In an age of corporate takeover, mass production and inauthenticity, there’s never been a better time to support local businesses.
Whether it’s sourcing your produce from markets or hyping local and up and coming fashion labels, exploring your options outside the world of brand inundation is always a road worth traveling.
In recent years, craft beer brewing has become that of a small phenomenon. It really seems like everyone has a mate who considers themselves an expert on all hops and absolute ale connoisseur. Now, although there’s nothing wrong with sitting back with a refreshing Corona or a crisp Heineken, there are way too many options on offer to expand your horizons just a little.
When it comes to shopping for craft beers, there’s really no better place to start than local. From home-grown stout brewers who are reinventing the wheel, to locals who simmer up intensely fruity sours, there’s never been a better time to delve into the world of craft beer.
To get you started, here’s a quick guide to some of the most unique and exciting beers you can cop at your local First Choice Liquor store.
Deep Creek – Tiki Aloha Guava Passionfruit Sour
This sour is sure to quench your thirst and satiate your sweet tooth on balmy summer arvos, with massive hits of watermelon shining through, masterfully hand-scooped by Deep Creek’s brewers. To shake things up, you’ll experience the delight of savoury notes of hibiscus making for a dream-like, summery treat.
Yeastie Boys – Big Mouth Session IPA Can 330mL
Seriously, how could you pass off a company with a name like this? With a tropical fruit palate and a strong nose garnered from aromatic New Zealand hops, the beer has a “thicker mouth feel” yet manages to remain crisp and clean making for an intensely refreshing drink.
Love Food & Drink?
Get the latest Food & Drink news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
Tuatara – Tomahawk APA Bottle 330mL
If you’re a fan of classic American beers like Budweiser and Pabst, get your mits on New Zealand’s very own Tuatara’s Tomahawk APA. With a citrus orange explosion, its fruity flavours a complemented with further malt sweetness, making it the perfect beer for US-loving guzzlers who don’t mind a hoppy finish.
Vale – Ale Can
Pale Ales are every craft beer fans bread and butter. With such a plethora to choose from, it can feel as though it may be difficult to separate the truly superior brews. Vale serves up a classic Aussie pale ale with a unique blend of malt, hops and yeast characters. With lingering flavours of citrus, passionfruit and peaches, its fruity notes are complemented well with its sweet honey finish.
Kaiju – Krush Tropical Ale
If you’re looking for a one-way ticket to the Caribbean, take a slug of Kaiju’s Krush Tropical Ale. With a super-clean malt profile, you’ll be washed over in a shipload of tropical fruit flavours.
BentSpoke – Crankshaft IPA
Hailing from our nation’s capital, BentSpoke Crankshaft IPA offers up a taste that truly does feel like it encompasses Australia as a nation. With a delicate balance of citrus and pine flavours, the IPA has a floral aroma making for a satisfying, punchy hop. The beer is driving up some serious hype, taking out the number 3 spot on the GABs ‘Hottest 100’ Aussie Craft Beers
Nomad – Rosie Raspberry Sour
Raspberry is undeniably the most superior berry flavour, so we’re glad Nomad Brewing have cooked up a sour that’s equal parts tart and dry on the palate, culminating in an explosion of raspberry goodness.
