Are you ready for a delicious journey into the heart of the very best Australian beer? This land down under is full of flavors, and we’re sure that beer enthusiasts will find some of their favorite beers here.
Here’s the Australian craft beer scene, along with some personal preferences of the Sunshine State.
10 Best Australian Beers
- Victoria Bitter
- Carlton Draught
- Coopers Pale Ale
- XXXX Gold
- James Squire One Fifty Lashes Pale Ale
- Little Creatures Pale Ale
- Pure Blonde Lager
- Tooheys New Beer
- Carlton Crown Lager
- Great Northern Brewing Co. Original Beer
1. Victoria Bitter Beer
Alcohol content: 4.9% ABV, Calories: 142
Here’s our first beer choice, that’s deeply carved into Australian beer culture. Victoria Bitter is a favorite beer among locals and is crafted in the home of Carlton & United Breweries in Melbourne. Needless to say, it’s a full-strength beer with bold flavors and a crisp finish.
This Aussie favorite was first brewed in 1854, and its recipe has changed very little in the last decade. The pale ale has a gorgeous golden color that draws people in and a gentle fruity aroma that keeps them hooked.
And, once the hoppy bitterness makes an appearance, everything reaches the finish line with pure joy and satisfaction.
2. Carlton Draught Beer
Alcohol content: 4.6% ABV, Calories: 110
Another fantastic ale from Carlton & United Breweries in South Australia is the Carlton Draught beer. Sometimes referred to as a Carlton Dry, this 19th-century drink is a very popular choice in Australia’s pub scene, where (and for which) it was originally created.
This iconic beer has a stunning gold color and a moderate bitterness that many Aussies love. As for the overall taste, the beer features a fruity aroma and a balanced hop that refreshes you on every sip. So, if you find the Victoria too bitter, the Draught will be the perfect pint for you!
3. Coopers Pale Ale
Alcohol content: 4.5% ABV, Calories: 154
We’re sure that beer drinkers everywhere must’ve heard about Coopers Pale Ale at least once in their lives. Originating from Coopers Brewery in Regency Park, this sparkling ale has certainly made its mark. The secret? Natural conditioning.
While some breweries force their brewing to make more beer, Coopers Brewery takes its time and lets nature run its course. What comes of it is a distinctive, fine, cloudy lager with a slight bitterness and an extra stout. The beer finishes off with a subtle citrus flavor, making it a 10/10.
4. XXXX Gold Beer
Alcohol content: 3.5% ABV, Calories: 109
Now, here’s one beer that’s more on the lighter side despite its name suggesting the opposite. The XXXX Gold, hailing from the country’s great Northern Territory, has been brewed since 1991 by Castlemaine Perkins. As with most popular beers, its recipe remains untouched.
These drinks promote a lighter toucher of a full-strength ale and are most sought-after for their rich flavor and low bitterness. Immediately after tasting, you’ll note subtle fruity tones and a crispy-clean finish, making it smooth to drink and easy to love.
5. James Squire One Fifty Lashes Pale Ale
Alcohol content: 4.2% ABV, Calories: 126
We can’t talk about the Australian beer landscape without mentioning the most renowned Sydney brewery, James Squire. This Australian brewery makes distinctive beers with a unique “convict” twist, honoring the country’s first brewer, after which they are named.
When you try their craft beers, you’ll first notice the aromas of passionfruit, apple, and pear. The flavors that linger are crisp yet full-bodied. And its finish? So smooth that you won’t waste time ordering another. After all, there’s a reason why they’re the most popular beers in Australia!
6. Little Creatures Pale Ale
Alcohol content: 4.2% ABV, Calories: 126
Little Creatures may let you think about people with small drinking capacities, but don’t let that fool you—this craft beer packs a punch!
Founded in a literal crocodile farm in Freemantle, Western Australia, Little Creature has established itself strongly in the Australian beer market. These brewers use whole-hop cones and floral flavors to put Australia’s true mountain culture in a bottle.
Even though these lagers pack a full-bodied taste, the unmatched freshness will leave you craving more. The hops provide a bitter finish, though, so you ought to be careful with refills!
7. Pure Blonde Lager
Alcohol content: 4.6% ABV, Calories: 92
For our readers seeking the best beers but are conscious of their calorie intake, the search ends here. This low-carb lager balances maximum flavor with minimal calories, measuring at just 92 per serving. Precisely for this reason, this Melbourne-based drink is among the urbanites’ favorite brews.
The brand is also popular for its refreshing flavors that provide a crisp taste and a lasting bitter finish. The beer also features a combination of floral and herbal aromas, further boosting Australia’s mountain culture. So, the beer’s full of happy and healthy sipping!
8. Tooheys New Beer
Alcohol content: 4.6% ABV, Calories: 144
As one of Australia’s legendary beer brands, Tooheys, from New South Wales, boasts a rich history and amazing flavor profile. Named “New” to make its bubblier beer stand out from its dark ale counterpart, this pint has been a part of Australian culture since 1931.
The reason why Australia loves these beers is because of their easy-drinking features. They’re crisp, hoppy, and malted. They come with a hint of fruity aromas, grassy undertones, and a clean finish. What else could you want from a beer?
9. Carlton Crown Ale
Alcohol content: 4.9% ABV, Calories: 152
The Carlton Crown is among those popular beers that have not only made its mark on Australia but all over the world. Created in 1919, this recipe is the lovechild of Carlton & United. As such, it carries a rich, golden hue and a full-bodied malt flavor.
The ideal companion to Australian foods and pub nights, this brand signs you off with its cleansing, crisp finish. Along with Coopers Brewery, Carton holds the reign as one of the oldest family-owned and run breweries in Australia, so they definitely know what they’re doing.
10. Great Northern Brewing Co. Original Beer
Alcohol content: 3.5% ABV, Calories: 102
Established in Cairns among the wide-open landscapes of Australia, Great Northern Brewing Co. completes our list of the country’s greatest beers of all time. This brand promotes a uniquely crisp and refreshing flavor that is lightly hopped and very balanced.
Much like Coopers, this brewery uses traditional hops in the brewing process, which gives it a delicate blend of flavors and a taste that lingers. The beer is light in color, light in flavor, and light in hops—giving you the ultimate over-the-clouds experience with every can.
Conclusion
As we cap off our tour of the best Australian beers, remember that the country is home to some of the finest brews in the world. From the family-run Coopers to the authentic Little Creatures and all the way down to James Squire, these breweries are Australia’s pride and joy.
These traditional and inventive beers not only put Australia on the map but also encapsulate the true spirit of the land down under. So, whether you’re an Australia-based aficionado or a global beer lover after your next best thing, make sure to give Australian beers a try.
