What Beer do Aussies Drink? Spoiler: It’s Not Foster’s

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When I fell in love with Kilkenny Cream Ale, I travelled down under the Outback. So, rather than pooling through my picture album, I want to share with you what beer Aussies drink. It’s a question that sparks curiosity far and wide.

Forget the stereotypical images of kangaroos and Foster’s. Australia’s beer scene is far more diverse and intriguing. From the iconic Victoria Bitter to a burgeoning craft beer scene, Aussies enjoy various brews that reflect their laid-back lifestyle and preference for quality. Let’s crack open the lid on Australia’s real beer favourites and explore a world beyond the mainstream.

What Beer do Aussies Drink

When Aussies feel like having a cold, they usually go for the good old Victoria Bitter (VB). It’s not just any beer – it’s an Aussie icon, representing the bold and straightforward Australian character. It’s your Hugh Jackman of the beer scene.

But don’t think that’s all there is to the Aussie beer scene. While VB is still on top, more and more Aussies are looking for something different, which is shaking things up in the beer world.

Craft beers are all the rage in Australia, offering various flavours from super hoppy IPAs to rich, dark stouts. It seems like Aussies are becoming more adventurous and open-minded when it comes to trying new brews. Brands like Coopers, which has a bunch of naturally fermented ales, and Carlton Draught, which gives off that classic pub vibe, have a solid following. But there are plenty of other beers that are getting popular, too. So even though VB is still the king of beers down under, it’s clear that Australian beer drinkers are anything but predictable.

The beer scene in Australia is on fire! There are so many microbreweries and small-batch producers popping up all over the place. These guys use local ingredients and unique brewing methods to create new, exciting flavour profiles that cater to the adventurous Aussie palate. It’s like a beer renaissance, and it’s putting Australia on the global beer map for all the right reasons.

Is Foster’s Australian?

Ok, good call – let’s answer a big question: Is Foster’s beer really Aussie? Foster’s, known for its blue logo and funny ads, is a famous beer from Australia. It started in Melbourne back in 1888, which is pretty old-school! But, honestly, you won’t see it much in local Aussie pubs or at barbies. Even though Foster’s is famous overseas, especially in the UK and US, it’s not very popular in Australia.

Shocked? I’m not surprised, given Foster’s global marketing campaigns paint it as the quintessential Australian beer. But in Australia, the beer scene is dominated by other names. Aussies tend to lean towards beers that resonate more closely with their taste and lifestyle, like the aforementioned VB or the rising popularity of craft beers. Foster’s, in contrast, has become something of an expat, more likely to be found in a London pub than a Sydney surf club.

So, why the disconnection? It’s all about taste and perception. Foster’s is seen as a decent, middle-of-the-road lager. Still, it doesn’t capture the Australian beer drinker’s imagination or palate like other local brews. This contradiction in beer culture illustrates that sometimes what is popular overseas may not always be cherished at home – like Piers Morgan. 

What Do Australians Call Their Beers?

Ever found yourself puzzled at an Australian bar, trying to order a pint and ending up with something entirely unexpected? That’s because, in Australia, what you call your beer can vary wildly from state to state. So, what do Australians call a pint?

In most parts of the world, a pint is a pint—568ml of your favourite brew. But down under, it’s a whole different story. In New South Wales and South Australia, for instance, if you ask for a pint, you’ll get what you asked for. 

But, venture into Victoria or Queensland, and you might want to ask for a “pot” if you’re after a smaller serve, roughly half a pint. Looking for something in between? A “schooner,” which is about 3/4 of a pint, might be your best bet, especially popular in New South Wales and Queensland. 

• Pint: The standard pint, around 568ml, commonly available in New South Wales and South Australia.
• Schooner: Smaller than a pint, about 425ml, popular in New South Wales, Queensland, and other states.
• Pot: Also known as a “middie” in some regions, around 285ml, common in Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania.
• Pony: The smallest standard beer size, about 140ml, available in several states.
• Half-pint: Exactly half of a pint, around 284ml, though not as commonly referred to by this term in Australia.
• Jug: A larger serving of beer, typically 1140ml, intended for sharing, available nationwide.
• Stubby: A small bottle of beer, typically holding 375ml.
• Tinny: A can of beer, usually 375ml, favoured for its portability, ease of cooling, and durability.
• Butcher: A South Australian term for a small glass of beer, slightly larger than a pony, around 200ml.

This regional beer lingo is a quirky aspect of Australia’s rich pub culture, reflecting the diversity and laid-back nature of the country itself. It’s not just about the size; it’s about the experience and the local flavour. Knowing your way around these terms is like a secret handshake among Aussies, a sign that you’re in the know.

And there’s more to Australian beer culture than just the names. Behind every pint, pot, or schooner, there’s a story of local breweries, community gatherings, and the Aussie spirit of having a good yarn over a cold one. 

Summary

So here’s the deal: Aussies love their beers, and they love them diverse! From the classic Victoria Bitter to the ever-expanding craft beer scene, Aussies prove they don’t have a national favourite like the myth that Foster’s is. Sure, Foster’s is Aussie-born, but it’s not the go-to choice locally. The real charm lies in the variety, including the beloved Carlton Draught and Coopers. And here’s something interesting: beer sizes vary by state, so you might hear locals asking for a “pint,” “pot,” or “schooner.” It’s all part of the authentic and vibrant beer culture in Australia. So grab yourself a pot and chow down on your Vegemite sandwich.