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10 Best Craft Beer Sydney Has To Offer [2023]

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Craft Beer Sydney

Best Craft Beer Sydney
Best Craft Beer Sydney

Craft beer, by definition, is beer manufactured at a small, independent brewery (producing less than 2 million barrels per year) with a bit more love and magic, rather than being mass-produced by one of the few large beer manufacturers that flood supermarket shelves. One of the most important benefits that excellent craft beers bring to the 48 percent of consumers who choose beer for their alcohol use is taste. With this in mind, you should be aware of the top locations that serve the freshest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

1. Feral Brewing Co.

Key ServicesHop Hog, Seasonal Releases, Core Range
Websitehttps://www.feralbrewing.com.au/
Address152 Haddrill Road Swan Valley Baskerville, WA, Australia 6056
Phone+61 8 9296 4657
E-mailbeer@feralbrewing.com.au
Operating Hours11AM – 5PM Wednesdays | 11AM – 9PM Fridays | 11AM – 5PM Saturdays – Sundays

For us, beers have the same weight and significance as metaphors. Because of this, they focus on beer lovers. Beer brewed in the traditional way, replete with monk robes, chanting, and a dark basement, all under the careful eye of a stringent religious doctrine: beer for beer’s sake, silently providing an important purpose for the members of the community in the twenty-first century. These traditions provide a framework for understanding the world and the land they want to protect, and they are also used as a basis for producing high-quality beer that will stand the test of time. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Beers brewed in the traditional way
  • A dark basement
  • Strict religious doctrine

Customer Testimonial:

“Just about perfect for the style with a constant fine, nearly sharp carbonation, moderate weight in the mouth. Goes down smoothly.”

LittleCreature

2. Bridge Road Brewers

Key ServicesHandmade On-site, Brewery, Dining Hall, Beer Club, Free Tasting Paddle
Websitehttps://bridgeroadbrewers.com.au/
Address50 Ford Street, Beechworth, Vic 3747
Phone+61 3 5728 2703
Operating Hours11AM – 9PM Mondays – Tuesdays| 11AM – 1PM Wednesdays – Sundays

In 2022, the Bridge Road headquarters will have a 340-person taproom, pizzeria, and 25 HL brewery. You may find Bridge Road on tap, in the fridge, or in the esky at any place that sells good beer, from Bermagui to Bangkok. Ben and Maria have worked tirelessly to build a thriving firm under the guiding principles of autonomy, originality, and excellence; these values are represented in the company’s name, Bridge Road. These cooks don’t depend on recipe stability to attract customers; instead, they’re willing to make adjustments whenever they’re needed. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Thriving firm
  • Autonomy
  • Originality

Customer Testimonial:

“Great place to eat and a vast range of ales and pizzas a must do destination “

Brett Direen

3. Boatrocker Brewery

Key ServicesBeer, Spirits, Memberships, Magnums, Merchandise, Gift Ideas
Websitehttps://www.boatrocker.com.au/
Address34 MacBeth St, Braeside VIC 3195, Australia
Phone+61 438 394 972
E-mailinfo@chauffeurlinkmelbourne.com.au
Operating Hours4PM – 10PM Thursdays, 2PM – 11PM Fridays, 12PM – 11PM Saturdays, 12PM – 6PM Sundays

Boatrocker is a tiny, family-run brewery and distillery in Australia’s southeastern suburbs. With its revolutionary ideas, Boatrocker hopes to revolutionize the booze business. Boatrocker stands out from the rest because it keeps records of its history and tries out new and interesting flavor combinations. Boatrocker was founded in 2009 by Matt and Andrea Houghton, who sold their first beers out of the trunk of their car. The Australian craft brewery Boatrocker just opened its doors in the country’s outer south. It makes a variety of beers with a decidedly leftist bent. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Tiny, family-run brewery
  • Commitment to archiving its past
  • Testing out new and exciting taste combinations

Customer Testimonial:

“We discovered Boatrocker during a beer & spirits tour in the area and it was love at first sip. We enjoyed the beers but were particularly impressed with the gin selection – so good!”

Marta Thomson

4. Big Shed Brewing Concern

Key ServicesEighteen Beers and A Cider On Ta, Beer-inspired Food, Lively, Industrial Chic Setting
Websitehttps://www.bentspokebrewing.com.au/
Address48/38 Mort St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia
Phone+61 2 6257 5220
E-maillovebeer@bentspokebrewing.com.au
Operating Hours11AM – 12AM Daily

On the ninth of September, 2014, they unveiled their restaurant and tasting room. It has six beers on tap and a selection of small plates to complement your beverage. Wednesday through Sunday, they feed locals and visitors alike. What started out as a hobby for two lifelong friends in a big shed in the Barossa is now a fully functioning brewery in Adelaide’s Royal Park. Even though they’ve been at it for some time, Craig and Jason seem to have finally won over the hearts of the locals. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Restaurant and tasting room
  • Six beers on tap

Customer Testimonial:

“My husband & I loved this place so much we visited twice in two days! We tried a bunch of the beers & had the mac & cheese pizza, which was delicious. I LOVE their selection of craft beers & the whole vibe was very industrial & relaxed. Definitely will be visiting again!”

Rachel Mellema

5. Bentspoke Brewing

Key ServicesEighteen Beers and A Cider On Ta, Beer-inspired Food, Lively, Industrial Chic Setting
Websitehttps://www.bentspokebrewing.com.au/
Address48/38 Mort St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia
Phone+61 2 6257 5220
E-maillovebeer@bentspokebrewing.com.au
Operating Hours11AM – 12AM Daily

Achieving success should not be taken lightly. It’s possible that life would lose some of its spice if you never tried anything new. In light of this, we at Bentspoke choose the riskier strategy, even though we know there will inevitably be an odd bent spoke as a consequence. Chief brewer Richard Watkins in Canberra uses the city’s clean water to make a variety of beers and ciders that have won awards. Construction of a full-scale brewery is in the works, so the beer may soon be available in larger quantities at local watering holes and liquor stores. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Riskier strategy
  • Pristine water
  • Award-winning brews

Customer Testimonial:

“Went last Saturday afternoon and it was an absolute delight to be served by Amy – I told her what I liked and she made some incredible recommendations, I loved every single beer she gave me to try! She was exceptionally knowledgeable and consistently hit the mark!”

Cassie Taylor

6. Two Birds

Key ServicesFemale-operated, Taco Beer, Sunset Ale, Mexican Food, Salt And Vinegar Pork Crackling And Black Pepper Beef Jerky
Websitehttps://www.twobirdsbrewing.com.au/
Address136 Hall St, Spotswood VIC 3015, Australia
Phone+61 3 9762 0000
E-mailinfo@twobirdsbrewing.com.au
Operating Hours4PM – 10PM Thursdays | 12PM – 10PM Fridays – Saturdays | 12PM – 8PM Sundays

Jayne Lewis and Danielle Allen made Two Birds Brewing. They were the first women in Australia to start a brewery. This Spotswood brewery is a shining example of the best that can be found in Australia’s burgeoning craft beer scene. These Two Birds are leading the way by brewing beers that are both high-quality and easy to drink, making them perfect for social gatherings and fine dining. You can find out what the fuss is about by paying a visit to The Nest. Beer connoisseurs will appreciate Two Birds Brewing. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • First women in Australia to launch a brewery
  • Beers that are both high-quality and easy to drink
  • The Nest

Customer Testimonial:

“Great staff, venue, food and beer! Enjoyed the double chicken burger with a mango and pineapple hazy pale ale. Ripper spot for craft beer and a feed.”

Michael Boyer

7. Mountain Goat Beer

Key ServicesUs And Canadian Beer Experience, Pioneer Of The Australian Craft Beer Scene, Fruity Summer Ale To The Crisp Billy The Mid
Websitehttps://www.goatbeer.com.au/
Address80 North St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia
Phone+61 3 9428 1180
E-mailmerch.support@cub.com.au.
Operating Hours5PM – 10PM Thursdays | 5PM – 11PM Fridays | 2PM – 11PM Saturdays | 1PM – 7PM Sundays

One of Victoria’s best artisan breweries, Mountain Goat Beer, is tucked away in quiet Richmond, out of sight of the bright city lights. From its humble beginnings in Cam Hines’ and Dave Bonighton’s garden in the early 1990s, the event has grown into a very polished venue where patrons can enjoy cocktails and pizza on Wednesday and Friday evenings while watching the boys and their team at work. Even though they now have a wide variety of beers to choose from, we’re still partial to their malty and hoppy flagship beer, Hightail Ale. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • One of Victoria’s best artisan breweries
  • Enjoy cocktails and pizza on Wednesday and Friday evenings
  • Malty and hoppy flagship beer, Hightail Ale

Customer Testimonial:

“Anyone looking for the most relaxed, awesome venue for a wedding with the best bar in Melbourne, nothing is better than Mountain Goat Beer. Staff is very friendly and enthusiastic to share their knowledge. The space itself is lovely …i appreciated this comfortable place for the wedding!!!”

Ritu Devi

8. Fixation Brewing Co.

Key ServicesSnug Tasting Room, Weekly New Hoppy Experience On Tap, Plant-based Pizza
Websitehttps://fixationbrewing.com.au/
Address414 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Phone+61 3 6685 9255
E-mailincubator@fixationbrewing.com.au
Operating Hours5PM – 10PM Wednesdays – Thursdays | 4PM – 10PM Fridays | 12PM –10PM Saturdays | 2PM – 7PM Sundays

A few empty kegs were filled by hand every few weeks when Tommy first started out, and he only had room for one small tank. Fresh IPA kegs were sent to a few bars and restaurants in the Collingwood and Fitzroy areas. Slowly but surely, they built another tank, and then another, brewing and refining only one product, Fixation IPA, until they opened their brewery and research center, The Incubator, in 2018. Location: Collingwood, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia. In Australia, where most brewers treat IPA as an afterthought, it all began with a need for new IPAs. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • A few empty kegs were filled by hand every few weeks when Tommy first started out
  • They only had room for one small tank
  • They another tank, and then another, brewing and refining only one product, Fixation IPA, until they opened their brewery and research center, The Incubator, in 2018.

Customer Testimonial:

“Love this place the service and the bevvies are second to none. Goes without saying that the place is a vibe. The Session IPA is a must for a cheeky weekend treat with pals and their diversity of brews on tap must be seen to be believed. Funky little setting in the heart of Collingwood – get amongst it.”

Adam Scott

9. Hop Nation Brewing Co.

Key ServicesTop-quality Natural Ingredients And Environmentally Friendly Approach, Barrel-aged Brews, Winemaking Background, Australian Made
Websitehttps://hopnation.com.au/
Address6/107-109 Whitehall St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia
Phone+61 450 973 644
E-mailinfo@hopnation.com.au
Operating Hours3PM – 7PM Thursdays | 12PM – 11PM Fridays – Saturdays | 12PM – 6PM Sundays

They first conceived of Hop Nation as a pipe dream, and like most pipe dreams, they intended to start small and retain their day jobs while we gave it a go. In May of 2015, they launched their company, collaborated on the company name and label design, brewed their first IPA, and marketed it under the name “The Fiend.” It turns out that viewers were hungry for more of The Fiend, which is excellent news. Their next four beers were gypsy brews made in partnership with some very outstanding breweries, and they count themselves quite fortunate. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • They first conceived of Hop Nation as a pipe dream
  • They intended to start small and retain their day jobs while we gave it a go
  • In May of 2015, they launched their company, collaborated on the company name and label design, brewed their first IPA, and marketed it under the name “The Fiend.”

Customer Testimonial:

“A hidden brewery in the West. Hop Nation has a good selection of beers that they offer and the warehouse venue is quite nice with two levels. Friendly service and dog friendly. What’s not to like!”

Dalena Pham (msdalena)

10. Wolf of the Willows

Key ServicesRecycled Materials, Delicious Hand-crafted, Modern Ales, Easy Drinking Pales To Barrel Aged Beauties
Websitehttps://www.wolfofthewillows.com.au/
Address39 De Havilland Rd, Mordialloc VIC 3195, Australia
Phone+61 3 9587 2480
E-mailbar@wolfofthewillows.com.au
Operating Hours3PM – 10PM Fridays | 12PM – 10PM Saturdays | 12PM – 6PM Sundays

Established in November 2014, Wolf of the Willows is Scotty and Renae McKinnon’s brewery. What they call their unique, hand-crafted, modern ales (Ales of Distinction) are notable for their quality, taste, and character. Turning unprocessed ingredients into beers that people want to drink is a source of pride for them. They take great pride in the fact that they handle every step of the process, from brewing to bottling, themselves. Having said that, they have accomplished their mission if you can find solace in a glass of their mediocre beer. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

  • Established in November 2014
  • Their unique, hand-crafted, modern ales (Ales of Distinction) are notable for their quality, taste, and character.
  • They take great pride in the fact that they handle every step of the process, from brewing to bottling, themselves.

Customer Testimonial:

“Excellent special release tasting tonight of The Persistence. Charactered barrel aged Brew across three releases now. Alongside gospel Rye whisky. Great night. Cheers”

Adrian Beer

Craft Beer Sydney

Overall, small local and independent breweries work hard to establish rich, unique tastes that mega breweries seldom achieve in their enormous operations. Craft beer offers more possibilities than larger beers from major breweries. You are a proud craft beer aficionado for many reasons, including the great taste, high-quality ingredients, lower cost, and impact on your local community. We hope this helps you find the best spots that offer the finest craft beer Sydney has to offer.

If you’re looking for more recommendations, you can check out our other posts below:

Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

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Rachel Tan is the editor at FunEmpire Media Australia. She has over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in Australia. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, Rachel is a trusted source to curate the very best Australia has to offer.