Canberra Distillery and Brewery Highlights for 2024

We've been buzzing with excitement about Canberra's thriving craft spirits and beer scene lately. As avid enthusiasts, we couldn't resist diving into the local distillery and brewery landscape to uncover the gems that are making waves in 2024. From innovative gin creations to bold craft beers, the capital is brimming with flavors that'll knock your socks off.

In this spirited journey, we'll take you through the standout spots that have us raising our glasses. We'll explore the hoppy havens of Capital Brewing Co. and BentSpoke Brewing Co., then sip our way through the aromatic offerings at Ambrosia Distillery and Underground Spirits. The Canberra Distillery, Zierholz Premium Brewery, and Big River Distilling Co. are also on our radar. To top it off, we'll share some tour options so you can taste your way through Canberra's boozy best. Cheers to that!

Capital Brewing Co.

I've got to say, Capital Brewing Co. is a true gem in Canberra's craft beer scene. As an employee-owned brewery, these guys are all about good vibes and epic brews. Their taproom is a fantastic spot to kick back with a freshly poured beer. What I love most is their commitment to sustainability. They've become Australia's first B Corp certified and carbon neutral brewery, which is pretty impressive. From turning brewing waste into compost to partnering with local farms, they're really walking the talk when it comes to environmental responsibility. Their core range, including the crisp Coast Ale and juicy Rock Hopper West Coast IPA, is designed for everyone to enjoy. It's clear why they're one of the largest independent craft breweries in Australia.

BentSpoke Brewing Co.

I've got to say, BentSpoke Brewing Co. is a true gem in Canberra's craft beer scene. As a beer enthusiast, I'm always excited to visit their BrewPub in Braddon. The atmosphere is incredible, with industrial decor and chandeliers made from bike parts. What I love most is their commitment to innovation. They've got 26 different beers on tap, all brewed on-site. Their Crankshaft IPA is a standout, ranking as Australia's #1 IPA for seven years running. The food menu is equally impressive, incorporating beer and brewing ingredients with local produce. It's no wonder BentSpoke has become a regular spot for many locals and visitors alike.

Ambrosia Distillery

I've got to say, Ambrosia Distillery is a true gem in Canberra's craft spirits scene. Their range of uniquely flavored vodkas and gins is impressive. I'm particularly fond of their Lychee Vodka, which has quickly become a favorite. It's refreshing with just the right balance of sweetness and zest. Their Gin is another standout, featuring a complex blend of Australian botanicals like lemon myrtle and strawberry gum. What I love most about Ambrosia is their commitment to quality and innovation. The owner's passion for creating high-quality, uniquely flavored spirits really shines through in every sip. It's clear why they've become a go-to for gin lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Underground Spirits

I've got to say, Underground Spirits is a true gem in Canberra's craft spirits scene. Their unique sub-zero, sub-micron filtration system, adapted from medical technology, produces spirits of unrivaled purity. I was blown away by their gin, which is juniper-forward but beautifully balanced with native Australian botanicals like lemon myrtle and Tasmanian pepperberry. Their flavored vodkas are equally impressive, especially the caramel and hazelnut varieties. What I love most about Underground Spirits is their commitment to innovation and local sourcing. They use pristine Snowy Mountain water and sustainably produced wheat spirit from NSW. It's clear why they've quickly become a favorite among spirits enthusiasts in Canberra and beyond.

The Canberra Distillery

I've got to say, The Canberra Distillery is a true gem in the local spirits scene. Just a quick 10-minute drive from the city center, this small-batch distillery has stolen my heart with its passion for local flavors and innovative creations. I love their commitment to quality and the pursuit of taste innovation. Their range of spirits is impressive, featuring gins, vodkas, liqueurs, whisky, and rum. What sets them apart is their use of native ingredients, giving their products a unique Aussie twist. The complimentary tastings are a fantastic way to explore their extensive range. If you're lucky, you might even catch the intoxicating aroma of freshly made spirits during your visit.

Zierholz Premium Brewery

I've got to say, Zierholz Premium Brewery is a true gem in Canberra's craft beer scene. As the city's original microbrewery, they've been quenching our thirst since 2005 with their unique, German-inspired brews. What I love most is their commitment to quality and tradition. They strictly adhere to the German Beer Purity Law, using only the finest ingredients. Their German Ale, a Kölsch-style beer, is a standout with its crisp, clean taste and subtle fruitiness. It's perfect for pairing with lighter dishes or spicy curries. The brewery offers tours and 'Meet the Brewer' sessions, giving beer enthusiasts a chance to learn about the brewing process and sample their fresh, preservative-free beers.

Big River Distilling Co.

I've got to say, Big River Distilling Co. is a true gem in Canberra's craft spirits scene. Nestled in the makers' precinct at Dairy Road, Fyshwick, this small distillery is making waves with its remarkable spirits. What I love most is their commitment to reflecting the unique Canberra environs in every bottle. They use a mix of high-purity neutral grain alcohol and filtered Canberra tap water, creating spirits that truly capture the essence of the region. Their 420-liter still is where the magic happens, with botanicals either macerated or vapor-infused to create complex flavor profiles. It's clear why their gins, including a cinnamon variant and a rose and rhubarb pink gin, are becoming local favorites.

Tour options

I've discovered some fantastic tour options to explore Canberra's thriving craft beverage scene. The Canberra Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Half-Day Tour is a gem. It kicks off with a visit to a local winery, where we get to taste exquisite wines. Then, we head to a distillery to sample unique gins, vodkas, and liqueurs. The adventure wraps up at a craft brewery, where we learn about the brewing process and taste signature brews. It's a perfect way to socialize and experience the region's best craft beverages. These tours offer a great mix of tastings, behind-the-scenes peeks, and local expertise.