Overview
Life in 2015 might not mean flying cars or anything else movies have promised us, but it does mean that we're all busy people. There's just so much to do and see and look at and choose from. But hardworking folks still like to relax with a drink in their hand, even if they don't have time to visit a bottle-o, and even if they are spoiled for choice.
That's where life in 2015 does deliver, several times over: in online shops that offer a stellar range of craft beers, and then bring them to your door. Check out these five servicing Brisbane, and never complain about being too busy to stock the fridge — or not knowing what you want to drink — again.
HOPS & CRAFT
If you love craft beer, you're going to love Hops & Craft. They describe themselves as a home for craft lovers, and browsing their website, it's hard not to agree. Their online service and deliveries cover over 45 Australian brewers, ensuring that there's always something new and different to choose from, including bottles you won't find in most stores. Those in need of a little more surprise in their lives can sign up for the Love of Craft mystery dozen and reap the unknown rewards, or commit to a monthly subscription to sample the latest and greatest craft finds all year round.
BEER BUD
Sometimes you're feeling adventurous and want to taste a tipple you've never heard of before. Sometimes you're leaning more in the direction of an old favourite. Living up to the adage that variety is the spice of life, Beer Bud offers both, catering for the exploratory and comfortable palates alike. Their Critics' Choice mixed case is a particularly great starting point for anyone wanting to bridge both worlds, but be warned — once you start diving into their lengthy list of ales — including Feral Brewing Co, Kaiju! and Noisy Minor — you might not want to stop. We won't say we told you so, we promise.
BACCHUS BREWING CO
Looking for something local? And for something a little bit different? Well, look no further, thanks to Bacchus Brewing Co, a microbrewery operating out of Capalaba. Their physical operation is set up in the middle of a home brew store, as is their online shop, which gives you an indication of the product on offer: experimental, creative beers made with passion and flowing through one of their 27 in-house taps. At the time of writing, that includes such appetising sounding brews such as Sex Drugs & Rocky Road and Snickers Amber Ale, the more festive Pumpkin Pie Porter and Holy Moly Christmas Ale, plus the award-winning White Chocolate & Raspberry Pilsner. Yum.
THE WINE EMPORIUM
Don't be fooled by the name, as easy as that may prove. The Wine Emporium may shout its specialty in its title, but that doesn't mean it doesn't perform in other areas, too. The range of beer available to order online is nothing to sneeze at, offering more than 100 different options at the click of the button — and not just the usual suspects. The imported range is really something; however, the store's access to the tasty concoctions from local Brisbane microbreweries such as Green Beacon and Newstead is what'll keep you coming back to their website.
LIQUORUN
Okay, okay, it isn't strictly a shop — but it does allow you to browse from a decent selection of booze, and then delivers it to your door within 30 to 60 minutes. When you're after something in a hurry, Liquorun is a service that can't be beaten, with a lineup comparable to what you'd see at your local store. The trade-off comes in depth of range, courtesy of a focus on the bigger names in the industry; however, that's a price we'll willingly pay for such speedy turnaround times. Where else can you get your favourite brewski promptly transported from the shelf to your hand without leaving home? Now, that's what we call convenience.