Sydney’s Craft Breweries

By Ben Stephens.

When you have the choice between a local, inner city crafted beverage or a larger, colossal sized operation’s thirst-quencher, it’s hard to make the right choice. Maybe there isn’t a right choice, though one has more flavour and love while the other tastes like cardboard juice made by a parsnip… just my personal opinion. Luckily, within the confines of the Sydney area there are a large number of brew houses and distilleries that impart a local love into their products. Pale ales, lagers to vodka and gin, Sydney has a little scene that is producing some splendid swills. After visiting some of our friends, here is a little bearing in the brewery/distillery scene in Sydney.

4 Pines Brewing Co

Born and bred on the North Shore, Four Pines takes its name from the pines that were taken down during World War II to make way for machine gun emplacements. Today the name produces a range of six pints ranging from stout to pale ale and a refreshing kolsch. The Manly Brew House is just across from the ferry terminal on the Southside of Manly. When you get in, grab a tasting paddle and figure out the one that makes you feel all warm inside, then stick with it… or don’t, it’s your choice. Note – the alcoholic ginger beer might be the most refreshing beverage you’ll ever try. Delicious.

Archie Rose

Pretty much the newest kids on the block, Archie Rose is currently producing Vodka, Gin and White Rye and also holds the title of the first independent distillery in Sydney in over 160 years. So much hard work has gone into the making of Archie, just check out the bar at the distillery to see the blood, sweat and tears in action. The team in the distillery can also handcraft you your own small batch or produce an entire line – have a chat with the crew if that is your type of thing.

Young Henrys

The boys from Newtown started a little brew that they thought the local community would enjoy. It turned out that the entire City of Sydney fell in love with their flavour, so they busted down a couple of warehouse walls and built a sizeable brewery, just off Enmore Road. The Henrys’ team have been able to secure themselves a spot at most festivals around Sydney. From a traditional ale to a delicious lager, throw in a cheeky cider and round things out with the classic Newtowner, the Young Henrys’ crew will have you lapping up the good stuff, time and time again.

Batch Brewing Co.

Two American lads open up a small, no frills brew house in Sydenham, then it takes off and their beer becomes a cult classic. These guys have a long list of beers on offer and check out their website to see a list of what is currently fermenting in the warehouse. If you can’t make it to the brewery door, not to worry, they supply the vast majority of the Inner West with their tipple, so you’ll never be far from a bottle of Batch. From Superbowl parties to Bacon and Brew workshops, you’ll soon begin to fall for the for the American flavour.

Header image: Young Henrys

Social image: Archie Rose