A beer book for Australia, with some interesting facts and some breweries you can still visit.
| Author: | Willie Simpson |
| Publisher: | Explore Australia Publishing. 2009 |
| ISBN: | 9781741172942 |
| Characteristics: | 188 pages, hardcover; 19.7 x 1.5 x 25.1 cm. |
| Source: | |
| Date Read: | 20-Aug-2026 |
The book opens with some interesting information about how beer evolved, how it’s made and the different varieties available throughout the world. But it’s a shallow look, and the book quickly moves on to showcase the mainly small breweries that you can visit throughout Australia.
Here the book shows its age, although an updated edition was released in 2011 and there has been nothing since. Many of the breweries showcased have gone; especially noticeable in NSW. The other states have done better including Victoria which has many small breweries.
Now when you are travelling, it’s easier to Google breweries and there’s a good chance you will find somewhere nice for a meal that’s not too much of a drive. Food is what most of them do and it’s probably a significant part of their revenue. The onset of online search probably killed the author’s interest in doing new editions.
It’s a large book but a quick read, as learning about the venues isn’t useful if they are far away or permanently closed.
Further Information
Willie Simpson, the author
Widely regarded as Australia’s foremost beer writer, Willie Simpson has been commenting on the amber nectar for more than twenty years. His writing appears regularly in Good Living (Sydney Morning Herald), Epicure (The Age) and Qantas’ The Australian Way magazine, and he is the author of Amber & Black (New Holland Publishing, 2001), The Beer Bible (Fairfax Publishing, 2006), and Home Brew (Penguin, 2007). In May 2008 he joined the craft-brewing ranks with the opening of Seven Sheds brewery, Meadery and hop garden, based at his north-west Tasmanian property.
The Breweries
This list is no doubt going to change over time. Many of the websites are beautiful works of graphic design, spoilt somewhat by the silly age verification which would prevent no one under aged entering. It’s probably due to some stupid government rule that achieves nothing and just annoys people.
2 Brothers Brewery | Award-Winning Craft BeerIt all began with two Melbourne-born brothers — Andrew and Dave Ong — who found themselves living on opposite sides of America. Andrew was an aeronautical engineer in Seattle, while Dave worked as a physiotherapist in New York. Despite the distance, they shared a love of catching up over a good beer. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:58 pm |
3 Ravens Brewery and BarWe’re not a 'normal' craft brewery. TRULY independent and proudly grassroots, we’ve been making great beer our way since 2003. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:59 pm |
4 Pines Brewing Co – We Make Good Beers That Give Back | 4 Pines Beer4 Pines was born following a post-surf chat between father and son. This was back in ’06. A whole lot has happened since we first opened our microbrewery in Manly, but some things will never change, we continue to make quality, award-winning beers that we want to drink and that our mates are proud of, & our commitment to using business as a force for good is as strong today as it was in the beginning, we’re on a continuous journey to Brew Better, considering our people, our planet & our community. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:15 pm |
Asahi Beverages: Where everyone’s favourite drinks unite – Asahi BeveragesWith a shared passion for great drinks, good times and incredible people, our leadership team brings together a diverse mix of perspectives. Driving our business forward to achieve ambitious goals. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:03 pm |
Bluetongue BreweryBluetongue Brewery was an Australian brewery owned by SABMiller. The brewery had a capacity of 100 million litres per annum, and supplied beer to all Australian states. On 23 January 2014, it was announced that Bluetongue would be phased out and discontinued as a brand. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:15 pm |
Bridge Road BrewersThe Bridge Road story begins in the year 2000 when young Beechworth native Ben Kraus, packed his bags for Europe to learn more about the world and the art of making wine. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:10 pm |
CASCADE BREWERY CO – CASCADE BREWERY BAR – CASCADE BREWERY COA reference to Cascade Brewery in the book. Viewed: August 22, 2025 10:18 am |
Castlemaine PerkinsCastlemaine Perkins is a brewery at 185 Milton Road, Milton, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is a wholly owned entity of the Japanese-controlled Lion company. Operations began in 1878 and continue today. Castlemaine Perkins is the home of the XXXX beer brand. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:48 pm |
Coopers BreweryWe craft great beers and other natural products from our malted barley to be enjoyed the world over. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:57 pm |
Duckstein Brewery | Swan Valley Brewery and restaurant (08) 9296 0620Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:53 pm |
Feral – Assume This Beer to Be WildOur story begins in 2002. Feral’s founders saw the future in the outer scrublands of Perth. A hog, feral and wild. Where others would have just seen a hog tearing at an abandoned couch, they saw a hog tearing at the fabric of possibility! In their laboratory (now the Feral Centre for Advanced Research and Sciences), they poked and tinkered and experimented and spliced the creature, noting its fantastical capacity for containing everything poured into it. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:52 pm |
Flying Horse WarrnamboolViewed: August 21, 2026 5:09 pm |
Gage Roads Brew CoViewed: August 21, 2026 4:51 pm |
Holgate BrewhouseProudly at the forefront of Australia’s craft brewing movement for 20 years, Holgate Brewhouse is 100% independent and has fostered innovation and creativity in traditionally crafted beers since 1999. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:04 pm |
Home – Bright Brewery | MountainCrafted Beer | BrightBright Brewery was born in 2005 from a love of great beer, the vibrant town of Bright, and the adventurous spirit of Victoria’s High Country. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:09 pm |
Home Page | FostersWilliam and Ralph Foster created Foster's in 1887. They were so dedicated to delivering Foster's the way it should be enjoyed, they even sold it with ice to keep Australia's warm environment at bay. More than 120 years later, the bold, refreshing taste of Foster's is available in more than 150 countries, making it the largest-selling Australian beer brand in the world. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:06 pm |
Homepage – Tooheys Brewery AustraliaBack when Lillee was taking wickets, and Border was smashing sixes, we began celebrating the feeling that our beers inspired. Our beer went hand-in-hand with the optimism and success of the 1980s. And even though that’s when ‘How Do You Feel?’ was first coined, it was tapping into something our beers have always done. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:11 pm |
Jamieson BreweryThe Jamieson Brewery has sat on the banks of the famous Goulburn river for over half a century. Being one of the first micro breweries in Victoria it has held a reputation for high quality ales and hospitable country charm. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:04 pm |
Knappstein WinesLocated in an historic building in the heart of the Clare Valley, our Cellar Door is a must-see when you visit Clare. The original nineteenth century Enterprise Brewery is a National Trust building and a landmark of the Clare township. Wander inside and enjoy a tasting of our premium range of wines. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:55 pm |
Little CreaturesViewed: August 21, 2026 4:53 pm |
Mash Brewing Swan Valley | Award-Winning BreweryFor twenty years, Mash has been a cornerstone of the community, pouring an exquisite selection of craft beer and serving up delightful dishes in the heart of the Swan Valley. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:50 pm |
Matso’s | Australia’s Original Alcoholic Ginger BeerBeing the most remote brewery in Australia is certainly a challenge at times, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Matso’s has always been a little different, but we’re proud of that. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:50 pm |
Mildura Brewery Pub – Great Beers, Great FoodHoused in what used to be the Astor Theatre, this unique art deco building pays homage to its former theatre days and now operates once again, brewing and showcasing craft beer. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:02 pm |
Mountain Goat Beer | Always Up To SomethingOur brewery home in Richmond is where it all happens. Join us for a beer and a pizza, and see where all the magic happens. You can also visit our new brewpub in Newtown, where we have all your favourites on tap along with some Sydney exclusives. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:01 pm |
Nail BrewingNail Brewing is handcrafted. It always has been – from our humble beginnings in 1994 with a home brew kit to a 50-hectoliter brewhouse where Nail is brewed today. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:49 pm |
Otway Estate – Brewery, Distillery, Cidery – TastingsOur handcrafted, natural brewing and distilling processes begin in the Otways, where we use pure rainwater from the lush rainforests. We believe that leaving a sustainable, responsible footprint on our environment is as essential to what we do as providing you with beverages that you can enjoy in any situation. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:01 pm |
Red Duck Beer BallaratEstablished in 2005 by the dynamic duo of Scott and Vanessa Wilson-Browne on the scenic shores of Lake Purrumbete, Red Duck Brewery was born out of a mission to bring back choice and quality to beer enthusiasts across Australia. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:00 pm |
Red Hill BreweryKaren and David Golding established the brewery in 2005, it was born out of a passion for amazing full flavoured brews enjoyed overseas, a love all things foodie and the lifestyle that the wonderful Mornington Peninsula offers. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:59 pm |
South Australian Brewing CompanyThe South Australian Brewing Company, Limited was a brewery located in Thebarton, an inner-west suburb of Adelaide, South Australia. It is a subsidiary of Lion, which in turn is owned by Kirin, a Japan-based beverage company. It manufactures West End Draught beer. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:55 pm |
Stone and WoodIn 2008, three friends from the beer business got together and decided to build a brewery that did things a little differently. Inspired by the idea of creating a village brewery, being a business with conscious has been our focus since Day One. Viewed: August 21, 2026 5:14 pm |
Swan BreweryThe brewery was established in 1857 by Frederick Sherwood[1][2] at the foot of what is now Sherwood Court in Perth. The brewery was named for the black swans that Sherwood had seen on the river. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:49 pm |
The Steam Exchange Brewery – High Quality Hand Crafted Beer South Australian MicrobreweryWelcome to The Steam Exchange Brewery where you can taste high quality hand crafted beer in a historic and picturesque setting. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:54 pm |
White Rabbit – Welcome to White RabbitWhite Rabbit are dreamers, inventors and revolutionaries. We’re playful, inventive and full of questions. And those questions have led us down some pretty interesting paths, each more delicious than the last. Viewed: August 21, 2026 4:58 pm |
Featured Image: Ana Iherina
