, LARGO was able to use a range of sustainable practices – from brewing at a solar-powered facility outside Melbourne to offsetting emissions with credible programs.
The move came with a steep learning curve, but one that the band fully embraced.
“We were clueless about the carbon impact of beer,” Oli says. “Thankfully, Pinnacle helped us focus on sustainability from the very beginning.”
For Oli and his bandmates, creating LARGO was a hands-on journey.
“It wasn’t just slapping our name on it,” he says. “We spent ages tasting, designing, and crafting it.”
The result is an Australian-style lager that’s sessionable, with a crisp, refreshing taste.
“When we’re on tour, one beer can be on the rider for the whole trip. We needed something we wouldn’t get tired of.”
In a crowded market, LARGO’s traditional style stands out against the trend of ultra-crafty, experimental brews.
“Everyone’s trying something unique and full-on,” Oli says. “We wanted to keep it classic. There’s no place like Australia in summer – the live music, the beaches, the park gatherings. That’s the vibe we want LARGO to capture.”
The hope is to create a beer that’s synonymous with Australian summer. The boys are aiming to make LARGO a staple at festivals, gigs and outdoor venues – all the places they love to hang out themselves.
“It’s worrying to see so many places closing,” says Oli. “Music festivals and live gigs are such a huge part of Aussie culture.”
For Lime Cordiale, launching LARGO isn’t just about expanding their brand but also about finding new ways to bring people together – a sentiment Oli feels strongly about.
“Live music is one of the last true connections between artists and fans. We need to keep it alive.”
Despite their packed schedules as a band, Oli and Louis are loving the new path LARGO is taking them down. They’ve even started working on a documentary to capture the unique journey of blending music and beer.
“Some of our ‘work’ things, like this beer, are actually a lot of fun,” Oli admits, but he’s quick to acknowledge the workload. “We’ve got so much going on, there’s barely any downtime. But I guess that’s just who we are.”
As summer draws near, Oli has a simple wish: that Australians enjoy LARGO with good music, good friends and plenty of sunshine.
“One of the best things is seeing fans cracking open a LARGO before our shows,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about.”
It’s safe to say, with LARGO, Lime Cordiale isn’t just serving up a beer; they’re raising a glass to the spirit of Australian summer – and doing it sustainably.
