It’s never been easier or more delicious to support your local West Australian craft brewer.
Since last writing this article this time last year (Drink Local This #WADay), WA has even more craft brewers – Boston Brewing, Black Brewing and the Margaret River Brewhouse to name a few and there are more coming. Meanwhile the pioneers of WA craft beer like Little Creatures, Bootleg Brewery, Nail Brewing and Cowaramup Brewing are still going strong.
Selecting five WA beers for this list is a kind of crazy task, like picking just five songs to listen to or only five cheeses when we all know there’s just so much out there. But I’d like to think I’m up to the task so here’s five great local beers to celebrate WA Day with.
Colonial Small Ale – Colonial Brewing Co, Margaret River
3.5 % ABV | Session Ale
If you’re wondering why this first beer sounds familiar that’s because it was in my list last year. When it comes to beers that won’t knock you on your ass but still give your palate plenty to work with, Colonial Small Ale fits the bill every damn time.
You can enjoy Colonial Small Ale on tap at The Gate Bar and Bistro, Cockburn; The Sail & Anchor and Bathers Beach House, Fremantle and at Colonial Brewery in Margaret River.
375ml cans at Mane Liquor for $20 per 6pk and $68 per case of 24.
Eagle Bay Kolsch by Eagle Bay Brewing, Eagle Bay
4.7% ABV | Kolsch
There are some beers that you come back to time and time again and this is certainly one of them. Have this at your WA Day BBQ and you might be responsible for converting a few friends over to craft beer. Kolsch is easy drinking with bright, zesty yet delicate citrus flavours and paired with a chunk of chevre, it’s beer and cheese heaven.
330ml bottles at Mane Liquor for $20 per 6pk and $70 per case of 24.
Feral Karma Citra by Feral Brewing, Swan Valley
5.8% ABV | Black India Ale
Just because winter hits doesn’t mean you should give up your hops and this black india ale showcases what happens when dark malts dance with fresh hops. Dark chocolate and tropical fruits in silky harmony resulting in a delightful dark drop.
You can enjoy Feral Karma Citra on tap at The Balmoral Hotel, Victoria Park; Alabama Song, Northbridge and Old Faithful in Perth CBD.
330ml bottles at Mane Liquor for $15 per 4pk and $55 per cube of 16.
Cheeky Monkey Traveling Monk Session Red Ale by Cheeky Monkey Brewery & Cidery, Margaret River
3.5% ABV | Session Ale
Until recently this beer could only be enjoyed at the source and whilst we would all love to be able to get down to Margaret River every weekend it just doesn’t happen. Luckily the crew at Cheeky Monkey have recently released this beer in a can. Not just a regular can either, a big 500ml one. Take the hoppy and biscuity elements of a red ale and throw in a reduced ABV and it means you don’t have to stop at only one big can.
You can enjoy Cheeky Monkey Traveling Monk Session Red Ale on tap at Bathers Beach House, Fremantle and The Common, Margaret River
500ml cans at Mane Liquor for $19 per 4pk and $70 per cube of 16.
Mash Copy Cat AIPA by Mash Brewing, Swan Valley
6.8% ABV | American India Pale Ale
When you put a jungle cat on your beer label the juice inside better pack a punch and Copy Cat AIPA sure does. If you like your beers screaming of piney and fruity hops then this beer is a top choice. Multiple award winning, always juicy and delicious and quite simply a fantastic IPA.
You can enjoy Mash Copy Cat AIPA on tap at The Left Bank, Fremantle and Belgian Beer Cafe, Perth.
330ml bottles at Mane Liquor for $18 per 4pk and $67 per cube of 16.
About Author – girl+beer
I’ve spent the better part of 10+ years either pouring beers as a bartender/manager or selling beer as a rep and, of course, enjoying many beers along the way. I started girl+beer as a way of continuing my beer journey with the hopes of sharing it with a few people too. Four years later and the journey is still amazing and tasty.
