What are the top 10 best Australian beers? Historically the Aussies are huge drinkers and the Australian lager is perfect for a hot summer’s day, and much better than American beer.
Not to worry though. Australia’s still a nation of kangaroos, booze and beaches, and there’s nothing better than an icy cold beer on a hot Aussie summer’s day. Here’s the top best Aussie beers:
10. Pure Blonde
When Pure Blonde launched into the Australian market in 2004 it became the first low-carb beer in the country. Aussies started becoming very health-conscious, and got many of us closer to a blonde than ever before.
Pure Blonde’s marketing has pushed the brand into one of the most popular and best beers in Australia, targeting women with half the carbs of wine, and men attracted by the thought of blonde women.
9. Hahn SuperDry
Hahn was founded in Sydney in 1988 and in 2006 launched SuperDry as a low-carb competitor to Pure Blonde and to appeal to the shift towards healthier habits of Aussies.
Just like most modern low-carb beers out on the market, there isn’t much flavour but is refreshing when enjoyed ice cold and is highly drinkable whether it’s at the pub or at an Aussie Barbie.
8. James Boag’s Premium Lager
James Boag’s was founded in 1883 and brewed in Launceston, Tasmania. Launched in 1994 the brand’s Premium Lager is known for its crispness and using the purest of natural ingredients, in contrast to Tassie’s “inbred” status.
The intentions of James Boag’s Premium Lager are celebrated with its well-rounded taste. There might be something in the Tasmanian water however, that may leave thoughts of impurity after a couple drinks.
7. XXXX Bitter
XXXX (pronounced four-ex) started brewing in Milton, Queensland in 1924 as Castlemaine Brewers. Although originally named after the Victorian town, it’s now the pride and joy of the Sunshine State.
Synonymous with being a Queenslander, XXXX Bitter is tough and rough on the outside, but only mildly bitter on the inside, meaning you can easily binge on these while watching the Maroons lose to the Blues.
6. Tooheys New
When the Blues lose in State of Origin I feel like digging a hole and hiding. When they win “I feel like a Tooheys or Two”. Tooheys New was first brewed in 1931 and is iconic to New South Wales.
Like every other Australian lager Tooheys New needs to be served ice cold and is best drunk when celebrating an Origin win, cooking behind the Barbie or while you’re down at the pub with a couple of mates.
5. Coopers Pale Ale
Adelaide is more than just food, wine and joblessness. South Australia makes a case for the best Australian beer with Coopers Pale Ale which has been brewed since 1862 with minor improvements along the way.
Coopers Pale Ale adds some sin to Adelaide and makes it more than just the boring City of Churches. Just like the rest of Australia, South Australia can get scorching hot, perfect for a beer.
4. Carlton Draught
Carlton Ale was first introduced in 1864, with the name changing to Carlton Draught in 1967. The Victorian-born beer is uncomplicated and thirst-quenching just like every other Australian lager.
This is the Ned Kelly of all beers as Victoria’s favourite beer and you’ll find it at almost every pub on tap across the country as well as at every AFL game or with every Chicken Parmi.
3. Victoria Bitter (VB)
Victoria Bitter otherwise known as VB, is quintessentially Australian and its introduction in 1854 coincided with what it means to be a working-class Bogan. The oldies will still consider it the best Australian beer and even the VB fragrance became the fastest ever sold.
In 1958 VB became the first beer in Australia (alongside Fosters) to come in cans and in doing so introduced the concept of an ice cold can of beer on a hot summer’s day as a right of passage to manhood in Australia.
2. XXXX Gold
In 2012 Queensland’s XXXX Gold officially became Australia’s best beer, overtaking Victoria Bitter after a decades long dominance as the country’s best selling beer.
XXXX Gold isn’t well known outside Australia but it’s the pride of Queenaland. It goes down way too easily and is the perfect go-to for all day drinking in the hot and humid Aussie weather.
1. Great Northern Brewing Co. Original Lager
In 2010 Carlton & United Breweries launched Great Northern Brewing Co, which became Australia’s best selling beer in 2022. This is the best Australian beer and you want it around the barbecue as goes down like water when cold.
Great Northern is brewed near Brisbane, is based on the “Cairns Draught” which is 1,700km (1056 miles) up north, and owned by Japanese giants Asahi Breweries. Capitalism at its finest!
