Hop to it! Tasmania’s craft beer trail is calling

Ten years ago, a Tassie brewery itinerary would have been James Boag, Cascade and home. Now there are dozens of craft beer makers dotted around the state, including several open to the public. Organise a designated driver, or just wander around Hobart, and discover the island state’s new breed of beers.

Spoilt for choice in Hobart

Put on your walking shoes to discover some of the best beers in the state all within the crafty capital. Steps from the waterfront, Hobart Brewing Company is a great place to raise a glass, because they do tours, demonstrations and tastings, which could easily turn into a session at the bar with live bands and food trucks. There’s southern pride in every brew, including the Harbour Master Ale – their take on a distinctive Tasmanian-style beer made with three Derwent Valley hop varieties.

Other breweries a pleasant stroll away include the T-Bone Brewing Company, whose bar has up to a dozen house beers on tap (try the rich choc-milk stout!), and Shambles. This smart warehouse conversion is pretty handy in the food stakes, including six kinds of burgers, but the beer is next-level, from the Afternoon Delight summer ale to the Barry White, a robust porter perfect for wintertime sipping. There are more options a short taxi or Uber ride away, like Fox Friday, Last Rites and the Moo Brew ‘brewery door’ at the Museum of Old and New Art. Part of the David Walsh empire, the actual Moo brewery is just up the road and offers Friday afternoon tours.

Bruny Island

Bruny Island Cheese Co, one of many tasty boutique businesses on this beautiful island just south of Hobart, branched out into brewing in 2016. The Bruny Island Beer Co. follows the same ethos of hands-on processes and natural, local ingredients. There’s nothing more local than their whey stout, created with what’s normally a wasted cheese-making by-product. Other brews include the ‘dark pale ale’, cleverly dubbed the Oxymoron.

In and around Launceston

Taverner’s Boutique Brewery does beer a little differently. It’s made according to traditional methods, with second fermentation in the bottle, but with a hint of honey. Part of the Australian Honey Products group of brands, the brewery makes three ales and a porter, all available at the Australian Honey Showroom in Launceston. Less than an hour’s drive north-east is Little Rivers Brewing Co. Visit their ‘brewery door’ and bar, where agonising between brews like the Dorset Lager and Dam Busters Session IPA is easily solved with their five-beer tasting paddle.

Head home via Railton

Less than 30 minutes’ drive from Spirit of Tasmania’s Devonport departure point, Seven Sheds is a must if there’s space in the boot for one more box of beer before boarding. Or just pop into the tasting room and ponder what you’ll leave space for next time. Their brews, including the Paradise pale ale and summer’s Kentish Cherry Saison, are made from hops grown on-site and other local ingredients, from oats to fruit. Book ahead for a tour.

Discover more brews and news at The Tasmanian Beer Trail website.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.