Who doesn’t love to throw a cold one back, on a hot day? Craft beer Melbourne style doesn’t get much better, with the city’s breweries at the top of the list for passionate, golden ale aficionados. Ready to fill your pint glass? Here’s a look at the top Melbourne breweries.
Stomping Ground
Help make the world a happier place, at the Stomping Ground. ©Stomping Ground
How does a bubble gum, spice and orange tinged Belgium Whitbier sound? The crew at Stomping Ground want to change the world just a little bit for the better and, with brews like that, they’re obviously succeeding.
Designed after the beer halls of Europe, brew-lovers enjoy a beer garden with a retractable roof, cubby house and a substantial 30 tap bar. It doesn’t stop with the signature beers though, with wine, cider, spirits, cocktails and a delectable food menu to pair with your favourite tipple.
Where: 100 Gipps Street, Collingwood
Website: Stomping Ground
Phone: (03) 9415 1944
Hop Nation Brewing Co.
Try signature brew, ‘The Fiend’ at Hop Nation. ©Hop Nation
With a new public brewery and tap room, Footscray’s Hop Nation Brewing Co. is set to tantalise ale-driven taste buds. Visiting food trucks complete the industrial setup but, here, it’s all about the brew.
Co-owners Sam Harbour and Duncan Gibson share a background in winemaking across the globe. Backyard brewing rivalry led to the partnership and the birth of Hop Nation. The Fiend is what their known for – an IPA-style beer with a crisp palate and all Australian grown hop aroma.
Where: 6/107-109 Whitehall Street, Footscray
Website: Hop Nation Brewing Co.
Email: info@hopnation.com.au
3 Ravens
3 Ravens brews combine traditional methods, natural ingredients and a serious dose of quality. The process scored them two Australian International Beer Awards in 2014 – Champion Australian Small Brewery and Best British Style Ale. Can’t wait to taste it?
Set in a quintessential Melbourne back street, you’ll find the bar, decked out with the animal print and velour furnishings of its predecessor, the Pleasure Palace. The ten tap bar takes centre stage, with unique and flavourful brews. Try American Pale Ale for floral aromatics and Smoke Beer from German malts and Hallertau hops.
Where: 1 Theobald Street, Thornbury
Website: 3 Ravens
Phone: (03) 9495 1026
The Temple Brewing Company
Handcrafted beer brewed with a passion, at Temple Brewing. ©Temple Brewing
Distinctive, handcrafted beer brewed with passion defines a Melbourne brewery tour, at Temple Brewing Company. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice, as the brew house is energy efficient and reclaims waste water, for sustainable use.
A Bronze winner in the English Summer Ale category at the 2015 Australian International Beer Awards, Bicycle Beer is the signature taste. Seven hops create a smooth flavour with citrus and summer fruit overtones. While you’re sampling the brew, indulge in delectable bites, including Char Grilled Brussel Sprouts and Fried Chicken Sanga.
Where: 122 Weston Street, Brunswick East
Website: The Temple Bar Brewing Company
Phone: (03) 9380 8999
The Public Brewery
Make your own brew and have one with mates at The Public Brewery. ©The Public Brewery
What’s every craft beer junkie’s dream? Chances are, its making your own brew. The Public Brewery lets you do just that, with a hands on brewing experience to learn every step of the process. The batches take about three hours to complete, producing five slabs of 330mil bottles. After it completes fermenting, you get to go back for a bottling session.
The microbrewery also offers bottle and retail shops, plus a beer garden for sunny afternoon sessions. On a side note, if you’re really serious about your ale, don’t forget to take your own keg as part of the bottling process, to have it filled with your creation.
Where: 13 Lacey Street, Croydon
Website: The Public Brewery
Phone: (03) 9725 5864
Thunder Road
Beers without borders, at Thunder Road. ©Thunder Road
With a philosophy like ‘Beers without Borders’, you know Thunder Road is going to be a unique experience. Apart from tasting innovative brews, you can visit the haunted Brewers Cottage, to say “hi” to resident ghosts, Mr Burkett and James Duff, making sure to leave a full glass or two as thanks.
Munch on Mexican food from the courtyard Airstream, while you choose from freshly brewed ales on tap .Kick off your Friday’s in style from 4 pm or make it a weekend favourite, from midday.
Where: 130 Barkly Street, Brunswick
Website: Thunder Road
Phone: 1800 831 817
Moon Dog Brewery & Bar
Moon Dog brings pizza, popcorn and brews. ©Moon Dog Brewery
In the heart of gritty, industrial Abbotsford, Moon Dog is a place to let your hair down while trying adventurous brews. The barrels are visible from the bar, there’s free popcorn, a giant projector screen and a pizza van out front.
Started in 2010 by brothers, Josh and Jake Uljans, with friend Karl van Buuren, the establishment has long been known for wacky brew ingredients, a vibe that’s perfect for casual drinks with mates and a knack for ensuring you’re back for more.
Where: 17 Duke Street, Abbotsford
Website: Moon Dog Brewery & Bay
Phone: (03) 9428 2308
