Craft Beer in Brisbane

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Forget about the big beer producers like Castlemaine, Coopers and Foster’s for a moment, and let’s look at what’s brewing in the copper kettles of the little guys who make craft beer in Brisbane and other parts of Queensland.

Brisbane craft beer is making huge inroads with discerning beer drinkers and with beer aficionados who are looking to explore the wide variety of tastes offered by the burgeoning microbrewery scene.

Also read:

About Brisbane Craft Beer 

Plenty has happened since the colonial days when the Brits arrived with their kegs.

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These days, Australia is ranked fourth internationally in per capita beer consumption. That’s why tasting beer is one of the things to do in Brisbane.

So what’s an Aussie’s favourite beer? Try the lager.

Brisbane is Australia’s coolest city not because of the plethora of eateries, or glam bars either.

It’s because of the Brisbane craft beers and brewery houses that have sprung up everywhere.

A few years ago, Brisbane had little by the way of craft beer.

Today there are more than a dozen bars that actively promote craft beer.

One of the pivotal changes has been a revision of the bar licensing laws allowing small and often suburban bars to become viable.

“Five years ago it wasn’t possible to do a bar like ours,” one of the owners of The Scratch Bar at Milton, Benjamin Nichols, told a GoodFood.com.au restaurant reviewer:

“The new license gave us the opportunity to do something of this size. We were interested in having a small selection of taps that rotated quickly so that every time people came in, there’d be something new.”

One of their best sellers is Two Birds Golden Ale, a small brewing operation run by two nice ladies.

But the beer that generates the most discussion at Scratch is Yeastie Boys’ Rex Attitude.

If you fancy a cold brewski there’s no better place to quench your thirst than the capital of Queensland.

Here’s the lay of the land on craft beer bars in Brisbane as well as festivals and events that are making Queensland, Australia’s craft beer Mecca:

Brisbane beer festivals

Brewsvegas

Brewsvegas is a beer festival in Brisbane that showcases the rise of craft beer and local breweries.

What started as a small festival a couple of years ago has already quickly doubled in size and now offers more than 100 events in 60 venues throughout Brisbane.

The event began as a way to connect the craft beer bar owners and brewers from the Brisbane community with each other for the purpose of sharing information and promoting the emerging industry.

It’s not just about the amber fluid but an opportunity for people to enjoy each other’s company.

Queensland Beer Week Festival

Queensland Beer Week Festival runs during July and its quest is to bring brewers, venues, and consumers together.

It’s organized by the publishers of the Beer Lovers Guide to Australia and Critics Choice – Australia’s Best Beers.

There are events across the state of Queensland.

There’s never been a better excuse to check out Queensland’s best pubs and learn all about your favourite ale.

Where to drink craft beer in Brisbane

#1 Stone & Wood Brewery

Stone & Wood Brewery recently accolades for their Pacific Ale which held the number 1 spot in the annual ‘Hottest 100 Beers’ poll in the past.  

#2 The Charming Squire

craft beer brisbane
One of the best places to drink craft beer in Brisbane is The Charming Squire. Photo: The Charming Squire
craft beer brisbane
Order a Brisbane craft beer and have a chat with friends. Photo: The Charming Squire

The Charming Squire by Brisbane’s South Bank precinct is a great place for a fun night out, a special function or a casual catch up over lunch or dinner.

It’s also a working James Squire brewery where you can get acquainted with the brewing process as sample James Squire finest craft beers, and enjoy delicious dishes that complement the flavours of the beers.

#3 James Squire

brewery brisbane
Drink some of the best Australian beer at this brewery in Brisbane. Photo: James Squire

James Squire craft beer is available in pubs across Brisbane and has a great range on tap like Hop Thief American Pale Ale, One Fifty Lashes Pale Ale, Nine Tales Amber Ale, The Chancer Golden Ale and ‘Four Wives’ Pilsener plus both the James Squire Orchard Crush ciders, and Apple and Perry.

#4 Brisbane Good Beer Bus & Driver

Brisbane Good Beer Bus & Driver can take you to one of the many pubs.

The tour price doesn’t include beer or lunch but it does include comfortable transport to any of the following destinations.

They will even pick you up at home and drop you back off:

#5 The Scratch

The Scratch is a Milton bar that has a wide local selection of Brisbane craft beers and a rotating beer menu.

The Scratch team claims they can turn anyone into a craft beer lover.

The Scratch has a relaxed vibe and friendly knowledgeable staff.

#6 Green Beacon

brewery brisbane
Does a night out drinking craft beer at a brewery in Brisbane sound like fun? Photo: Green Beacon

The Green Beacon is a relative newcomer to Newstead is already a favourite with the locals for serving excellent craft beers brewed in house.

Housed in a warehouse-style space, the Beacon serves up fresh seafood and is a nice spot to laze away an afternoon.

The Green Beacon also runs brewery tours twice a month.

#7 Tipplers Tap

microbrewery brisbane
One of the best bars in Brisbane for beer is in Newstead. Photo: Tipplers Tap

Tipplers Tap is a Newstead gem that boasts 11 types of rotated craft beers as well as a large bottled selection.

These dudes know their beer, so ask if you need a recommendation.

They also serve up mean chilli fries, onion rings, hot dogs, and sliders.

#8 Bitter Suite

craft beer brisbane
Another top spot to drink Brisbane craft beer. Photo: Bitter Suite

The Bitter Suite is a local favourite with the New Farm crowd and you’ll soon realise that Bitter Suite takes their beer seriously.

It’s a Brisbane craft beer/gastropub haven with seven taps which change weekly and over 60 bottled craft beers so there is something for everyone.

For delicious pub grub try the crumbed black pudding, slow-cooked egg, chilli cabbage, or applesauce.

They all go excellent with their craft beers.

#10 Archive Beer Boutique

best craft beer Brisbane
Brisbane craft beer goes down well with tasty finger food. Photo: Archive Beer Boutique

Archive Beer Boutique in Brisbane is young but already a granddaddy in the evolution of the Brisbane craft beer industry.

Operations manager Kris Kempnich says that they’ve witnessed a real change in Brisbane drinkers’ habits.

Though beer is traditionally seen as a male drink, women are just as likely to drink craft beer as men are.

best craft beer Brisbane
Women are as likely to drink craft beer in Brisbane as men are. Photo: Archive Beer Boutique

Craft beer gives everyone the opportunity to try out new flavours.

There is more diversity in beer than in any other drink.

The only thing that’s difficult about the Archive is choosing from one of the 400 craft beers and 18 on tap.

So bottoms up! 

Craft Beer in Brisbane

Craft Beer in Brisbane

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Ilona Kauremszky
I’m an award-winning travel journalist who scours the world in search of stories. I’m also the producer of mycompass.ca and mycompasstv and a former nationally syndicated travel columnist.