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What makes a good beer?
There are several key factors to making great tasting beer. Craft breweries use high-quality ingredients to make sure you get the best products possible. Once fermented, the flavours settle before they’re taken to your local pub in bottles and kegs.
You don’t have to be a connoisseur to find the right beer. You just need to experience a drink with your five senses: appreciate its colour, aroma, body, and taste. Beer is all about balance – it should be smooth, well-bodied, foamy, and delicious!
Different types of beer
According to the Brewers Association of Australia, the beer industry accounts for 1% of the country’s GDP. To meet the high demand of regular beer drinkers, breweries have provided a wide variety of beer for customers to enjoy.
- Ale is typically amber, with a full body and fruity or spicy notes.
- Lager is the lightest of them all, famous for its mild taste and refreshing crispness.
- Malt-based beers have a lighter shade of brown with a sweet, nutty, caramel flavour.
- Stouts are the darkest beers available, with depths of bitterness from roasted barley.
Top 15 Australian beer brands
What is the most popular beer in Australia? Check out our list of the best local and international beers Australia has to offer.
15. Carlsberg Pilsner
This full-bodied Danish brew has a clean and distinct hop taste. Carlsberg recently reformulated their lager, revealing their new campaign slogan: “Probably not the best beer in the world. So we’ve changed it.”
14. Bud Light
One of the best-selling beers in America, Bud Light is the go-to option for people who count their calories. This low carb beer has a mild flavour with no bitterness, giving you all the fun while keeping it guilt-free.
13. Budweiser
Budweiser is called 'The King of Beers' for a reason. It‘s a crowd favourite for its medium body, crispness, sweet honey aroma, and clean finish.
12. Tooheys New
Made in Sydney, Tooheys is a classic Aussie brand that is present at nearly every pub and BBQ party. It’s got a light aroma and smooth texture followed by subtle malt flavours.
11. Yenda Pale Ale
This pale ale is traditionally brewed in small batches at a farm in Yenda. It has medium bitterness, a floral scent, and tropical notes that balance out its malty taste.
10. Peroni Nastro Azzurro
This Italian lager has the perfect blend of bitterness with hints of mild spice. A Peroni is best enjoyed with your favourite pizza or pasta.
9. Lucky Bay IPA
Lucky Bay is a micro brewery that creates a wide range of craft beers. Their bestseller is an Indian pale ale that boasts of a strong, bitter taste and a crisp finish.
8. Heineken
Brewed in the Netherlands, Heineken is famous for its simplicity, crispness, and clean flavour. Over the years, it has proven to be one of the best premium beers of all time.
7. Corona Extra
Corona is one of the world’s most beloved beers. As advertised, it’s best enjoyed with a slice of lime to add a refreshing twist!
6. Cascade Draught
Cascade is the oldest Australian brewery in the country. They gave us old-time favourites, along with their classic draught beer that goes down easy with its earthy flavour and refreshing sweetness.
5. BrewDog Vagabond Pale Ale
This ale is a must-try if you’re looking for gluten-free beer. Not only is it healthier, but it tastes amazing too. It has a mix of fruitcake and toffee flavours to harmonise with its bitter, malty base.
4. Coopers Original Pale Ale
Coopers has been a trusted name for 150 years and counting. Their hazy pale ale tastes naturally malty with a baked toastiness to it. It’s also one of the cheapest beers around!
3. Little Creatures Pale Ale
American hops are used to create the delicate but flavourful finish of this popular pale ale. The best part is that it’s free of additives and preservatives!
2. Stone and Wood Pacific Ale
This Bryon craft brewery uses the best Australian barley and hops. Their golden craft beer is mild and carbonated with a refreshing, fruity taste.
1. Victoria Bitter
Known as the strongest beer in Australia, VB stays true to its name with its bitterness and full-bodied flavour. It’s a no-frills type of drink for old school beer lovers, earning it a well-deserved spot at the top of our list.
Cheers to the best beers
Whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or a newbie, you’ll never run out of options in Australia. Beer has become an essential part of our culture, so get out there and try as many brands as you can! With enough practice (and pints), you’ll be a beer expert in no time.
