Politics may be the thing that puts Canberra on the map, but there’s another thing locals are planting a flag with: Really good craft beer. The Aussie capital is home to a growing stable of craft breweries pumping out a steady pour of award-winning beers.

Capital Brewing Co: Where Nature Meets the Pint

From their base on Dairy Road, Fyshwick, Capital Brewing Co is more than just a brewing facility. Their sprawling facility boasts one of the largest brew pubs in the country. Visit any weekend and you’ll welcomed drawn towards the chatter of happy customers. It’s reminiscent of a German beer hall, with thongs and shorts taking the place of Lederhosen. A huge indoor space ensures weather won’t play havoc with your visit.

The brewery runs the gamut of brew types, from lagers to stouts. They’re perhaps best known for their ales, including American style pale ales and IPAs. ‘Coast Ale’ and ‘Hang Loose Juice’ are popular choices.

Bentspoke Brewing Co: Engineering Flavourful Innovations

In the heart of Braddon, Bentspoke Brewing Co is one of Australia’s pre-eminent craft brewers. Richard Watkins and Tracy Margrain, the co-founders, have engineered some of the nation’s favourite beers.

From the malt-rich ‘Crankshaft’ to the classic Aussie pale ale ‘Barley Griffin’, its easy to see why they’re a regular at the top of the coveted GABS Hottest 100.

Their lively brew pub is the perfect place to sample a selection (grab yourself a beer paddle to get started).

Cypher Brewing Co: Decoding the Essence of Craft Beer

A younger addition to the city’s craft brewing scene, Cypher Brewing Co have quickly made their own mark. Located on the northern reaches of Canberra’s suburbs, Cypher boasts one of the biggest selections of tasty brews.

With almost half a dozen beers with IPA somewhere in their name, the brewery specialises in modern craft brewing techniques. Their West Coast Pilsener is a unique take on the traditional European lager.

Zierholz Premium Brewery: A Toast to Tradition

Zierholz melds European heritage a firmly Australian location to deliver something unique in the local scene.

Founded by Christoph Zierholz, expect to be greeted by a list including ‘German Ale’ and ‘Kölsch’. Each beer is a homage to time-honoured German brewing practices.

Unlike the other breweries in this list, Zierholz doesn’t have a fixed brew pub. Instead, they have a pop-up bar that ensures a different view every time you enjoy one of their brews. Check their website for upcoming pop-up locations.