Here’s a handful of approachable brews to kickstart your beer journey.

Beer. It’s been around for thousands of years and one of the first alcoholic drinks we ever figured out. Recent archeological evidence suggests it was first made around 13,000 years ago, and it’s since been reinvented, crafted, rebranded and made in countless styles around the world.

Today, beer’s as Aussie as Vegemite toast. And much like Vegemite, it can take some easing into. You start with a 3:1 butter-to-Vegemite ratio, then slowly work your way up until you’re confidently smearing a whole lot more. Getting into beer’s the same deal. It can be a bit of a minefield. So, if you’re the type who gets a little overwhelmed by all the options when it comes, we’ve got you.

Welcome to the beginner’s guide to beer – your intro to some friendly brews across a range of styles that go down easy. Think of these as the gateway beers: the ones that still have a good dose of ‘butter’ before you’re ready for the full-strength Vegemite experience. Because nobody’s first sip of Guinness was love at first taste (unless you’re Irish, of course).

1. Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier

We had to include a German beer because we can pretty much thank the Germans for developing so many modern beer styles and taking them to the masses. So, what makes German beers like Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier so easy to love? For starters, it’s masterfully made, the result of centuries of skill and tradition poured into every drop. And with this being a wheat beer, it’s smooth, full-bodied, just a touch yeasty and comes with bright, fresh and fruity characters – think subtle banana. We recommend dusting off the lederhosen, throwing some sausages on the barbie, and pouring yourself a cold Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier. Prost to that.

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2. Balter Eazy Hazy

Some of Australia’s best breweries have sprung up in every old factory-lined suburb, and no matter your style – whether it’s a big, bold stout or easy-going pale ale – there’s a frothy pick waiting for you. But if you’re just starting your beer journey and want to keep things local, Balter’s Easy Hazy is your best bet. It’s an award-winning drop that leans on US hops for a tropical twist: expect lime, passionfruit and a cheeky hint of coconut cream that smooths everything out. There’s flavour in spades, but all of it’s balanced so there’s nothing too heavy or bitter in here – just a fresh, hazy beer that goes down as easy as a Sunday catch-up in the sun.

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3. Vasto Cerveza

Nothing pairs with tacos quite like a Mexican-style lager – and we don’t say that lightly. There’s something magic about the combo: the soft tortilla, the fresh squeeze of lime over your filling of choice, and the crisp, clean snap of an ice-cold cerveza. Truly an unbeatable pairing. No notes. So, if you’ve been cerveza-less while eating your tacos, we’re sorry to say you’ve been doing it wrong. But all hope’s not lost for those who are yet to embrace beer. Mexican lagers, like Vasto Cerveza, are the perfect way to ease into the world of brews. Golden and bubbly, it’s got just a hint of bitterness that’s balanced by fresh, fruity aromas. It’s clean, crisp and easy drinking, and ridiculously likely to turn you onto the beer side for good.

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4. Monsuta Okinawa Premium Draft

Ever wondered why your beer-drinking friends opt for a clean lager as their BYO for dumplings? It’s because that clean, bubbly freshness just gets it, making it the perfect match for every steamy, saucy bite – there’s a reason dumpling and beer spots are everywhere these days. So, if you’re ready to join the beer-drinking club, we suggest starting off with a Monsuta Okinawa Premium Draft – this balanced Japanese lager is big on flavour, with a malty character meeting delicate hoppy notes. It’s the way to go when tucking into gyozas or just about any dumpling you can get your chopsticks on.

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5. CBCo Brewing Southwest Sour

It might seem a little odd to toss a sour brew onto a beginner’s beer list, but don’t freak out – sour doesn’t mean a face-melting Warhead-level experience. The CBCo Brewing Southwest Sour is all about light, balanced flavours. There’s a lovely sweetness from the pale wheat and Munich malts, while the hops, sourced from both hemispheres, bring tropical aromas, fruity notes and just a touch of bitterness. This is a great intro into the world of left-field beer without being too bitter or dry. It’s a golden sour that’s perfect for golden hour.

$71.99 case (16)

6. Boatrocker Miss Pinky Raspberry Sour Ale

Another sour? Yep, but this one’s for the Victorians and Tasmanians – sorry, rest of Australia, it’s only stocked in southern Dan’s stores. This little sour is ideal for new beer drinkers thanks to its bright, vibrant raspberry flavours. Yes, it’s got a tart edge, but that’s exactly what you want. Like biting into fresh raspberries, there’s a burst of lively, fruity freshness that jumps out of the can. This is a genuinely lovely beer to sip that’s perfect for a picnic, which is a pretty exciting thing to do in Victoria and Tasmania when the weather finally allows for it.

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Boatrocker Miss Pinky Raspberry Sour Ale

7. Stone & Wood Peach Radler

This summery new release comes hot on the heels of the recently released Stone & Wood Radler Citrus, which combines the northern NSW’s brewery’s trademark beer with the zingy freshness of lemon, grapefruit and orange. Delivering just as much refreshment, this new addition is all about sweet peachy flavours that shine in this crisp beer, making it ideal for newcomers to the world of brewing. It’s bright, a little different and, dare we say it, almost Spritz-like – an excellent pick for anyone who’s yet to warm to more traditional styles of beer.

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