Brisbane's climate means a cold, refreshing beer is a favourite, especially during summer. So how about this summer you expand your repertoire and try a brand new beer? The imported and premium Australian varieties offer flavours and colours you just won't get from standard brews.
Staropramen - Czech Republic
Rich gold colour, fragrant and aromatic but with a thirst quenching, bitter finish (the Czechs call this "RIZ", which translates as "just right")
Weihenstephaner Kristall - Germany
This wheat beer from the oldest brewery in the world is the reason beer was invented. Flavoursome, effervescent, refreshing. Perfect with beer-battered fish and chips. Great on its own for that matter.
Singha Lager - Thailand
Pale gold, slightly hoppy and grassy aromas, this is a great value, oft over-looked, import. Drink it really cold and with spicy dishes.
Monteiths Golden Lager - New Zealand
Slightly darker than mainstream lagers, this beer has refreshing fruity aromas and lovely malty, nutty flavours. Sounds a bit full on, but you can drink more than one in the blink of an eye.
Hoegaarden - Belgium
The classic example of witbieren (white, or wheat beer) with its fantastic aromas of coriander and orange peel, Hoegaarden is loved by beer lovers and drunk by everyone else.
Coopers Sparkling Ale - Australia
Australia's best Ale? This beer might just be. Cloudy and deep gold in colour, with perfectly balanced malt, hops and fruit characters, you don't even notice the big alcohol content. Not at first that is.....
James Squire Porter Ale - Australia
Yes winter is over, but that doesn't mean you should stop drinking dark beer. Not this one anyway. Roasted coffee, rum, cashew nuts. They're all in here. Delicious.
Knappstein Reserve Lager - Australia
Golden straw on the eye, tropical fruits on the nose, honeyed malt on the tongue. And great with BBQ seafood.
Red Angus Pilsener - Australia
Five different malts and three hop varieties go into this Bohemian style pilsener, giving it the flavour and finish of one of the most "session-able" pilseners around.
Little Creatures Pale Ale - Australia
To get maximum enjoyment from this beer, pour it into a glass. See the golden cloudy-ness. Smell the citrus hoppy-ness. Then taste the tasty beery-ness!
This list was compiled by the experts at Chalk & Cheese bottleshops. You'll find them, and the beer, at West End, Auchenflower and Teneriffe.
