What Beer is Popular in Australia?
Australia is no stranger to beer, with its vibrant brewing culture and countless options to suit every palate. But with so many beers vying for attention, it’s easy for brands to overpromise and underdeliver. That’s where the newcomers and the classics collide, and discerning drinkers – aka the lucky ones – get to decide who stays or goes. Who are the LuckyOnes here? Let’s get into the top five Australian beers that will “dominate” 2025 and see if they’re worth cracking open or leaving on the shelf.
1. Blackberry & Pepperberry Sour (Urban Alley Brewery)
Sour beers aren’t everyone’s first choice, but this one could change minds. Urban Alley Brewery prepares its Blackberry & Pepperberry Sour by integrating blackberries and pepperberries they obtain from local areas. The result? Consumers will encounter fruity tartness along with notes that mimic Pinot Gris wine coupled with candied grapefruit. The 4.5% ABV content in this beverage provides enjoyable lightness which suits summer enjoyment and relaxed drinking occasions perfectly. This brave offering welcomes drinkers who wish to taste craft beer outside traditional beer variations.
Verdict: This beer is worth trying because of its intense taste combinations even though it presents unconventional ingredients. This beer represents something beyond ordinary lagers because of its distinctive nature
2. Cerberus IPA (Urban Alley Brewery)
Urban Alley strikes again, proving they’re not just a one-hit wonder. Their Cerberus IPA is a hop lover’s dream, featuring a trio of hops – Cascade Cryo, Riwaka SubZero, and Krush – that bring tropical fruit aromas, grapefruit zest, and piney undertones to the table. At 5.8% ABV, it’s bold enough to make an impression but balanced enough to avoid overwhelming your palate. This is the kind of beer you’d pair with a BBQ or a spicy plate of nachos.
Verdict: A strong contender for hop heads, but it might not win over lager loyalists.
3. Hard Lemon (Beerfarm)
Now, this one isn’t exactly a beer – it’s an RTD (ready-to-drink) beverage – but it’s still brewed, and it’s turning heads. Beerfarm’s Hard Lemon takes the nostalgia of lemonade and gives it a grown-up twist. It’s gluten-free, low in sugar, and big on citrusy refreshment, making it perfect for beach days or casual hangs. The health-conscious crowd will appreciate its lighter profile, but don’t mistake it for bland.
Verdict: A refreshing alternative for when you want something beer-adjacent but not quite beer.
4. Shifters Pale Lager (BentSpoke Brewing Co)
Pale lagers are often the safe middle ground in the beer world, but Shifters Pale Lager from BentSpoke Brewing Co adds just enough personality to stand out. Part of their Drifter Series, this beer boasts light stone fruit aromas and a hint of malty sweetness, making it an easy-drinking option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. At 4.4% ABV, it’s built for long summer afternoons with friends. And it’s a unique Australian style that represents the country among other beer nations!
Verdict: A crowd-pleaser that’s versatile enough to keep both beer newbies and seasoned drinkers happy.
5. Coopers Australian Lager
Coopers established themselves as an Australian icon through their 2023 release of Australian Lager which gained instant success. The golden-colored beer offers refreshing crispness and communicates all the delight of a summer barbecue in each drink. Honest brewing excellence brings you exactly what your body desires during hot days. A consumer needs this beer as a dependable alternative to chase away their cares.
Verdict: People tend to come back to Australian Lager from Coopers as their go-to simple lager experience because it delivers exactly what they need.
6. Hawke’s Half XPA
Hawke’s Half XPA provides complete flavor enjoyment in its low-alcohol brew offering. With 1.75% ABV, the light brew manages to deliver intense hop flavors through Citra and El Dorado hops. This beer suits casual drinking sessions because it enables you to consume several beers without losing mental clarity, which makes it perfect for social events lasting long periods.
Verdict: This beer provides rich flavors while offering alcohol cut down to only 1.75% ABV to reward consumers who avoid excessive drinking.
The Best Picks for Every Taste and Occasion
So, who are the winners here? Well, it all depends on what you’re after. If you’re feeling adventurous, Urban Alley’s Blackberry & Pepperberry Sour or Cerberus IPA are worth exploring. For something light and easy, Shifters Pale Lager or Coopers Australian Lager are safe bets. And if you’re craving a tangy twist, Hard Lemon might just surprise you. The beer scene shows no signs of slowing down, and 2025 marks another exciting year for Australia’s brewing talent. The only question left is: which one will you try first?