Australian Beer: Where To Buy And What To Know

Australian beer is diverse, with a long history of brewing that dates back to the start of British colonisation. The country's oldest brewery, Cascade Brewery, was founded in Tasmania in 1824, and Coopers Brewery, established in 1862, is the largest Australian-owned brewery. While lager is the current style of choice in Australia, the country has a thriving craft brewing culture, with microbreweries popping up all over. Popular Australian beers include Coopers, Tooheys, and XXXX Gold, which can be purchased online from specialist retailers such as Beer Cartel and Beer Hawk, as well as from local Australian specialty stores internationally.

Where to buy Australian beer

Online Australian beer vendors

If you're looking to buy Australian beer online, there are several vendors to choose from. Here is a list of some popular options:

Beer Cartel

Beer Cartel claims to be Australia's #1 Online Craft Beer Store, offering over 1,000 Australian and international craft beers. They have a wide range of options, including mixed packs, limited editions, and even a beer advent calendar. Beer Cartel also offers fast flat-rate shipping and supports responsible drinking.

Craft Cartel

Craft Cartel is an Australian, family-owned independent craft supplier. They provide a beer club membership with curated craft beer selections delivered monthly to your door. Members also enjoy perks like priority access to deals, competitive shipping rates, and 10% off sitewide. Craft Cartel has over 30 years of experience in the industry and is known for its knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More offers a variety of Australian beers for online purchase, including options like Coopers Sparkling Ale and Wildflower Amber. They provide information on product availability and allow you to filter your search by specialty styles, bombers and large size, English Pale Ale, and more.

Beers of Europe

While not exclusively Australian, Beers of Europe includes Australian beers in its wide range of offerings. They feature well-known brands like Castlemaine XXXX Gold, Coopers Sparkling Ale, and Victoria Bitter (VB), as well as lesser-known gems. Beers of Europe also provides insights into the history of brewing in Australia and the country's modern-day beer-drinking culture.

These online vendors offer a convenient way to purchase Australian beer, whether you're looking for craft options or popular commercial brands. Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the unique flavours of Australian beer culture.

Australian beer in the USA

Australian beer is available in the USA, but it may not be easy to find, depending on where you live. If you're looking for a specific brand, your best bet is to contact local vendors and ask if they can order it for you. For example, BevMo has been known to go out of its way to get specific brands for customers. You could also try local Australian specialty stores, which are more likely to stock Australian beer.

Some Australian beers that are available in the USA include Fosters, Coopers, Nomad craft brewery, and XXXX Gold, although stock seems to vary. You may also be able to find Australian beer at an Aussie bar, which many US cities have, or at an Outback Steakhouse restaurant.

If you can't find Australian beer locally, you could try ordering it online. However, shipping alcohol can be complicated and expensive, so this may not be a cost-effective option for cheaper beers.

Finally, you could try finding someone in Australia to ship it to you, although you should check your state's liquor control laws before doing so.

Australian beer in the UK

Australian beers are known for their refreshing, easy-drinking qualities, making them perfect for the country's warm climate and relaxed lifestyle. With a rich brewing history that dates back to the early days of British colonisation, Australia has developed a diverse and dynamic beer culture that caters to a wide range of tastes.

Where to Buy Australian Beer in the UK

You can buy Australian beer from various online retailers in the UK, including:

• The Real Ale Company
• Beers.co.uk
• Amazon.co.uk
• Sanza.co.uk

Types of Australian Beer

Lagers

Lagers are the most popular beer style in Australia, known for their crisp, clean flavours and refreshing qualities. Iconic brands like Victoria Bitter (VB), Carlton Draught, and XXXX Gold have become synonymous with Australian beer culture. These lagers are often low to moderate in alcohol content, making them perfect for social occasions and hot summer days.

Pale Ales

Pale ales offer a step up in flavour and complexity compared to traditional lagers. Australian pale ales are typically golden to amber in colour, with a well-balanced profile that combines malt sweetness with a noticeable hop character. Popular examples include Coopers Pale Ale and Little Creatures Pale Ale, which feature fruity and floral hop aromas with a slight bitterness.

IPAs (India Pale Ales)

The craft beer movement in Australia has led to a surge in the popularity of IPAs, known for their bold hop flavours and higher alcohol content. Australian IPAs often showcase unique local hop varieties, resulting in beers with intense citrus, tropical fruit, and piney notes. Examples include Stone & Wood Pacific Ale and Pirate Life IPA, which offer a modern and adventurous take on traditional styles.

Stouts and Porters

While lagers and pale ales dominate the market, stouts and porters are also gaining popularity in Australia, particularly during the cooler months. Australian stouts tend to be rich and full-bodied, with deep flavours of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee. Popular examples include Coopers Best Extra Stout and James Squire Jack of Spades Porter, offering a smooth and satisfying drinking experience.

Australian Beer Culture

Australians are the fourth biggest consumers of beer in the world, and it's an integral part of their culture. The early start to the working day and hot temperatures mean Aussies love nothing more than finishing work and cracking open a cold beer. The most popular beer consumed in the country is XXXX Gold, closely followed by VB, with a well-established craft brewing culture also thriving.

Australian craft beer

Australia has a thriving craft beer scene, with a range of breweries producing small-batch and independent beers. If you're looking to sample some Australian craft beers, there are a few ways to go about it.

One option is to visit a local bottle shop or liquor store that specialises in craft beer. For example, Purvis Beer in Richmond and Surrey Hills, Melbourne, offers a range of local and international craft beers, including Australian options such as Hargreaves Hill and Mountain Culture.

Another option is to order online. Beer Cartel, for instance, claims to be Australia's #1 online craft beer store, stocking over 1,000 Australian and international craft beers. They offer Australia-wide delivery and have a range of options, including mixed packs, subscriptions, and gifts. Craft Cartel is another online store with Australia-wide delivery that offers a Beer Club subscription service, as well as curated selections of craft beer from new releases and breweries.

Some well-known Australian craft breweries to look out for include Coopers Brewery, Mountain Culture, Balter, Deeds, and Hawkers. Coopers, in particular, has a long history, dating back to 1862 in South Australia, and is the country's oldest family-owned and operated brewery. Their beers are now enjoyed globally, and they are the only remaining Australian-owned and operated brewery.

So, whether you're visiting Australia and want to sample some local craft beers or you're looking to order online from wherever you are in the world, there are plenty of options to explore and enjoy.

Australian beer brands

Australia has a wide range of beer brands, from the iconic Victoria Bitter, or VB, to the historic Sydney brand Tooheys, and the family-owned Coopers.

Victoria Bitter

Victoria Bitter, or VB as it is commonly known, is one of Australia's most famous beers. It is known for its green tin and has various nicknames, including Very Best, Vitamin B, and Victory Beer. VB has achieved legendary status in Australia, thanks in part to its marketing, with its 'hard-earned thirst' jingle a staple since 1968.

Tooheys

Tooheys is a historic beer brand founded in Sydney by Irish immigrants, the Tooheys Brothers, in 1869. It is still brewed in the suburb of Lidcombe and produces the easy-drinking lager Tooheys New, the dark ale Tooheys Old, and the crisp Tooheys Extra Dry.

Coopers

Coopers is a family-owned brewery that began in 1862 in South Australia. It is Australia's oldest family-owned and operated brewery. Coopers produces a range of beers, including a green-capped pale ale, and Australia's best home-brewing equipment.

Other Australian Beer Brands

Australia has many other popular beer brands, including James Boag's Premium Lager, Carlton Draught, Hahn Super Dry, Pure Blonde, XXXX Gold, and Young Henrys. There is also a growing craft beer scene, with popular breweries including Mountain Culture, Balter, 4 Pines, Bentspoke, and Mountain GOAT.

Frequently asked questions