Brisbane is a city generally known for its beautiful weather and country town-like feel. It’s also fast becoming regarded as the place to go for unique and quality craft beers, with a range of local brewers making the decision to set up shop in the River City. Brewvegas, the annual celebration of Brisbane’s vibrant beer community is set to return for its sixth year running, further evidence that the city’s residents are wholeheartedly embracing the industry.
If you’re a lover of all things craft beer, be sure to stop in for a sip at these local faves on your next pub crawl.
Newstead Brewing Co
Newstead Brewing Co began life in a steel warehouse in the 1940’s and has lead the charge in putting Brisbane on the craft beer map in recent years. Maintaining its home base in Newstead, this proudly family-owned business opened up a second venue in Milton in 2017, utilising this larger space as its main production centre. Home to the award winning 3 Quarter Time Session Ale and the Two to the Valley IPA and boasting a quality food menu with all the expected pub favourites, Newstead Brewing Co is a must-do for local and visiting craft beer lovers.
Catchment Brewing Co
Brisbane’s eclectic West End is home to Catchment Brewing Co. Smaller in size than some of Brisbane’s other craft brewpups but boasting a range of superb quality beers and an uniquely chic décor, Catchment has fast become a heavy hitter on Brisbane’s brew scene. The company has three signature brews; the Bright Ale, the Pale Select and The 500 IPA. Combined with an excellent wine list and high quality, gastro pub style food, Catchment is a popular spot for brew fans, wine connoisseurs and foodies alike.
Green Beacon Brewing Co
Nestled between the apartment blocks and industrial warehouses of trendy Teneriffe, Green Beacon Brewing Co set up shop in 2013 and quickly established itself as the go-to venue for craft beers in Brisbane. Once you’ve tried one of the company’s core range beers or a seasonal brew, it’s easy to see why Green Beacon was awarded Champion Small Brewery at the Australian International Beer Awards in 2017. A rapid rise in popularity quickly created the need for a second brewery, which has since been established in Geebung in Brisbane’s outer north. With a new increase in production capability, Green Beacon has spread its wings to the national beer scene with a number of GB brews now available in most states throughout the country.
Ballistic Beer Co
Located in Salisbury on Brisbane’s south side, Ballistic Beer Co has been a favourite of punters since it opened its doors in 2015. With a name that nods to Salisbury’s secret past as the main manufacturer of ammunition for the Australian army during WWII, the company is aptly located in a war-time industrial warehouse and is home to mainstay brews such as the Australian Psycho IPA, Dirty Word Lager, Pilot Light Table Beer and English style old ale, The Grandfather, with the remainder of the brewery’s 12 taps housing some more experimental drops.
All Inn Brewing Co
All Inn Brewing Co is home is home to a range of quality, award-winning craft beers and also prides itself on its strong focus on environmentally friendly production and community involvement. Located in the outer north suburb of Banyo, All Inn is known for its full-flavoured ales, relaxed atmosphere and live entertainment on the weekends, making this boutique brewery well worth a visit.
Felons Brewing Co
Head down to the newly redeveloped Howard Smith Wharves on the banks of the Brisbane River under the Story Bridge and discover Felons Brewing Co. The establishment takes its name from the historic story of four felons shipwrecked on Moreton Island in the early 19th century who ultimately went on to discover the Brisbane River. Whether you’re sipping on the Australian Pale Ale, The Middy or the Felon’s IPA, be sure to sit back and enjoy unparalleled views of the river while you sample the impressive food menu which boasts a range of delicious eats made from locally sourced fresh produce.