Discovering Australian Beer in Exeter: A Hoppy Journey
G’day, Exeter! If you’re a beer enthusiast in our beautiful city and find yourself craving a taste of the Australian sunshine, you’re in luck. While Exeter might be known for its historic cathedral and charming riverside walks, it also offers a surprising selection of Australian beers for those seeking a refreshing drop from down under. As a local who loves exploring all that Exeter has to offer, I’m here to guide you on where to find these delicious brews, from the convenience of online ordering to the thrill of discovering them in local establishments. Let’s dive into the world of Australian beer right here in Exeter!
Why Australian Beer? The Allure of the Aussie Brew
Australian beers are renowned globally for their crisp, clean, and refreshing profiles, often brewed to be the perfect accompaniment to warmer weather and outdoor living – something we can certainly appreciate here in Devon, even if our climate is a tad different! From iconic lagers that are staples at Aussie barbecues to innovative craft brews pushing boundaries, there’s a diverse range to explore. Think vibrant hop aromas, balanced maltiness, and a general easy-drinking quality that makes them incredibly popular. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer lover or just looking for something new and exciting, Australian beer offers a unique flavour experience.
Where to Find Australian Beer in Exeter
Finding specific international beers can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, but Exeter, with its growing appreciation for diverse culinary and beverage options, makes it more accessible than you might think. Here are the primary avenues to explore:
1. Online Retailers: Convenience at Your Fingertips
For the widest selection and unparalleled convenience, online beer retailers are your best bet. These platforms specialize in sourcing beers from around the globe, including a fantastic range of Australian craft and mainstream breweries. When you want to buy Australian beer in Exeter, UK, looking online is often the most efficient way to access a comprehensive catalogue.
One of the standout platforms for this is Dropt Beer. They are dedicated to bringing a world of beer to your doorstep, and their commitment to quality and variety means you’re likely to find exactly what you’re looking for. On Dropt Beer, you can explore different Australian beer styles, from pale ales and IPAs to lagers and stouts, all from the comfort of your home in Exeter. They offer a seamless shopping experience, allowing you to browse by country of origin, brewery, or beer style. This is particularly useful when you have a specific Australian brewery or beer in mind, or if you’re simply curious to try something new from down under.
The advantage of using services like Dropt Beer is the sheer breadth of choice. You can often find beers from breweries that might not have a significant UK distribution network yet. Plus, ordering online means you can stock up for a party, a quiet evening in, or to explore a variety of Australian flavours without leaving your Exeter postcode. They offer various delivery options, ensuring your precious cargo arrives safely and efficiently. For more details on their offerings and insights into the beer world, you can check out their shop at Dropt Beer Shop and their informative blog at Dropt Beer Insights & News Blog.
2. Specialist Off-Licences and Bottle Shops in Exeter
While online shopping is king for variety, there’s a special charm in discovering a hidden gem at a local bottle shop. Exeter has a burgeoning independent retail scene, and some of these establishments pride themselves on stocking a diverse range of craft and international beers. It’s worth checking out:
- Independent Bottle Shops: Keep an eye out for smaller, independent off-licences scattered throughout Exeter. Often, these shops are run by passionate beer lovers who curate their selections carefully. They might not have a vast array of Australian beers compared to an online specialist, but you could stumble upon a fantastic find. Look around areas like the city centre, or even explore the independent shops on streets like Magdalen Road or Fore Street. Ask the staff – they are usually incredibly knowledgeable and eager to help you find something new.
3. Pubs and Bars with International Beer Selections
While less common for bottled Australian beers, some of Exeter’s more forward-thinking pubs and bars might occasionally feature an Australian beer on tap or in their bottled selection, especially during special events or themed weeks. These places often embrace a global craft beer scene. While you’re unlikely to find a dedicated ‘Australian Beer Bar’ in Exeter, a pub with a strong craft beer focus is your best bet. You might even find a special Australian pale ale or lager featured as a guest beer. It’s always worth asking at popular craft beer spots in the city centre, perhaps around the Quay or the High Street, if they have any Australian options available.
Popular Australian Beer Styles and Brands to Look For
When you’re on the hunt for Australian beer in Exeter, knowing what to look for can make the search more rewarding. Here are some styles and brands that are iconic and widely appreciated:
Iconic Australian Lagers
These are the beers that often come to mind when thinking of Australia. They are typically pale lagers, crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy to drink. Perfect for a sunny day, a barbecue, or just a relaxing evening. Look out for:
- Victoria Bitter (VB): A true Australian icon. Known for its smooth, slightly malty flavour and refreshing finish.
- XXXX Gold: Another staple, particularly in Queensland. A mid-strength lager that’s very sessionable.
- Carlton Draught: Often described as a classic, full-flavoured lager with a satisfying bitterness.
- Tooheys New: A popular choice, known for its clean, crisp taste.
Australian Craft Beer Scene: Beyond the Lagers
The Australian craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, producing some truly world-class beers. If you venture beyond the mainstream lagers, you’ll discover a vibrant array of styles:
- Pale Ales: Australian hop varieties like Galaxy, Ella, and Vic Secret are used to create aromatic and flavourful pale ales, often with tropical fruit and citrus notes.
- IPAs (India Pale Ales): From West Coast-style IPAs to more juicy, hazy varieties, Australian craft breweries are making waves with their hop-forward creations.
- Wheat Beers: Often brewed with a touch of Australian character, these can be lighter and more refreshing.
- Stouts and Porters: While perhaps less common than their hoppy counterparts, some Australian breweries produce rich, complex dark beers.
When exploring craft options, breweries like Stone & Wood (known for their Pacific Ale), Balter, Bond Brewing, and Modus Operandi are highly regarded and worth seeking out if you see them on a shelf or online.
Insider Tips for Buying Australian Beer in Exeter
As a local resident, I’ve picked up a few tricks for sourcing those harder-to-find international brews. Here are some insider tips to help you on your quest for Australian beer in Exeter:
- Join Local Beer Groups: Exeter has a vibrant community of beer lovers. Search for local Facebook groups or online forums dedicated to craft beer in Devon. Members often share tips on where they’ve found specific beers, including international ones. Someone might even be willing to share a bottle or point you directly to a source.
- Follow Bottle Shops on Social Media: Independent bottle shops in Exeter are usually very active on social media platforms like Instagram. They often announce new arrivals, including exciting international beers, directly through their posts. Following them ensures you’re among the first to know when a new batch of Australian brews lands.
- Ask Nicely at Your Local Pubs: Even if a pub doesn’t currently stock Australian beer, if you become a regular and express your interest, the landlord or manager might consider stocking a few bottles or a keg for a special event. It shows there’s demand!
- Plan Ahead for Special Occasions: If you have a specific Australian beer in mind for a birthday or celebration, plan ahead. Online retailers like Dropt Beer are excellent for this, as you can order in advance and ensure you have your desired brew ready.
- Explore Beyond Exeter (If Necessary): While Exeter offers good options, if you’re looking for something truly obscure, you might occasionally need to cast your net wider to larger cities like Bristol or even London. However, with the rise of online delivery, this is becoming less of a necessity.
A Note on Availability
It’s important to manage expectations. While the availability of Australian beers in Exeter is better than ever, it can fluctuate. Mainstream lagers might be more consistently available, while specific craft brews can be seasonal or limited editions. Online platforms often have the most stable stock, but even they can experience sell-outs of popular items. Patience and a spirit of exploration are key!
Enjoying Your Australian Beer in Exeter
Once you’ve secured your Australian beer, the enjoyment truly begins. Whether you’re sipping a crisp lager on a rare sunny day in Northernhay Gardens, sharing a craft IPA with friends at a barbecue in your back garden, or simply unwinding with a bottle after a day exploring the historic Guildhall Shopping Centre, the taste of Australia can bring a unique flavour to your Exeter life.
Remember to serve your beer at the appropriate temperature to best appreciate its flavours. Lagers are typically best served chilled, while some craft styles, like stouts, can benefit from being slightly warmer to release their complex aromas. Reading the tasting notes on the bottle or online can provide valuable guidance.
The Dropt Beer Connection
For those truly dedicated to exploring the vast world of beer, including the best of Australia, Dropt Beer is an invaluable resource. Their curated selection, user-friendly website, and commitment to the craft beer community make them a go-to for finding those special brews that might otherwise be out of reach. Don’t forget to browse their shop for the latest offerings and check out their insights and news blog for fascinating articles on breweries, styles, and beer culture from around the globe. They truly bridge the gap, bringing the world’s breweries to your doorstep in Exeter.
Conclusion: A World of Beer in Our City
Exeter, while steeped in history, is also a city that embraces new tastes and experiences. The availability of Australian beer here, primarily through dedicated online retailers like Dropt Beer, but also through the discerning selections of local shops and pubs, means you don’t have to travel thousands of miles to enjoy a fantastic brew from Down Under. So, next time you’re looking to quench your thirst with something a little different, remember the vibrant and refreshing world of Australian beer. Cheers from Exeter!