
Australia’s Beer Craft: A Journey Through Its Brewing Giants
Australia is renowned for its distinctive beer culture, an integral part of the nation’s social fabric. From large-scale brewers to innovative microbreweries, Australian beer manufacturers have earned global recognition for their creativity, quality, and dedication to craft. Let’s explore some of the key players who are shaping the landscape of Australian brewing.

The Big Brewers
- Carlton & United Breweries (CUB): CUB, a subsidiary of Asahi Group Holdings, is one of the oldest and most prominent beer manufacturers in Australia. Founded in 1907, CUB boasts a portfolio that includes iconic brands such as Victoria Bitter (VB), Carlton Draught, and Crown Lager. VB, in particular, has become a cultural symbol, synonymous with the Australian working-class ethos. CUB’s emphasis on tradition and quality has solidified its position as a market leader.
- Lion: A major force in the Australian beer industry, Lion is part of the Kirin Holdings Company. With a history dating back to the mid-19th century, Lion’s portfolio features well-loved brands like XXXX, Tooheys, and Little Creatures. XXXX, brewed in Queensland, is particularly popular, with its robust and refreshing taste making it a staple in many Australian households. Lion’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement has also garnered widespread respect.
- Coopers Brewery: As Australia’s largest independently owned brewery, Coopers Brewery holds a special place in the hearts of beer enthusiasts. Founded in 1862, Coopers is renowned for its commitment to traditional brewing methods and natural ingredients. Their products, such as the iconic Coopers Pale Ale and Sparkling Ale, are brewed using a distinctive method of natural bottle conditioning. Coopers’ resistance to market pressures to sell out to larger conglomerates has earned them a loyal following.

The Craft Revolution
The history of craft beer in Australia is a tale of flavour, innovation, and community spirit. The modern craft beer revolution took off in the 1980s when a handful of passionate brewers, dissatisfied with the mass-produced beers dominating the market, set out to create unique and high-quality brews. The movement gained momentum in the 2000s, with microbreweries popping up across the country, experimenting with local ingredients and diverse styles.
Pioneers like Matilda Bay Brewing Company (now owned by Asahi) and Little Creatures Brewery (now owned by Kirin) were instrumental in shaping the craft beer landscape. Today, Australia boasts a vibrant and diverse craft beer scene, with hundreds of breweries offering everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, each brew telling its own story. The craft beer community continues to thrive, driven by a shared love for great beer and a dedication to
craftsmanship.
To ensure you’re supporting a truly independent craft beer manufacturer, we recommend you find out who owns the company, as sadly many of them have been absorbed by the two big non-Australian companies.

Here are just a few of the hundreds of independent breweries:
- Ballistic Beer Co.: Ballistic Beer Co blasted onto the craft beer scene in 2017 when two mates decided to team up and join the brewing industry. Since then, they’ve opened four venues across Queensland and have won over 100 gold, silver and bronze medals in both national and international competitions.
- Batch Beer Brewing Co.: Batch Brew Brewing Co is an innovative inner west Sydney craft brewery. They specialise in unique, handcrafted, small batch releases, and on average have been creating a new beer every five days.
- Lobethal Bierhaus: Lobethal Bierhaus are another proudly Australian family-owned and run brewing company. Situated in the Adelaide Hills, their eight core beers and seasonal varieties have won numerous awards and competitions.
- Capital Brewing Co.: Capital Brewing Co was birthed from the founders, Tom and Laurence, love of local quality brews. This evolved into a pooling of resources to create one of the largest independent craft brewers in Australia. They produce ‘good natured brews.’
- Balter Brewing Company: Founded in 2016 by a group of professional surfers, including Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson, Balter Brewing has made a splash with its innovative approach and high-quality brews. The company’s tagline, “Good Beer Is For Everybody,” reflects its inclusive and approachable ethos. Balter’s XPA (Extra Pale Ale) quickly became a favorite, and their playful branding and community-focused initiatives have garnered a strong following.
- Young Henrys: Located in Newtown, Sydney, Young Henrys has built a reputation for its rebellious spirit and commitment to the local community. Since its inception in 2012, Young Henrys has embraced a philosophy of collaboration, working with local artists and musicians to create a vibrant cultural hub. Their Newtowner Pale Ale and Stayer Mid-strength are popular choices among locals, and their environmental initiatives, such as their use of sustainable packaging, further endear them to consumers.

The Future of Australian Beer
The future of Australian beer is brimming with potential. As consumers increasingly seek out unique, locally crafted brews, the demand for innovative and sustainable beer options continues to rise. Breweries are responding with new flavors, creative collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to quality and community. Whether it’s the heritage of long-standing giants like Coopers or the fresh perspectives of craft breweries like Balter Brewing Company and Young Henrys, Australian beer manufacturers are poised to continue their legacy of excellence and innovation. Cheers to that!
