In the past few years, the craft beer world has expanded, resulting in a lively brewery scene founded on combining innovative and time-honored ideas. Nowadays, breweries offer far more than beer, they welcome people to gather, enjoy new and creative beers and cheer on their favorite community breweries. Beer lovers of all backgrounds can find a new place to visit, since this world always has something new.
Where the Buzz Is: Breweries Worth Visiting
People usually have an experience in mind, not only a drink, when they search “find a brewery near me”. As well as making excellent beer, these craft breweries host atmospheres where locals and city travelers can enjoy drinks, share experiences and explore unique brews.
Both lager and IPA drinkers will find that these places have a flair for drink styles and are inviting bootmakers to visit. Most pint houses offer rotating taps, suggestions for food to match the beers and sometimes live music too. If you are searching for a brewery that has everything you like, these are the spots to consider.
Understanding Australia’s Iconic Hops
Being an Aussie means you’re never short of excellent hop varieties for brewing great beers. Locally grown hops are largely sourced from North-East Victoria, especially around Rostrevor Hop Gardens near Myrtleford. Brewers in the area rely on hops to provide beers with a pleasant aroma, bitterness and a stronger flavor. Both Galaxy and Vic Secret are in high demand; they are famous for adding fruit flavors and a mild bitterness to beer.
Juicy and fresh passionfruit and citrus flavors from Galaxy are a big part of many Australian IPAs and pale ales. Learning about hops helps you enjoy your drinks more and discover the reason behind the distinctiveness of Aussie beer.
From Farm to Pint: The Journey of Your Beer
Did you ever think about the process your favorite beer goes through to get into your glass? It all begins when farmers raise Saaz, Citra and Simcoe hops to give each beer its own characteristics. As soon as the hops are harvested, they are dried and processed for delivery to lots of breweries.
Following this, the ingredients are blended with malts, yeast and water by the brewers, so each mixture must be carefully looked after and made special through original creativity. As fermentation proceeds, the ingredients in the beer develop into the flavor we like in the finished beer. It’s a slow and careful process to brew tasty beers.
Popular Beer Styles You Should Try
Most breweries will have drinks on the menu that you may not recognize. Don’t worry about your beer choices, here are some beer styles to watch for.
- Pale Ale: Has a balanced flavor with hops from Mosaic or Cascade.
- IPA (India Pale Ale): Bitter, strong in flavor and fragrant, so sippers of hops will love it as Chinook or Nectaron hops are common picks.
- Lager: Lager has a fresh, clean and refreshing taste.
- Stout: Slightly bitter and tastes like chocolate or coffee.
- Saison: This ale is warm, with a strong spice and fruity note.
Try a variety of wines and you just might discover one that you like better than your usual.
The Social Side of Brewery Culture
You can come to a brewery to drink, but you can also meet new people there. Today, numerous breweries focus on community by having an open design, seating groups together, hosting food trucks and arranging events. I’ve seen trivia events, concerts and even yoga at the brewery.
Regardless of who you’re with, these places tend to make you feel at home. The perfect mix of beer and friends is what attracts people to visit again and again. Many consider meeting the people at the brewery to be as exciting as having the beer.
Tips for Visiting a New Brewery
For some helpful tips on enjoying your initial visit to a brewery, read on.
- Craft your own paddle to get a taste of several beers before settling on a glass.
- Discuss your preferences with the staff, as they can recommend what you would enjoy.
- Be sure to try seasonal or special beers that breweries make in limited quantities.
- Enjoy some snacks if the brewery has a kitchen or serves meals from food trucks. Certain beers match perfectly with certain dishes.
- If you want a peaceful dining experience, visit the restaurant when it is less crowded.
Bottom Line
In the end, Australia’s craft beer industry is flourishing, thanks to many passionate brewers, various hop crops and spots that meet every beer drinker’s preferences. Whether you’re after a bold Chinook beer or somewhere to just relax, a new beer and a special experience will always be there.
If you’re feeling like finding something local, keep Find A Brewery in mind. It could end up being one of your top places to visit. To inspire different flavors, making new friends and finding wonderful beers!
