Crack It Open: A Guide to the Tastiest New South Wales Beers

Aussies might disagree on politics, philosophy, and tax rates, but they can all agree on one thing: nothing beats a hard-earned frothy after a full business day! There are, however, different viewpoints on brand preference, different pricing across the nation, and different positions on the age-old pints vs. schooner dispute.

And, if you’ve already created the image of the typical Australian in mind, sipping a nice beer in the neighborhood pub, you hit the nail on the head as according to a recent poll although white wine is most popular amongst casual drinkers, in terms of sheer volume nothing beats the good old Australian craft beer. And by good Aussie beer, we mean Sydney’s finest NSW beers!

NSW Beers You Must Try This Spring

So, if you have a mind to join the locals in downing a few amber ales, lift your spirits with the finest New South Wales beer that’s soft, juicy, hazy and of low bitterness. Although many good NSW breweries make standout beers, we have compiled a list of the most popular ones currently.

Akasha Brewing Co-Little Korben IPA

Akasha released a simplified version of their Korben Double IPA flagship beer in the middle of the year. Breweries rarely take their favourite beer and alter it for a new limited release. Most of the time, it goes the other way, like with Philter’s Double Red below.

With Little Korben, Dave Padden and his team were able to condense all the good things about the big boy into a West Coast slammer that has a 6 per cent ABV. A modern IPA should have big tropical smells, a lingering earthy bitterness, and a straightforward malt body. Little Korben has all of those things.

Even while the Five Dock brewers continue to produce triple and quadruple IPAs, other, more lavish Project releases generated more buzz, but this beer had the Crafty team purring in satisfaction at a job well done.

Bracket Brewing-Bramble

If there was a prize for the small brewery that had the most positive word-of-mouth publicity, with daylight coming in second, Bracket’s Bramble will win it!

Mark and Mike Meletopoulo have quickly gained a devoted following among the city’s more fervent beer enthusiasts since launching in August 2020. It was the imperial fruited sour Bramble that received the most praise, as the brewery lacked a core range and a tendency for an eclectic mix of beer genres that tended to favour big, hoppy guys.

The 8.5 per cent ABV sour is heavily fruited with a heady combination of blackberries, raspberries, and boysenberries. Moreover, with the Bramble’s undertones of vanilla and a subtly acidity, Bracket demonstrates that they are much more than just lupulin suppliers.

Mountain Culture-VHS & Chill

How could we possibly compile a list of the best NSW craft beer options without Mountain Culture? Following Be Kind Rewind’s unstoppable popularity last year Mountain Culture resumed its unwavering commitment to IPAs and, oddly enough, decoction lagers.

Their best-seller VHS & Chill, a Retro IPA, is a classic blend of caramel malts, citrus, grapefruit, and dank pine. A leaner Sierra Nevada Torpedo comes to mind. Sounds swell, huh? However, if you’re more into decoction lagers DJ produces, Nevermore Schwarzbier is an equally must-try option.

Philter-Double Red

Philtre has been a welcome addition to Marrickville’s iconic brewery path ever since it opened in August 2020. With a well-known and highly praised core range, Philter has been able to expand with a few more seasonal releases since moving into its location.

The Double Red Ale, which was released during the Sydney lockdown in the height of winter, had people clamouring for the ideal balance of malt sweetness, resinous bitterness, and tropical hop smells. A finely produced New South Wales beer from a brewery known for its excellence and reliability, its Raspberry Pash won another trophy at this year’s Indies and caused jubilant celebrations in their brewery storage room.

Slow Lane-Threefold

The fact that a small brewery specializing in some of the most uncool beer genres possible has managed to carve out a sizable niche for itself amid the hops and haze is truly a testament to the boom permeating the Sydney beer scene at the moment.

This year, Slow Lane has produced a wide range of beers, which is especially noteworthy given how long many of them take to brew. However, the flawless Belgian triple won over the hearts and minds of both Crafty contributors and the award judges.

Threefold began the year with a gold medal at the AIBAs and later won awards at the Sydney Royal Beer and Cider Awards for Best New South Wales Beer and Best Packaged Beer. This stunning golden blend of smoky esters, phenols, cereal grains, and honey sweetness is completely deserving of all accolades.

How to Order a Beer in Australia

Unsurprisingly, ordering a beer in Australia is very similar to ordering one in most other nations. You receive a glass of amber liquid after making a brief financial transaction. However, there are a few minor characteristics unique to Australia.

The standard beer glass size in Sydney is 425 ml, and it is referred to as a “schooner.” Schooners are typically the default size; if you just specify the type of beer you want from the tap, you’ll probably get one without having to ask for it.

The equivalent of 570mls in Sydney is a pint, which you can get if you’re feeling a little thirstier. While some places might not use pint glasses, others may have specials that allow you to combine the purchase of a cheap pint with another beverage or a prepared meal.

The middy, which comes in the other primary drink size and measures 285 ml, is ideal for those who are okay with a taste but may need to drive home afterwards. There are additional sizes as well, such as the 350ml boutique smiddy, which is primarily used for craft or foreign beers, the 200ml seven, which is primarily used for spirits, and the 140ml miniature pony, which we honestly have never really seen served!