Where To Find... Craft Beer in Brisbane

Have you got a hankering for something specific? On the hunt for a particular flavour or a special view from your table? If you fancy an organic meal, the perfect espresso martini or the best place in the city to pop the question, let us help!

We’ll narrow in on a niche and tell you where you can grab your favourite fetish for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks.

This week we’re on the hunt for microbreweries in good ol’ Brisvegas.

The arrival of the artisans

Ten years ago you would have died of thirst before finding a decent microbrewery in the city of Brisbane. In those days, it was the XXXX factory or bust. But things have changed, and over the years Brisbane has nurtured a growing number of artisanal ale makers. Today, beer drinkers can rejoice over the huge range of options, which thankfully extends beyond the large beer manufacturers like XXXX. The craft beer scene is alive and well in Brisbane, and the growing number of microbreweries has only served to boost the city's blossoming dining out scene.

While Australia is still very much dominated by its large multinational brewers, the scene has changed dramatically over the last decade. Small, boutique beers are a common site on the liquor store shelves and restaurant menus. Today, it’s estimated that there are around 300 small breweries throughout the country. And the beer-drinking public has responded favourably. Punters love a crafty beer and it's not uncommon to find beer connoisseurs swapping notes just as you would for a hearty Shiraz or a buttery Chardonnay.

Finding Craft Beer

And in Brisbane, things have never looked better. There are craft beer pubs, microbreweries and beer festivals galore. So, if you find yourself in need of a tasty cold one and want to avoid the big brands, here are a couple of top picks for craft beer in Brisbane.

Brisbane Brewing Co.

Tucked away in West End, you’ll find Brisbane Brewing Co. brewing up one-off kegs of artisan ale in magical tanks. Make your way down the laneway, and you will be rewarded with tasty, fresh beer brewed on site. All of Brisbane Brewing Co.’s beers are preservative free, made only from barley, yeast, water and hops.

Brisbane Brewing Co. offers a selection of handcrafted beers brewed on site, as well as a handful of carefully selected beers from other artisan breweries. Visit this West End brewery, and you'll leave with a new-found appreciation for the superior taste of hand-made beer.

What’s on offer

Here are just a couple of the offerings from Brisbane Brewing Co.

Brisbane Pale Ale. This Aussie Pale Ale is bursting with the bold character of one of Australia’s most exciting “new world” hops - Galaxy. It packs plenty of punchy passionfruit, tropical and citrus flavours, with a gentle malty body to balance.

Sunshine Honeywheat.  A contemporary Australian take on a classic style, this cheeky ale is brewed with honey and over 50% wheat to create a breezy, light bodied beer for absolute refreshment.

Catchment Brewing Co.

You’ll find Catchment Brewing Co. in the historic building at 150 Boundary Street. After a complete restoration of the beautiful old building, the two beer-loving families behind Catchment opened the doors in 2015.  Since then they have welcomed in many a pilgrim looking for lovingly created craft beer.

Much like the menu, the beer offering changes regularly depending on what's in season. The team is always happy to have a chat about the latest batch being brewed up on site.

What’s on offer

The Catchment Bright Ale.  Brewed in response to summer in the Catchment, Bright Ale exudes fresh hop aromas and flavours of citrus and tropical fruits, and the light to medium body provided by pale Aussie and German malts are balanced with just enough bitterness to keep it refreshing and restorative.

Pale Select.  This full strength pale ale pays homage to the original Pale Select Ale from West End Brewery, and adds a modern interpretation of the style. It uses premium Australian barley, wheat malts and 'select' Australian hops, which balance the malt character with fruit salad and stonefruit hop aromas and flavours. The result is a complex yet drinkable palate.

Beer drinkers rejoice. You shall never go thirsty in the city of Brisbane.