Pod: From my glass to yours: My top 5 Ales to try down under

1. Crave – To really want something. ↩︎
2. Ale(s) – A type of beer. ↩︎
3. Brewed – Made or prepared, especially for drinks like beer. ↩︎
4. Food stalls – Small stands or booths that sell food, often at markets or events. ↩︎
5. Complements – Goes well with something else, like food or drinks that match each other. ↩︎
6. Bitter – A sharp taste that’s not sweet, like coffee. ↩︎
7. Considered – Thought of as or believed to be. ↩︎
8. Bevy – Slang for ‘beverage’ (drink) ↩︎
9. Poured on tap – Served directly from a tap, like in a bar or pub. ↩︎
10. Backbone – he main support or strength of something. ↩︎
11. Subtly – In a way that’s not obvious; gently or softly. ↩︎
12. Passersby – People walking by. ↩︎
13. Vibrant – Full of energy, life, and color. ↩︎
14. Gem – Something precious or special. ↩︎
15. Citrusy – Having a taste or smell like citrus fruits (like lemon or orange). ↩︎
16. Light buzz – A mild feeling of excitement or slight tipsiness from alcohol. ↩︎
17. Unmatched – Better than anything else; unique. ↩︎
18. Tease – To hint or show a little bit of something, making someone curious. ↩︎
19. Crisp – Fresh, clean, and sharp in taste or feeling. ↩︎
20. Emphasise – To highlight or give special importance to something. ↩︎

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As soon as you hit the hot soil of sunny Queensland, the high humidity of the place makes you crave¹ freshness that only a cool beer could satisfy. The hot sun of Gold Coast, its salty sea breeze and holiday vibes, wouldn’t be complete without one of these 5 ales² to try while you’re in Australia.

5. Black Hops Pale Ale

Brewed³ on the Gold Coast, the Black Hops Pale Ale brings me back to a hot Friday evening at Miami Marketta, with live music, international food stalls⁴ and the company of wonderful friends. This beer perfectly complements⁵ the Gold Coast’s warm nights and stylish locals.

Loved for its balance between sweet and bitter⁶, the tropical flavours of this beer would be a great match with any pub food during the summer. Only at number five for its high price.

4. Stone & Wood Pacific Ale

The Stone & Wood Pacific Ale isn’t local but would be considered⁷ a neighbour since it is brewed in Byron Bay, NSW. This beer is popular among locals and visitors for its lightness and fruity flavours. A great time to enjoy this lovely golden bevy⁸ is at an afternoon beach picnic, possibly waiting for the sunset at Budds Beach.

I can’t help but admire its perfect golden colour when poured on tap⁹, looks like liquid sunshine – aaah.

3. James Squire One Fifty Lashes Pale Ale

Before discovering my number one, the James Squire One Fifty Lashes Pale Ale was my favourite for years. While it’s still light and fresh, I’ve always enjoyed its medium-bodied taste – introduced by its malt backbone¹⁰. The freshness subtly¹¹ appears later on. This beer brings back memories of cool nights at bars in Sydney or Melbourne with my dad and uncle, and fading chatters of passersby¹².

I prefer this beer at night and at dinner for its vibrant¹³ personality.

2. Balter XPA (Extra Pale Ale)

I’m proud to say that this gem¹⁴ is locally brewed in Currumbin! It’s sadly not available on many menus at restaurants – otherwise, this beer would be an easy choice. The last time I enjoyed this citrusy¹⁵ pale ale, was at the top of Q1, watching the sunset from the top with family and friends. I couldn’t resist getting another one as the light buzz¹⁶ from the extra pale ale made me happy and relaxed.

I highly recommend trying the Balter XPA as soon as you can.

1. Fat Yak Pale Ale

This pale ale is still unmatched¹⁷ for its colourful and exciting play on bitterness, sweetness and freshness. The floral notes only tease¹⁸ you for a bit before the tropical flavours invite you to its well-rounded body and crisp¹⁹ finish. If the Fat Yak Pale Ale was a person, I would want him or her to be my best friend.

Brewed at Matilda Bay, I can’t emphasise²⁰ enough how delicious this ale is—perfect for the beach, during sunset, or at dinner. Wah!