Canberra’s microbrewery scene is about more than the lager – it’s about appreciating the creative process, drawing on local produce, and finding the best match for scrumptious meals.

MICROBREWERY AND LOCAL HANGOUT

Lovers of craft beer are flocking to Canberra’s BentSpoke Brewing Co. in Braddon. It is the brainchild of Canberrans Richard Watkins, one of Australia’s most respected and awarded brewers, and Tracy Margrain. 

The brewery consistently collects accolades, with their Crankshaft IPA being voted the most popular beer of its style in the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers poll, as well as medals at the most prestigious beer awards ceremonies in the world.

BentSpoke offers almost 20 different varieties of beer and cider all brewed on premises, including hand pumped ales, barrel conditioned sours, lagers, seasonal one-off batches, and Belgian styles.

The variety of brews with names such as the Barley Griffin, Mort’s Gold and Braddon Bitter pay homage to Canberra identities and landmarks. Handcrushed cider using apples from nearby popular apple growing region, Batlow, is another speciality of BentSpoke.

The brewery is on full-display so you can watch the head brewer hard at work on the next batch of beer while sampling the latest brew, while the tasty menu consists of pub food using regional produce and ingredients from the brewing process.

People on a tour of Bentspoke Brewing Co. in Braddon, Canberra.
Take a tour of the Bentspoke Brewing Co.’s impressive microbrewery

CAPITAL BREWING CO.

A group of mates who enjoy craft beer, surfing and good vibes now run the popular Capital Brewing Co in the Dairy Flat Road area in Fyshwick.

The brewery complete with a large Tap Room, outdoor area that welcomes both kids and dogs (including an alcohol-free beer for four-legged friends) and the ever-popular onsite Brodburger van dishing up amazing burgers make this most recent addition to Canberra’s craft brew scene a winner. It’s close by the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, making it a popular spot for cyclists.

Capital Brewing has won six medals at the Australian International Beer Awards and on weekends runs tours twice a day (cost applies).

Capital Brewing Co
Capital Brewing Co

German-inspired brews

Continue your Canberra craft beer journey by visiting Zierholz Brewery at Kembla Street in Fyshwick. Since 2005, brewer Christoph Zierholz has been brewing German-inspired beers with a Canberra twist. Sample a bitter, dry Pils or a smooth, rich flavoured ale.

You can also enjoy an outstanding German-inspired menu and take in the view of the brewery. Zierholz is also served on tap at many of Canberra's best restaurants and bars.

The traditional Canberra tavern

Be sure to visit Canberra's legendary Wig and Pen Tavern and Brewery on the ground floor of Llewellyn Hall on the Australian National University campus.

Founded in 1993 by microbiologist Lachie McOmish, this institution has been a stalwart of all things wort when it comes to Canberra brewing.

Brewing 16 different varieties of beer, the vibe is ‘English pub’ with a menu of seasonal, annual and special brews plus traditional pub food.

People enjoying local craft beer at Canberra pub, Wig and Pen Tavern and Brewery.
Settle in for some local ales and traditional pub food at Wig and Pen Tavern and Brewery

Local brewers

Also keep an eye out for local brews from Pact Beer Co., available in many fine local bars and restaurants across Canberra. Local bottle shops and liquor stores also sell their native brews to take home to enjoy. 

Local beers on tap in Canberra
Many Canberra brews can be found at local bars and restaurants across the city

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