Traditional, reliable and more than a little nostalgic – these are the classic beers that paved the way.

Lager is hands-down the top choice for Aussies when it comes to grabbing a cold one, but there was a time when it was a little more *yawn* than yum. Thankfully, we’ve fallen back in love with the always-crisp, always-thirst-quenching and always-Aussie lager.

But, as Mum always says: you must respect your elders – those who paved the way, the ones who walked so craft could run. We’re talking about the always-reliable (and always in stock) old-school lagers that are just good ol’ home runs. Meaning? They never fail. They’re fizzy, refreshing and just the thing you want after a big – or small – day.

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1. Victoria Bitter

Can you hear it? The Victoria Bitter jingle? The 1988 masterpiece has been etched into the minds of Australians since it first hit TV screens. You know the one: “A hard earned thirst needs a big, cold beer.” And we’d say that message still reigns. VB, as it’s affectionately known to a large percentage of Aussies, was first brewed in 1854 (you guessed it, in Victoria). It’s 171 years old with a recipe that’s only changed slightly since its inception. So, what does it taste like? It’s an icon for a reason – it’s crisp and clean in the mouth, with sweet maltiness and that clean, hoppy bitterness we know and love.

2. James Boag’s Premium Lager

Hailing from the Apple Isle on the banks of Esk River in Launceston, James Boag’s was established waaay back in 1881. The goal back then? To hero only the best local ingredients to produce the best possible beer. The goal today? It’s still the same. Synonymous with Tassie, this Euro-centric, primo-lager (officially named Premium Lager) is smooth, with fruit upfront and light malt down back. It’s an easy-drinking lager that loves food – think fresh seafood and light curries with a kick of spice.

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3. Carlton Draught

Carlton Draught has never met a pub it didn’t like. The first Carlton was brewed in 1864 and was created to be enjoyed at the pub. In fact, when you think of the pub, it’s highly likely there’s a cold Carlton sitting on the bar. Maybe there’s a footy game on, maybe it’s Wednesday night trivia or just a Sunday arvo pint, but where there’s a pub, there’s usually a Carlton. Smooth and crisp, with malty goodness, Carlton Draught is a traditional, full-strength lager with a slightly dry finish delivered by the clean hop bitterness.

4. Crown Lager

If you’re a Crown fan, then you could probably pick that silhouette anywhere – the long neck and broad shoulders that pours bright gold with a solid, creamy head. A Crown is crying out to be paired with something fried and a bit spicy. We’d go with fried chicken, but we’ll let you choose your own adventure when it comes to the level of hotness. The heat will sing with the creamy fruitiness and rich malt flavours. And if there’s a game on, consider us locked in.

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5. Tooheys Extra Dry

So, you just want a low-carb lager that tastes like real lager? IYKYK. We hear your request and raise you the Tooheys Extra Dry. Tooheys has been quenching thirsts with its clean, crisp lager since 1869. The Extra Dry has 30% less carbs than full-strength beer. But how do they do it, folks? Well, the Tooheys extended brewing process removes excess sugars, which leaves us sipping on a fresh-as lager that is fruity, malty, low in bitterness and even lower in carbs.

6. Melbourne Bitter

Melbourne Bitter is a real bang-for-buck beer, not only is it reliable, it’s super smooth and super refreshing. The sibling (or capital city) to Victoria Bitter, Melbs was first brewed in 1936. The no-frills lager quickly found fans in the pub scene and, in recent years, has made a real comeback (perhaps you’ve come across the Facebook group – Melbourne Bitter Appreciation Society?). When you think Melbourne Bitter, think fruity aroma, malty notes and Pride of Ringwood hops. Melburnian? Then we don’t need to say much more. Less familiar? If you like your lager to finish dry, then we reckon you’ll be converted.

Melbourne Bitter is a classic Australian lager

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XXXX Gold is still hugely popular in Queensland

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7. XXXX Gold

Picture this: it’s mid-arvo, your mates are over, the snags are on the barbie, the potato salad is on the table, the sun is high (don’t forget to slip, slop, slap) and the XXXX Gold is ice-cold. Sounds pretty perfect, right? Absolutely. If you’re in Queensland, you already know what we’re talking about, and if you don’t, then this is a bandwagon you should totally be on. An icon of Queensland, XXXX Gold is super smooth with a mild bitterness with a touch of sweetness. Then, the golden ticket, that signature flavour comes from the very important Golden Cluster hops.