Five Up-and-Coming NSW Breweries You Should Know and Support Right Now
Discover these top independent brews made in your own backyard — and vote for your favourite to be stocked in more BWS stores across the state.
Five Up-and-Coming NSW Breweries You Should Know and Support Right Now
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Discover these top independent brews made in your own backyard — and vote for your favourite to be stocked in more BWS stores across the state.
The beer world is filled with big names, heavy hitters and brands that you'll find almost anywhere around the globe. They're all well and good (and tasty), and everyone has heard of them. But, whether you're having a cold one after work or throwing back a few tins on a weekend, there's nothing quite like supporting a top-notch local brew.
Perhaps it's the fact that the beer you're enjoying was made so close to home. Maybe it's the feeling of knowing that you're showing some love to folks in your own community. We think it's both, actually — because sipping and celebrating a top homegrown brew is one of life's small but still significant pleasures.
As everyone across the state is well aware, New South Wales has a healthy beer scene — and we're sure you're knocking back local brews rather often. Still, if you need a few pointers, or you're just keen to support nearby breweries every chance you get, we're here to help. We've teamed up with our pals at BWS to highlight five NSW-based up-and-comers you should add to your must-drink list. And whether you already know and love them, or you're discovering them for the first time, you can also throw some extra support their way by voting for them to be stocked in more BWS stores across the state.
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Like many a great alcohol brand has before it, The Bondi Brewing Co started its life in a humble garage. Originally part of the Ben Buckler Brewery in North Bondi, this beer began as a labour of love, too. That was a few years back — and, since unveiling its flagship release in 2018, this brewery has kept its focus firmly local. The Bondi Brewing Co only has three regular brews on its roster; when you’re making craft beer in one of the most picturesque places there is, you don’t need too many drinking options to choose from. Bondi’s draught lager has quickly become a favourite, but it also does a nifty IPA and XPA as well if you’d rather an ale.
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Frenchies Bistro and Brewery has only been up and running since 2017. In that time, the Rosebery venue has earned itself quite the reputation, particularly among beer lovers. Founded by Frenchmen Vincent De Soyres and Thomas Cauquil, this craft brew joint unsurprisingly whips up French-style tipples. Yep, it’s all there in the name. Its draught uses French hops, for instance, while its award-winning Astrolabe is a dark ruby-hued bière de garde — which is French for “beer for keeping”. Additive-free, unpasteurised, and brewed and packed in-house, these are expressive, flavoursome beers that you won’t mix up with anyone else’s.
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When it comes to Hawke’s Brewing Co, the answer to the obvious question is yes. This brew does indeed pay tribute to former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who was known for his hefty love of beer (and for drinking it quickly). And, when the late politician agreed to become involved with the brewery, he decided to donate 100 percent of his royalties to environmental charity Landcare Australia. That’s Hawke’s Brewing Co’s story, and it’s a great one. As for the brews, expect easy-drinking craft beers. That’s the case whether you’re keen on a lightly bitter lager, a floral-scented pale ale or the hoppy concoction that is the Hawke’s Underdog.
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In Forster, on New South Wales’ Barrington Coast, sits a regional craft microbrewery and brewhouse. The 1200-litre facility and attached tasting room is home to an aptly named outfit, too — because clearly The Coastal Brewing Company doesn’t want anyone to forget exactly where it is located. You don’t need to drink these beers by the shore, of course. But, if you’re instantly feeling relaxed due to the brand’s beachy moniker, you have a few brews to choose from to keep that coastal sensation flowing. Sours, stouts, IPAs, lagers and wheat beers are all on the company’s lineup, as made locally with all-natural ingredients.
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Apple juice is nice. Delicious, in fact. But sometimes, it tastes better with an edge. Yes, that’s what cider is all about — and at Cedar Creek Cider in the foothills of New South Wales’ southern highlands, both non-alcoholic drinks and the hard stuff are on the menu. Making cider is actually a relatively new development for this fourth-generation orchard; however owner Nathan Silm is able to draw upon his family’s decades of experience in the juice game. The result: a combination of fresh crushed apples and yeast, with no added water, flavours or colours, and with each batch boasting its own specific traits like nature intended.
Support your favourite local brewery by voting in BWS’ Local Luvvas campaign.
Top image: Frenchie’s Bistro and Brewery
