What are the best Australian Beers for you to try?

Last Updated on November 1, 2021

Over recent times the quality of Australian beer continues to improve.

Wondering what the best Australian beer is? Here are my top 15 Australian beers.

My name is Paul and I’m a beer lover. We all have different tastes and preferences when it comes to beer. So for the love of beer, I decided to share my list of the best Australian beers.

Keep reading about my picks

The Old Favorites

This gang has been around for a long time and are beers that our fathers and grandfathers grew up with.

XXXX Gold

An Australian lager that has a balanced, smooth flavour and body, complemented by mild bitterness and a trace of sweetness. A popular favourite at sporting venues in Queensland.

Grab a Milton Mango when you call in for a brewery tour of Queensland’s oldest brewery.

3.5% ABV

Victoria Bitter VB

A full-flavoured, full strength and thirst-quenching beer for the harsh Australian climate. It delivers higher bitterness through Ringwood hops.

A no-nonsense everyday beer that has a cult following and its aftershave!

4.9% ABV

Tooheys New

Created in 1931 with the balance of smooth malt character and a delicate hop aroma is perfectly suited to Australia’s hot climate.

An easy-drinking popular beer in NSW and a major sponsor of the NSW rugby league team.

4.6% ABV

James Boags Premium

A trip down to Tasmania for the home of this premium full-bodied beer. James Boag’s Premium is a smooth, subtle lager, a perfect balance between hop and malt.

The pure Tasmanian water of the Esk River in Launceston provides great flavor to this Aussie classic.

4.6% ABV

Coopers Original Pale Ale

Coopers Brewery is the largest Australian owned brewery based in South Australia. With a passion for the craft of brewing, they brew ales, stouts, lagers, light and low carb beers, but one of my favourites is the original pale ale.

4.5% ABV

The Up & Comers

These are the beers that you may or may not know. Some local favourites that are truly up and comers in the Aussie beer scene

Last Man Standing

A clean and simple Australian Lager. A full-strength high quality, easy-drinking and great tasting beer.

One of the founders is the legend, Steve Bradbury, who has been known to share the odd brew with me at the local rugby club.

This lager has gained a strong following and the flavour speaks for itself.

4.5% ABV

Green Beacon Grappler

A Brisbane based brewer who has several distinct beers available. One of my favourites is the Grappler but check out the rest of the range. A crisp, dry and refreshing lager that hits the spot every time.

4.5% ABV

Balter IPA

A Gold Coast brewer that has won multiple awards for its awesome collection of beers and lagers. Wow! The Balter IPS pack a real punch! A clean taste with a unique bitter flavour makes this an IPA to try. Great on a hot day, brilliant with spicy food.

6.8% ABV

Ballistic Lager

The Ballistic Beer Company based in Brisbane is another cult QLD favourite. They are a real community brewer with a strong sense of purpose and passion for their products. With a broad range of unique beers in their range, my favourite is the Ballistic Lager. A crisp and refreshing lager, dry and light in body with noble hop characteristics. Perfect for an afternoon BBQ in the Queensland sun

ABV: 4.5%

Black Hops- East Coast Haze

Australia’s 2018 AIBA Champion Small Brewery, and 2019 and 2021 RQFWS Champion Brewery. Black Hops started as a simple idea over a beer with 3 good mates. From little things, big things grow… They have now expanded nationally and you can taste their awesome beer throughout Australia.

My go-to in their range is the East Coast Haze, this refreshingly smooth hazy pale ale is like those perfect Aussie days. Freshly hopped with Mosaic, Amarillo and Eclipse to inspire your senses with notes of tropical fruit and citrus.

ABV 4.5%

The Crafty Crew

And last but not least we have my crafty crew. These beautiful brews hit the spot with some rich flavours to tantalise your taste buds.

Little Creatures Pale Ale

Little Creatures are a Western Australian brewer that continues to expand its influence. Founded over 20 years ago they are now a true Aussie favourite with my favourite being their Pale Ale. A unique blend of premium hops drive an intense citrus and grapefruit aroma and flavour in this Pale Ale –

ABV 5.2%

James Squire Broken Shackles Lager

This Sydney based craft brewer has a strong sense of history with the connection to a well-known convict- James Squire. They produce a fine range of beers, an awesome Ginger Beer and one of my recent favourites The Broken Shackles Lager. A thirst-quenching crisp lager that is perfect for a summer’s day.

ABV 4.6%

Stone & Wood Pacific Ale

A good friend of mine Matt, introduced me to Stone & Woods Pacific Ale one fine evening and I’ve never looked back. Now with three breweries, the Stone & Wood team continues to excel in their field. The range continues to grow and is complimented with some unique low volume batches. But as Matt said that one night “ Get that inta ya!” and my love of Stone & Wood Pacific Ale was instant.

A clean easy drinking Ale with fresh tropical fruit aromas and flavours. The quintessential summer sessional beer,

ABV 4.4%

Young Henrys Newtowner

An independent Sydney Brewing team who brew some cracking beers. The Newtown team is very passionate about their brewery and equally brewing in a sustainable environment. Their passion for quality shines through in my favourite – The Newtowner. An Australian Pale Ale with an English style. Summer Ale is made with a trio of Australian hops that are combined with a golden beer that’s simple and refreshing with a slightly dry finish.

ABV 4.8%

4 Pines Brewing Company Kolsch

And last, but by no means least on my list is the Gold Coast Brewer, 4 Pines Brewing Company. Based in one of the best surf areas in the world, this team has made something special with their Kolsch. A German-style golden ale is a perfect beer after a day at the beach, watching the sun go down. This beer has citrus aromas of lemon and lime followed by a lightly malty palate that brings the lemon/lime infusion right back on the agenda.

ABV 4.6%