Tasmanian beer guide: frothing good

Hop aboard! We're taking you on a mission to discover the best beer south of the Bass Strait. Don't be shy, there's plenty to choose from for every drinker. From dark, caramel notes to light and crisp summer ales, you'll find the beer for you. While there are around 20 breweries across the state, we're featuring the ones that stand out above the rest.

HOBART & SURROUNDS

Hobart Brewing Company

WHERE: 16 Evans St, Hobart, TAS 7000
hobartbrewingco.com.au/
STAY: Hobart or Mornington Hobart

Out for a waterfront stroll by the historic Hunter Street, you might find yourself walking into the rustic taproom at the Hobart Brewing Company's Red Shed. The Harbour Master Tasmanian Ale is a staple, combining three varieties of hops grown in the Derwent Valley. For those who love their beer dark, try one of their seasonal IPAs - can't go wrong with their Colorado IPA.

Image: Hobart Brewing Company; Credit: Dale Baldwin

Shambles Brewery

WHERE: 222 Elizabeth St, Hobart, TAS 7000
shamblesbrewery.com.au
STAY: Hobart or Mornington Hobart

There is just too much to chose from at Shambles Brewery, so might as well go for gold and sample it all with the tasting platter. You know the beer is good when the names match the taste. The Barry White is a smooth porter, with notes of caramel, toffee and chocolate. Cool Runnings will be your warm weather go-to: single-origin coffee stout, cold-brewed.

Image & Credit: Shambles Brewery

Cascade Brewery

WHERE: 131 Cascade Rd, South Hobart, TAS 7004
cascadebreweryco.com.au
STAY: Hobart or Mornington Hobart

This is where Tassie brewing started, so if you miss out then did you really try Tassie beer? Cascade Brewery's 19th century heritage will win the history lovers, but the spectacular views of Mount Wellington are the icing on the cake. See the property on their brewery tour which ends with a tasting, including a sample of the Cascade Pale Ale - the oldest continously brewed beer in Australia.

Image & Credit: Cascade Brewery

Fox Friday

WHERE: Unit 6/14A Main Road, Moonah, TAS 7009
foxfriday.com.au/
STAY: Hobart or Mornington Hobart

Kiwi brewers shaking things up in Hobart. Inspired by the styles of Pacific and American breweries, Fox Friday have the perfect balance of beers that suit both the traditionalists and those who love a change of flavours. For those who love an IPA with a citrus punch (think sticky orange marmalade), then the Nefarious is for you. Hang out at their cellar door's lounge bar and have a chat to the makers themselves.

Image & Credit: Fox Friday

Moo Brew

WHERE: 655 Main Road, Berriedale, TAS 7011
moobrew.com.au
STAY: Hobart or Mornington Hobart

A few hours soaking in all of the art at MONA and you'll want a drink. The bottles and cans of Moo Brew feature artwork by the Australian artist John Kelly, so rest assured you won't want to throw it away after the last drop. Their core range includes the Pilsner, a Bavarian-style Hefeweizen, the light Belgo, the Pale Ale for traditionalists, and the Dark Ale.

Image: Moo Brew Brewery Tour; Credit: Tourism Australia & Ellenor Argyropoulos

Two Metre Tall Brewery

WHERE: 2862 Lyell Hwy, Hayes, TAS 7140
2mt.com.au
STAY: Hobart or Mornington Hobart

Drive out to the hops fields of the Derwent Valley, to a farm along the banks of the Derwent River - there's a pint waiting for you there. The Two Metre Tall Brewery offers a refreshing difference in flavour and is definitely worth a stop on your return from Russell Falls. Their Tasmanian River Series - the Derwent, Forester, and Huon Ales - are each a love story to the different regions. While they've got the drinks covered, you're welcome to self cater and bring your own picnic for a feed.

Image & Credit: Two Metre Tall Company

T-Bone Brewing

WHERE: 308 Elizabeth St, North Hobart, TAS 7000
tbonebrewing.com.au
STAY: Hobart or Mornington Hobart

There is never, ever enough chocolate to be had, and T-Bone Brewing's Carla and Tom have the answer to that with their Chocolate Milk Stout. Venture further into their selection with a taste of their Fruit Bowl IPA or one of their seasonal brews (prepare your tastebuds for the Watermelon Wheat). This North Hobart establishment is just as passionate about sustainability as they are about ales. So go on: have a sip!

Image: Bruny Island Cheese Company Beer; Credit: Julia Smith

LAUNCESTON & SURROUNDS

Little Rivers Brewery

WHERE: 22 Victoria St, Scottsdale, TAS 7260
littlerivers.com.au
STAY: Hadspen

Puffed from a day of Blue Derby mountain biking and looking to have sundowners? Welcome to the Little Rivers Brewery in Scottsdale, a town surrounded by blue mountains and green fields. It's all about the ingredients for this brewery, with no preservatives or additives in any of the drinks. Discover their malty, rich European Dark Lager or the refreshing flavours of the smooth Dorset Lager.

Image: Little Rivers Brewing Company; Credit: Flow Mountain Bike

James Boag

WHERE: 39 William St Lane, Launceston, TAS 7250
jamesboag.com.au/brewery
STAY: Hadspen

Today, Boag's produces one of the most recognised and popular beers in Australia. That comes with a long history of excellence, with the brewhouse started in 1881. When in Launceston, you must go on a James Boag Brewery Experience Tour. A sneak peek at the brewing process, a taste of three fantastic beers, and a plate of Tasmanian cheese are a few of the highlights that'll make your trip.

Image: James Boag & Son Brewery; Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Chris Crerar

DEVONPORT & SURROUNDS

Seven Sheds

WHERE: 22 Crockers St, Railton, TAS 7305
sevensheds.com
STAY: Devonport

When you step off of the Spirit of Tasmania, plan your visit to the Seven Sheds Brewery as a day trip. Using hops from their own garden and local honey, this microbrewery produces delicious beers and mead for all palates. Their flagship Kentish Ale will bewitch you, and before you know it you'll be buying a carton to take home. While in town, head to the tasting centre of House of Anvers - real, Belgian-style chocolate, folks.