Overview
Look, we know it's been a few weeks, but if you're a craft beer-loving Brisbanite, it's likely you're still dealing with the post-Brewsvegas blues. But don't let it get you down, instead why not dig right into the best of Brisbane's flourishing microbrewery scene — open all year round and constantly brewing up innovative new craft beers for you to get rather snobby over.
Whether they're brewing Weetbix stouts, snickers-flavoured amber ales and outstanding sours, booking live music around the clock or pairing your beer with local food trucks, these local crews are changing the game for the city's beer scene. Check out Brisbane's very best microbreweries, tried, tested and brought to you by this true beer loving broad.
THE CROWDPLEASER: GREEN BEACON
Whether you're a beer nerd or novice, you can't go wrong with Green Beacon. It is often claimed that this place launched the microbrewing scene here in Brisbane — whether or not that's true. After years of operation from their Teneriffe HQ, the crew has been undeniably successful, having just opened a brewery in Geebung. Not sure what to try when you get here? Make a beeline for the 'Wayfayer USA'. Green Beacon also recently released a delicious bourbon barrel strong ale which is deliciously oaky and so full-bodied it's essentially a meal. They also brew seasonal beers and while Brisbane is somewhat lacking in actual seasons that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a tasty Red's Dead West Coast and pretend it's getting colder out. The original brewery at Teneriffe hosts a different food truck nearly every night, keeping things fresh and interesting all week round. Green Beacon took home a top prize at last year's Australian craft beer awards for Champion Medium Brewery in Australia.
26 Helen Street, Teneriffe
THE STAYER: NEWSTEAD BREWING
This might sound a little like a participation award but please, let me explain. Newstead does somewhat live in the shadow of giant neighbour Green Beacon, but that's not to say their beers are of any lesser quality. Just recently, we tried the special addition Brewsvegas sour stout — seriously next-level. These guys know what they're doing. If you like what you sip you can fill a whole growler of fresh beer to go. The menu offers a little more variety than that of Green Beacon and uses top quality ingredients. The brewery is always packed around knock-off time, brimming with post work good vibes. Newstead is here to stay.
85 Doggett St, Newstead
THE NEWCOMER: CATCHMENT BREWING CO.
Full disclosure, I used to work at Catchment. But hear me out. After arriving a little late on an already well established microbrew scene, Catchment Brewing Co had a lot to prove when they started pouring beers just over a year ago — and they hit the ground running. Zero expenses have been spared in putting together this operation. Bartenders are well trained and really know their product, so quality service can be expected. Catchment's secret weapon is their head brewer, Mitchell Pickford, who's young, talented and passionate as they come. It's a small space, so they only brew a couple of beers at a time but that hasn't stopped them from winning awards already. Catchment has a lot going for it. Watch this space.
150 Boundary Street, West End
THE ALL-ROUNDER: BRISBANE BREWING CO.
Brisbane Brewing Co is my local, so I may be biased, but this brewery makes some of the best beer in the city. The brewery is tucked away down a West End alley and is cleverly designed to make the best use of this space. Their brews can simultaneously impress beer snobs who attempt to blindly identify the hops, while also catering to your parents who may just want a beer that tastes like beer. I've never had a bad time at Brisbane Brewing Co, which is saying something, because I am there most days. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and friendly, without any of the arrogance you might have come to expect in brewery bars. The food is fun and innovative, every main comes with a selection of sides or you can split a huge cheese platter with your mates. They also have a happy hour every day which makes this place accessible for folk like myself with craft beer taste on a goon sack budget.
124 Boundary Street, West End
THE CONNOISSEUR CHOICE: ALL INN
All Inn has a great reputation amongst the truest beer nerds. It's a small operation but still manages to consistently churn out some of the best and boldest beers in Brisbane. Their genuine passion for quality beer is what makes this brewery a beer connoisseur's go to. All Inn only opens up to the public from Thursday to Sunday but there is always something fun happening, making it the perfect weekend outing. Trivia reigns on Thursday night, comedy on Friday night, and they book live music on the reg. All Inn mixes it up with a variety of food trucks so you never quite know what you're going to get — but it will go with your freshly brewed beer. These guys know their audience and how to please them.
189 Elliott Road, Banyo
THE CREATIVE TYPE: BACCHUS
Have you ever wanted to try a beer infused with a whole roast chicken? Someone thought it was a good idea and Bacchus made it a reality. Bacchus Brewing Co has made every beer imaginable. Gin and cucumber lager? Check. Snickers flavoured amber? Check. A stout infused with fresh smoked oysters? Check. Last year's Brewsvegas saw a Weetbix stout. I didn't love it, but do applaud their gumption. If you enjoy stepping outside your comfort zone, keep an eye out for Baccus bottled, on tap, or visit the brewery yourself. They brew up to four different beers a week, so you'll be able to try something super fresh, new and exciting whenever you visit. Hot tip: Baccus is actually based in a giant homebrew supply store. They sell everything you need to start your own little operation, and absorbing knowledge of their staff is highly recommended. Name a beer and they'll tell you how to make a clone.
2 Christine Place, Capalaba