'I had to have it': Boag's worker wins auction for last Tasmanian brew

The last case and can of Tasmanian-brewed James Boag beer has sold at auction for $1,300.

Local beer production has now ceased, with all James Boag beer to be brewed on the mainland.

The memorabilia's proud owner, a former Boag's worker, has no plans to sell it, and has had himself tattooed in honour of the brewery.

The final Tasmanian-brewed James Boag beer has sold for $1,300, as the brewery that predates electricity in the state closes its doors.

Former brewery electrician Sam Cox, who spent 14 years working at the Launceston institution, has become the proud owner of the final can and case of locally brewed Boag's Red.

"I've always been a fairly strong believer in Boag's Red, love the brand, great drop," he told ABC Northern Tasmania.

A case of Boag's Red retails for about $70.

In 2024, parent company Lion shifted production of James Boag to the mainland, but Tasmania's supply continued to be brewed locally.

In June, it announced the Launceston brewery would close, due to a long-term decline in Australia's beer market, forcing it to operate at about one-fifth of its capacity, and making operations unviable.

After 145 years, the brewery bottled its final beers in Launceston last month, and shut last week.

Mr Cox bought the prized "Ruby Tubes" or "Red Tins" at a Boag's Alumni Day, coming out on top in a bidding war with the band performing at the event.

Despite his appreciation for the beer, Mr Cox said he would not be drinking it, instead putting the memorabilia on prime display.

"I've got good security cameras, so watch out."

The Tasmanian history comes with a signed certificate of authenticity from the brewery's director, Michael Stylianou.

Mr Cox believed his purchase had already gone up in value, and would continue to, but said its value to him was sentimental.

"I won't be getting rid of it," he said.

Mr Cox said it felt "awesome" to be one of the final workers, and has paid tribute to "the final 44" through a tattoo of the James Boag logo against a Cradle Mountain backdrop, with the years of operation.

He said it had "been going pretty viral" online.

"I'm hopefully that the mainland breweries can replicate what we used to make.