Discovering the Taste of Down Under in the Swiss Capital
G’day, Bern! If you’re a fan of a crisp lager after a long day exploring the Zytglogge or a robust craft ale to pair with a fondue, you might find yourself yearning for a taste of home. As an expat who’s called Bern home for years, I’ve made it my mission to seek out the best of Australian beer right here in Switzerland’s charming capital. While Swiss beers are fantastic, there’s a unique satisfaction in sipping on a familiar brew from Down Under. Whether you’re a seasoned Aussie expat, a curious local, or just looking to broaden your beer horizons, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into where you can find that perfect Australian beer in Bern.
The Quest for Australian Brews: Challenges and Triumphs
Finding specific international beers, especially those from further afield like Australia, can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt in a city like Bern. Switzerland, while progressive, has a strong local beer culture. However, the increasing popularity of craft beers and a growing international community means that more niche products are becoming accessible. The key is knowing where to look and being patient. We’re not talking about the massive, globally distributed brands that might occasionally pop up in larger supermarkets, but the authentic, quality Australian beers that truly represent the diverse brewing scene back home. I’ve spent many evenings and weekends scouring shops, chatting with bar owners, and exploring online options to bring you the most reliable information.
Where to Buy: Your Bern Beer Hotspots
When it comes to procuring Australian beer in Bern, your options, while not overwhelming, are certainly present. It requires a bit of strategic shopping, often combining physical stores with online retailers that deliver to Switzerland.
Specialty Beer Shops: The Aficionados’ Choice
For the most dedicated beer lovers, specialty beer shops are your best bet. These establishments are curated by people who are passionate about beer, and they often import unique and hard-to-find selections. While Bern might not have a dedicated Australian beer store, several general craft beer shops are known for their international offerings.
- Bierwelle: This is often my first stop when I’m looking for something beyond the usual. While their selection is broad and international, they frequently have a rotating stock that includes Australian craft beers. It’s worth checking their current inventory or even asking the knowledgeable staff if they have any Australian gems in their cooler. They are located centrally and are a fantastic resource for any beer enthusiast in Bern.
- Other Local Bottle Shops: Keep an eye out for smaller, independent bottle shops that might be dotted around the city. Sometimes, these hidden gems have a surprisingly diverse range. A quick Google Maps search for “Bierladen Bern” or “Craft Beer Bern” can reveal these spots. Always check their websites or call ahead if you’re on a specific mission for Australian labels.
Online Retailers: The Convenience Factor
For a wider selection and greater certainty, online retailers that ship to Switzerland are invaluable. This is often the most reliable way to find specific Australian breweries or styles. Websites specializing in international craft beers are your best friends here.
- Dropt.beer: This is a fantastic online resource for European craft beer enthusiasts, and they often carry a selection of Australian brews. Their focus on quality and variety means you’re likely to find some exciting options. Browsing their online shop is a pleasure, and they deliver directly to your door in Bern. It’s a great way to discover new breweries or reacquaint yourself with old favorites. You can explore their offerings at dropt.beer.
- Other European Online Beer Stores: Many online beer shops based in the UK, Germany, or other EU countries ship to Switzerland. Be sure to check their shipping policies and costs. These can offer an even broader range of Australian craft beers that might not be available through smaller, local importers.
Supermarkets and Larger Stores: The Occasional Find
While less likely to stock a wide array of Australian craft beers, larger supermarket chains and hypermarkets in Bern might occasionally carry a mainstream Australian lager, especially during promotional periods or if they have an international foods section. Think of brands like Foster’s (though this is more of a globalized brand now than a true representation of Australian craft) or perhaps a popular export from a larger brewery. These are usually found in the beer aisle of bigger stores like Coop or Migros, particularly their larger branches or those in shopping centers like Westside.
What to Look For: Iconic Australian Beer Styles
Australia has a vibrant and diverse beer scene, moving far beyond the pale lagers that once dominated. When you’re hunting for Australian beer, consider exploring these styles:
- Australian Pale Ale (APA): This is a quintessentially Australian style, often featuring a hop-forward profile with citrusy and tropical notes, thanks to the use of local hops. It’s a refreshing and flavorful choice.
- Lager: While the APA is king, Australia also produces excellent lagers, from crisp, clean Pilsners to more robust Vienna Lagers. Many are brewed to be refreshing in the Australian climate.
- IPA (India Pale Ale): Australian craft brewers have embraced the IPA, often creating versions with distinctively fruity and resinous hop characters.
- XPA (Extra Pale Ale): A lighter, more sessionable version of a pale ale, often with bright hop aromas.
- Stouts and Porters: For those who prefer darker beers, Australian breweries are producing some incredibly rich and complex stouts and porters, often with notes of coffee, chocolate, and dark fruit.
When you browse online or in stores, look for breweries like Stone & Wood, Balter, BentSpoke, Gage Roads, or Coopers. These represent a good cross-section of what Australian brewing has to offer.
Pairing Australian Beer with Bernese Delights
Now that you know where to find your Australian beer, let’s talk about enjoying it! Bern offers a fantastic culinary scene, and pairing your chosen brew with local specialties can be a revelation.
- Pairing with Swiss Cheese Fondue: A medium-bodied, slightly hopped Australian Pale Ale can be a surprisingly good counterpoint to the richness of a traditional cheese fondue. The hops can cut through the fat, and the malt backbone complements the cheese. Avoid overly bitter or high-alcohol beers that might clash.
- With Rösti: The humble yet delicious Rösti (grated, fried potatoes) pairs well with crisp lagers. An Australian lager, if you can find one, would be a refreshing accompaniment, cleansing the palate between bites.
- After a Stroll through the Old Town (Altstadt): After exploring Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, perhaps along the Aare river, a refreshing Australian lager or XPA is the perfect way to unwind. Imagine sitting at a riverside café, the sun setting over the Bundeshaus, with a cold Aussie beer in hand.
- With Local Sausages: Many Swiss cities boast excellent local sausage makers. A robust Australian IPA or even a darker ale can stand up well to the flavors of a well-seasoned sausage.
Insider Tips for the Bernese Beer Explorer
As a local, I’ve picked up a few tricks:
- Join Online Beer Groups: Search for Swiss or Bern-based craft beer enthusiast groups on social media platforms. Members often share information about new stock arrivals or hidden gems.
- Talk to Bartenders and Shop Owners: The craft beer community is generally very friendly and knowledgeable. If you’re at a bar with a good beer selection or a specialty shop, strike up a conversation. They might know of other places or even have contacts for importing specific beers.
- Attend Beer Festivals: While less frequent for specific international brews, larger Swiss beer festivals sometimes feature international breweries or importers. Keep an eye on local event listings.
- Check Dropt.beer’s Blog: For insights into the beer world and news on new releases, their blog is a great resource. You might find announcements about new Australian breweries added to their collection. Visit dropt.beer/insights-news-blog/ for updates.
- Plan Ahead for Special Occasions: If you’re looking for a specific Australian beer for a birthday or celebration, don’t leave it to the last minute. Online orders can take a few days, and stock can be limited.
Embrace the Journey
Finding Australian beer in Bern might require a little more effort than picking up a local Swiss brew, but the reward is well worth it. It’s about more than just the beer; it’s about connecting with a taste of home, discovering new flavors, and engaging with the vibrant craft beer community here in the Swiss capital. So, whether you’re seeking a familiar comfort or an exciting new discovery, I encourage you to embark on this liquid adventure. Explore the shops, browse the online offerings at places like dropt.beer/shop/, and savor those delicious Australian brews right here in Bern. Prost and cheers!