50 Best Oceania Beers to Drink in 2026

THE OCEANIA BEER BOARD · UPDATED 2026

Oceania beer is bigger than the Australia–New Zealand rivalry. Those two countries supply the region’s deepest craft benches, but the Pacific islands add national lagers, strong export bottles, tropical drinking traditions, and breweries shaped by heat, distance, and local identity.

This Top 50 keeps 14 Australian and 14 New Zealand landmarks as its backbone, then opens 22 places for Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Vanuatu, Guam, the Solomon Islands, and Tonga. It is a regional tasting map, not a renamed Trans-Tasman list.

50 Best Oceania Beers to Drink in 2026

Begin with the region’s most influential ales and hop showcases, then follow the board outward through island lagers, strong exports, wheat beer, amber lager, and distinctly Pacific labels.

Coopers Sparkling Ale
#1 in this roundup
Beer profile

Coopers Sparkling Ale

Brewed by Coopers Brewery

StyleAustralian Sparkling Ale
ABV5.8%
Oceania moveAustralia’s bottle-conditioned ale benchmark
Brewed inAdelaide, SA, Australia

fruity yeast, firm malt, and lively natural conditioning

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Coopers Sparkling Ale represents Australia’s bottle-conditioned ale benchmark. From Australia, it brings fruity yeast, firm malt, and lively natural conditioning, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with roast chicken, burgers, or barbecue; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Garage Project Pernicious Weed
#2 in this roundup
Beer profile

Garage Project Pernicious Weed

Brewed by Garage Project

StyleDouble IPA
ABV8.0%
Oceania moveNew Zealand hops at full double-IPA volume
Brewed inWellington, New Zealand

pink grapefruit, passion fruit, white grape, resin, and firm bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Garage Project Pernicious Weed represents New Zealand hops at full double-IPA volume. From New Zealand, it brings pink grapefruit, passion fruit, white grape, resin, and firm bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it cool rather than ice-cold in a smaller glass, allowing its malt and fermentation character to open as you drink. Pair it with lamb burgers, blue cheese, or spicy ribs; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Stone & Wood Pacific Ale
#3 in this roundup
Beer profile

Stone & Wood Pacific Ale

Brewed by Stone & Wood

StylePacific Ale
ABV4.4%
Oceania movethe beer that defined modern Pacific Ale
Brewed inByron Bay, NSW, Australia

passion fruit, citrus, soft malt, and low bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Stone & Wood Pacific Ale represents the beer that defined modern Pacific Ale. From Australia, it brings passion fruit, citrus, soft malt, and low bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with fish tacos, grilled prawns, or burgers; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

8 Wired iStout
#4 in this roundup
Beer profile

8 Wired iStout

Brewed by 8 Wired Brewing

StyleImperial Stout
ABV10.0%
Oceania moveNew Zealand’s benchmark imperial stout
Brewed inWarkworth, New Zealand

espresso, dark chocolate, molasses, licorice, and dark fruit

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: 8 Wired iStout represents New Zealand’s benchmark imperial stout. From New Zealand, it brings espresso, dark chocolate, molasses, licorice, and dark fruit, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it cool rather than ice-cold in a smaller glass, allowing its malt and fermentation character to open as you drink. Pair it with brownies, smoked brisket, or blue cheese; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

BentSpoke Crankshaft IPA
#5 in this roundup
Beer profile

BentSpoke Crankshaft IPA

Brewed by BentSpoke Brewing Co.

StyleIPA
ABV5.8%
Oceania movea defining balanced Australian IPA
Brewed inCanberra, ACT, Australia

citrus, pine, tropical fruit, and firm bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: BentSpoke Crankshaft IPA represents a defining balanced Australian IPA. From Australia, it brings citrus, pine, tropical fruit, and firm bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with spicy chicken, burgers, or sharp cheddar; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Garage Project Hāpi Daze
#6 in this roundup
Beer profile

Garage Project Hāpi Daze

Brewed by Garage Project

StylePacific Pale Ale
ABV4.8%
Oceania movea bright modern showcase for Kiwi hops
Brewed inWellington, New Zealand

lime, mandarin, passion fruit, white grape, and crisp bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Garage Project Hāpi Daze represents a bright modern showcase for Kiwi hops. From New Zealand, it brings lime, mandarin, passion fruit, white grape, and crisp bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with fish tacos, fried chicken, or mild curry; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Mountain Culture Status Quo Pale Ale
#7 in this roundup
Beer profile

Mountain Culture Status Quo Pale Ale

Brewed by Mountain Culture

StyleHazy Pale Ale
ABV5.2%
Oceania moveAustralia’s polished hazy-pale reference
Brewed inKatoomba, NSW, Australia

tropical hops, citrus, and a soft hazy body

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Mountain Culture Status Quo Pale Ale represents Australia’s polished hazy-pale reference. From Australia, it brings tropical hops, citrus, and a soft hazy body, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with fried chicken, tacos, or pizza; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

8 Wired Hopwired
#8 in this roundup
Beer profile

8 Wired Hopwired

Brewed by 8 Wired Brewing

StyleNew Zealand IPA
ABV7.3%
Oceania movean early landmark for New Zealand IPA
Brewed inWarkworth, New Zealand

passion fruit, lime, gooseberry, pine, caramel, and bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: 8 Wired Hopwired represents an early landmark for New Zealand IPA. From New Zealand, it brings passion fruit, lime, gooseberry, pine, caramel, and bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with lamb burgers, curry, or aged cheddar; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Balter XPA
#9 in this roundup
Beer profile

Balter XPA

Brewed by Balter Brewing

StyleXPA
ABV5.0%
Oceania moveAustralia’s clean and highly drinkable XPA
Brewed inCurrumbin, QLD, Australia

citrus, tropical fruit, and crisp pale malt

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Balter XPA represents Australia’s clean and highly drinkable XPA. From Australia, it brings citrus, tropical fruit, and crisp pale malt, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with grilled chicken, pizza, or fish and chips; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Garage Project Garagista
#10 in this roundup
Beer profile

Garage Project Garagista

Brewed by Garage Project

StyleIndia Pale Ale
ABV5.8%
Oceania moveWellington’s crisp garage-built IPA classic
Brewed inWellington, New Zealand

citrus peel, tropical fruit, pine, biscuit, and resin

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Garage Project Garagista represents Wellington’s crisp garage-built IPA classic. From New Zealand, it brings citrus peel, tropical fruit, pine, biscuit, and resin, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with burgers, spicy noodles, or cheddar; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Little Creatures Pale Ale
#11 in this roundup
Beer profile

Little Creatures Pale Ale

Brewed by Little Creatures

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV5.2%
Oceania moveAustralia’s influential modern pale ale
Brewed inFremantle, WA, Australia

citrus hops, caramel malt, and firm bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Little Creatures Pale Ale represents Australia’s influential modern pale ale. From Australia, it brings citrus hops, caramel malt, and firm bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with burgers, grilled prawns, or pizza; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Garage Project White Mischief
#12 in this roundup
Beer profile

Garage Project White Mischief

Brewed by Garage Project

StyleSalted White Peach Gose
ABV2.9%
Oceania movea low-strength white-peach gose original
Brewed inWellington, New Zealand

white peach, lemon, soft wheat, sea salt, and gentle tartness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Garage Project White Mischief represents a low-strength white-peach gose original. From New Zealand, it brings white peach, lemon, soft wheat, sea salt, and gentle tartness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it at 5–7°C in a wheat glass or tulip, leaving room for its fruit, spice, acidity, and lively carbonation. Pair it with goat cheese, ceviche, or summer salads; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Coopers Original Pale Ale
#13 in this roundup
Beer profile

Coopers Original Pale Ale

Brewed by Coopers Brewery

StyleAustralian Pale Ale
ABV4.5%
Oceania movean enduring naturally conditioned pub ale
Brewed inAdelaide, SA, Australia

pear-like yeast, grainy malt, and a dry natural finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Coopers Original Pale Ale represents an enduring naturally conditioned pub ale. From Australia, it brings pear-like yeast, grainy malt, and a dry natural finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with meat pies, roast chicken, or burgers; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Garage Project Pickle Beer
#14 in this roundup
Beer profile

Garage Project Pickle Beer

Brewed by Garage Project

StyleCucumber Dill Sour
ABV4.3%
Oceania moveWellington’s briny cucumber-and-dill curveball
Brewed inWellington, New Zealand

fresh cucumber, dill, lemon, brine, and a dry tart finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Garage Project Pickle Beer represents Wellington’s briny cucumber-and-dill curveball. From New Zealand, it brings fresh cucumber, dill, lemon, brine, and a dry tart finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it at 5–7°C in a wheat glass or tulip, leaving room for its fruit, spice, acidity, and lively carbonation. Pair it with fried chicken, deli sandwiches, or salty snacks; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Hop Nation Rattenhund Classic Pilsner
#15 in this roundup
Beer profile

Hop Nation Rattenhund Classic Pilsner

Brewed by Hop Nation

StylePilsner
ABV4.8%
Oceania movea precise Australian classic pilsner
Brewed inFootscray, VIC, Australia

cracker malt, floral hops, and a firm dry finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Hop Nation Rattenhund Classic Pilsner represents a precise Australian classic pilsner. From Australia, it brings cracker malt, floral hops, and a firm dry finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with sausages, schnitzel, or grilled fish; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

8 Wired Saison Sauvin
#16 in this roundup
Beer profile

8 Wired Saison Sauvin

Brewed by 8 Wired Brewing

StyleNelson Sauvin Saison
ABV7.0%
Oceania movesaison shaped by wine-like Nelson Sauvin
Brewed inWarkworth, New Zealand

white grape, gooseberry, pepper, lemon, and dry grain

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: 8 Wired Saison Sauvin represents saison shaped by wine-like Nelson Sauvin. From New Zealand, it brings white grape, gooseberry, pepper, lemon, and dry grain, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with goat cheese, roast chicken, or mussels; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Coopers Best Extra Stout
#17 in this roundup
Beer profile

Coopers Best Extra Stout

Brewed by Coopers Brewery

StyleExtra Stout
ABV6.3%
Oceania moveAustralia’s sturdy bottle-conditioned stout
Brewed inAdelaide, SA, Australia

coffee, dark chocolate, roast, and firm bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Coopers Best Extra Stout represents Australia’s sturdy bottle-conditioned stout. From Australia, it brings coffee, dark chocolate, roast, and firm bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it cool rather than ice-cold in a smaller glass, allowing its malt and fermentation character to open as you drink. Pair it with oysters, barbecue, or chocolate cake; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

8 Wired Wild Feijoa
#18 in this roundup
Beer profile

8 Wired Wild Feijoa

Brewed by 8 Wired Brewing

StyleBarrel-Aged Feijoa Sour
ABV6.0%
Oceania movea singular barrel-aged feijoa sour
Brewed inWarkworth, New Zealand

tart feijoa, lemon, oak, white wine, and farmhouse funk

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: 8 Wired Wild Feijoa represents a singular barrel-aged feijoa sour. From New Zealand, it brings tart feijoa, lemon, oak, white wine, and farmhouse funk, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it at 5–7°C in a wheat glass or tulip, leaving room for its fruit, spice, acidity, and lively carbonation. Pair it with goat cheese, roast pork, or fruit desserts; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Mountain Culture Cult IPA
#19 in this roundup
Beer profile

Mountain Culture Cult IPA

Brewed by Mountain Culture

StyleHazy IPA
ABV6.5%
Oceania moveBlue Mountains haze with modern polish
Brewed inKatoomba, NSW, Australia

mango, citrus, stone fruit, and soft bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Mountain Culture Cult IPA represents Blue Mountains haze with modern polish. From Australia, it brings mango, citrus, stone fruit, and soft bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with spicy chicken, burgers, or curry; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

8 Wired Tall Poppy
#20 in this roundup
Beer profile

8 Wired Tall Poppy

Brewed by 8 Wired Brewing

StyleIndia Red Ale
ABV7.0%
Oceania moveNew Zealand’s bold India red ale reference
Brewed inWarkworth, New Zealand

grapefruit, pine, toffee, toast, berries, and firm bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: 8 Wired Tall Poppy represents New Zealand’s bold India red ale reference. From New Zealand, it brings grapefruit, pine, toffee, toast, berries, and firm bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with barbecue ribs, cheddar, or roast beef; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Mismatch Lager
#21 in this roundup
Beer profile

Mismatch Lager

Brewed by Mismatch Brewing

StyleLager
ABV4.5%
Oceania movea clean independent Australian lager
Brewed inAdelaide Hills, SA, Australia

clean grain, floral hops, and a crisp dry finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Mismatch Lager represents a clean independent Australian lager. From Australia, it brings clean grain, floral hops, and a crisp dry finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with grilled fish, pizza, or fried chicken; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Liberty Citra
#22 in this roundup
Beer profile

Liberty Citra

Brewed by Liberty Brewing

StyleCitra Double IPA
ABV9.0%
Oceania movea focused and muscular Citra showcase
Brewed inHelensville, New Zealand

orange, grapefruit, mango, resin, and pale caramel

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Liberty Citra represents a focused and muscular Citra showcase. From New Zealand, it brings orange, grapefruit, mango, resin, and pale caramel, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it cool rather than ice-cold in a smaller glass, allowing its malt and fermentation character to open as you drink. Pair it with blue cheese, spicy ribs, or burgers; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Hawkers IPA
#23 in this roundup
Beer profile

Hawkers IPA

Brewed by Hawkers Beer

StyleIPA
ABV6.5%
Oceania moveMelbourne’s dependable West Coast-leaning IPA
Brewed inMelbourne, VIC, Australia

citrus, pine, caramel malt, and solid bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Hawkers IPA represents Melbourne’s dependable West Coast-leaning IPA. From Australia, it brings citrus, pine, caramel malt, and solid bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with barbecue, burgers, or sharp cheddar; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Liberty Yakima Monster
#24 in this roundup
Beer profile

Liberty Yakima Monster

Brewed by Liberty Brewing

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV6.0%
Oceania movea Kiwi cult classic with Yakima swagger
Brewed inHelensville, New Zealand

grapefruit, orange, pine, biscuit, and tropical fruit

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Liberty Yakima Monster represents a Kiwi cult classic with Yakima swagger. From New Zealand, it brings grapefruit, orange, pine, biscuit, and tropical fruit, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with pizza, roast pork, or mature cheddar; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Modus Former Tenant Red IPA
#25 in this roundup
Beer profile

Modus Former Tenant Red IPA

Brewed by Modus Brewing

StyleRed IPA
ABV6.5%
Oceania moveAustralia’s award-winning red IPA standard
Brewed inMona Vale, NSW, Australia

caramel malt, citrus, pine, and firm bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Modus Former Tenant Red IPA represents Australia’s award-winning red IPA standard. From Australia, it brings caramel malt, citrus, pine, and firm bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with barbecue beef, burgers, or cheddar; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Liberty Knife Party
#26 in this roundup
Beer profile

Liberty Knife Party

Brewed by Liberty Brewing

StyleIndia Pale Ale
ABV7.1%
Oceania movea resinous old-school Kiwi IPA favorite
Brewed inHelensville, New Zealand

pineapple, grapefruit, pine, caramel, and a dry finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Liberty Knife Party represents a resinous old-school Kiwi IPA favorite. From New Zealand, it brings pineapple, grapefruit, pine, caramel, and a dry finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with spicy wings, burgers, or aged cheese; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Hop Nation J Juice Hazy IPA
#27 in this roundup
Beer profile

Hop Nation J Juice Hazy IPA

Brewed by Hop Nation

StyleHazy IPA
ABV7.1%
Oceania movea benchmark for Australian juice-forward haze
Brewed inFootscray, VIC, Australia

mango, orange, peach, and soft oat texture

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Hop Nation J Juice Hazy IPA represents a benchmark for Australian juice-forward haze. From Australia, it brings mango, orange, peach, and soft oat texture, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with fried chicken, curry, or tacos; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Epic Armageddon IPA
#28 in this roundup
Beer profile

Epic Armageddon IPA

Brewed by Epic Beer

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV6.66%
Oceania movethe beer that made bold Kiwi IPA famous
Brewed inAuckland, New Zealand

grapefruit, pine, passion fruit, biscuit, and emphatic bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Epic Armageddon IPA represents the beer that made bold Kiwi IPA famous. From New Zealand, it brings grapefruit, pine, passion fruit, biscuit, and emphatic bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it fresh at 6–8°C in a clean tulip or pint so the hop aroma stays vivid and the finish remains precise. Pair it with burgers, spicy ribs, or mature cheddar; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Fiji Bitter
#29 in this roundup
Beer profile

Fiji Bitter

Brewed by Paradise Beverages

StylePale Lager
ABV4.6%
Oceania moveFiji’s defining green-can national lager
Brewed inFiji

light grain, faint caramel, herbal bitterness, and brisk fizz

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Fiji Bitter represents Fiji’s defining green-can national lager. From Fiji, it brings light grain, faint caramel, herbal bitterness, and brisk fizz, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with kokoda, grilled fish, or cassava chips; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Fiji Gold
#30 in this roundup
Beer profile

Fiji Gold

Brewed by Paradise Beverages

StylePale Lager
ABV4.6%
Oceania moveFiji’s lighter golden everyday lager
Brewed inFiji

pale bread, soft honey, low bitterness, and a clean finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Fiji Gold represents Fiji’s lighter golden everyday lager. From Fiji, it brings pale bread, soft honey, low bitterness, and a clean finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with grilled prawns, curry, or taro chips; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Vonu Pure Lager
#31 in this roundup
Beer profile

Vonu Pure Lager

Brewed by Paradise Beverages

StyleLow-Carb Lager
ABV4.2%
Oceania moveFiji’s turtle-label low-carb lager
Brewed inFiji

cracker, lemon, soft herbs, and a very dry finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Vonu Pure Lager represents Fiji’s turtle-label low-carb lager. From Fiji, it brings cracker, lemon, soft herbs, and a very dry finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with ceviche, grilled chicken, or salads; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

SP Lager
#32 in this roundup
Beer profile

SP Lager

Brewed by South Pacific Brewery

StylePale Lager
ABV4.5%
Oceania movePapua New Guinea’s national lager
Brewed inPapua New Guinea

grain, gentle fruit, grassy hops, and crisp carbonation

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: SP Lager represents Papua New Guinea’s national lager. From Papua New Guinea, it brings grain, gentle fruit, grassy hops, and crisp carbonation, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with mumu pork, grilled fish, or peanuts; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

South Pacific Export Lager
#33 in this roundup
Beer profile

South Pacific Export Lager

Brewed by South Pacific Brewery

StyleExport Lager
ABV4.9%
Oceania movePNG’s fuller-bodied export-lager classic
Brewed inPapua New Guinea

bread, caramel, soft fruit, herbal hops, and a dry close

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: South Pacific Export Lager represents PNG’s fuller-bodied export-lager classic. From Papua New Guinea, it brings bread, caramel, soft fruit, herbal hops, and a dry close, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with roast pork, grilled beef, or fried snacks; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Niugini Ice
#34 in this roundup
Beer profile

Niugini Ice

Brewed by South Pacific Brewery

StyleIce Lager
ABV5.2%
Oceania movePNG’s cold-filtered premium lager
Brewed inPapua New Guinea

light malt, faint fruit, soft sweetness, and sharp fizz

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Niugini Ice represents PNG’s cold-filtered premium lager. From Papua New Guinea, it brings light malt, faint fruit, soft sweetness, and sharp fizz, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with barbecue chicken, fried fish, or peanuts; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Kundu Lager
#35 in this roundup
Beer profile

Kundu Lager

Brewed by South Pacific Brewery

StylePale Lager
ABV5.0%
Oceania movePNG’s value lager with a national symbol
Brewed inPapua New Guinea

grain, mild honey, light herbs, and a quick finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Kundu Lager represents PNG’s value lager with a national symbol. From Papua New Guinea, it brings grain, mild honey, light herbs, and a quick finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with sausages, grilled fish, or chips; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Vailima Lager
#36 in this roundup
Beer profile

Vailima Lager

Brewed by Samoa Breweries

StylePale Lager
ABV4.9%
Oceania moveSamoa’s defining national lager
Brewed inSamoa

pale malt, faint fruit, Hallertau herbs, and soft bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Vailima Lager represents Samoa’s defining national lager. From Samoa, it brings pale malt, faint fruit, Hallertau herbs, and soft bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with oka, grilled pork, or taro; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Vailima Export Lager
#37 in this roundup
Beer profile

Vailima Export Lager

Brewed by Samoa Breweries

StyleStrong Lager
ABV6.7%
Oceania moveSamoa’s full-strength export bottle
Brewed inSamoa

bread, spicy hops, mild sweetness, and warming strength

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Vailima Export Lager represents Samoa’s full-strength export bottle. From Samoa, it brings bread, spicy hops, mild sweetness, and warming strength, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it cool rather than ice-cold in a smaller glass, allowing its malt and fermentation character to open as you drink. Pair it with roast pork, barbecue, or aged cheese; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Taula Original Lager
#38 in this roundup
Beer profile

Taula Original Lager

Brewed by Samoa Beverage Company

StylePale Lager
ABV4.5%
Oceania moveSamoa’s independent green-can rival
Brewed inSamoa

cracker, soft grain, faint herbs, and brisk carbonation

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Taula Original Lager represents Samoa’s independent green-can rival. From Samoa, it brings cracker, soft grain, faint herbs, and brisk carbonation, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with grilled fish, pork buns, or taro chips; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Taula Strong
#39 in this roundup
Beer profile

Taula Strong

Brewed by Samoa Beverage Company

StyleStrong Lager
ABV7.0%
Oceania moveSamoa’s robust yellow-label strong lager
Brewed inSamoa

sweet grain, bread, mild fruit, and warming alcohol

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Taula Strong represents Samoa’s robust yellow-label strong lager. From Samoa, it brings sweet grain, bread, mild fruit, and warming alcohol, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it cool rather than ice-cold in a smaller glass, allowing its malt and fermentation character to open as you drink. Pair it with barbecue pork, grilled beef, or sharp cheese; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Number One Original
#40 in this roundup
Beer profile

Number One Original

Brewed by Grande Brasserie de Nouvelle-Calédonie

StylePale Lager
ABV5.0%
Oceania moveNew Caledonia’s unmistakable number-one lager
Brewed inNew Caledonia

pale bread, soft sweetness, mild herbs, and clean fizz

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Number One Original represents New Caledonia’s unmistakable number-one lager. From New Caledonia, it brings pale bread, soft sweetness, mild herbs, and clean fizz, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with prawns, baguette sandwiches, or grilled fish; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Manta Gold
#41 in this roundup
Beer profile

Manta Gold

Brewed by Manta

StylePale Lager
ABV5.0%
Oceania moveNew Caledonia’s gold-can local lager
Brewed inNew Caledonia

grain, light honey, herbal hops, and a rounded finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Manta Gold represents New Caledonia’s gold-can local lager. From New Caledonia, it brings grain, light honey, herbal hops, and a rounded finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with grilled seafood, fried snacks, or roast chicken; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Havannah Blanche
#42 in this roundup
Beer profile

Havannah Blanche

Brewed by Grande Brasserie de Nouvelle-Calédonie

StyleWitbier
ABV5.0%
Oceania moveNew Caledonia’s beach-label wheat beer
Brewed inNew Caledonia

orange, soft wheat, coriander, lemon, and creamy fizz

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Havannah Blanche represents New Caledonia’s beach-label wheat beer. From New Caledonia, it brings orange, soft wheat, coriander, lemon, and creamy fizz, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it at 5–7°C in a wheat glass or tulip, leaving room for its fruit, spice, acidity, and lively carbonation. Pair it with mussels, salads, or goat cheese; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Number One Extra Forte
#43 in this roundup
Beer profile

Number One Extra Forte

Brewed by Grande Brasserie de Nouvelle-Calédonie

StyleStrong Lager
ABV6.0%
Oceania moveNew Caledonia’s stronger flagship lager
Brewed inNew Caledonia

bread, pale caramel, soft herbs, and warming strength

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Number One Extra Forte represents New Caledonia’s stronger flagship lager. From New Caledonia, it brings bread, pale caramel, soft herbs, and warming strength, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it cool rather than ice-cold in a smaller glass, allowing its malt and fermentation character to open as you drink. Pair it with roast pork, burgers, or aged cheese; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Hinano Blonde
#44 in this roundup
Beer profile

Hinano Blonde

Brewed by Brasserie de Tahiti

StylePale Lager
ABV5.0%
Oceania moveTahiti’s famous vahine-label lager
Brewed inTahiti, French Polynesia

pale bread, faint sweetness, floral hops, and clean bitterness

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Hinano Blonde represents Tahiti’s famous vahine-label lager. From Tahiti, French Polynesia, it brings pale bread, faint sweetness, floral hops, and clean bitterness, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with poisson cru, grilled tuna, or fries; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Hinano Ambrée
#45 in this roundup
Beer profile

Hinano Ambrée

Brewed by Brasserie de Tahiti

StyleAmber Lager
ABV5.5%
Oceania moveTahiti’s fuller-bodied amber lager
Brewed inTahiti, French Polynesia

toast, caramel, nuts, aromatic hops, and a clean finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Hinano Ambrée represents Tahiti’s fuller-bodied amber lager. From Tahiti, French Polynesia, it brings toast, caramel, nuts, aromatic hops, and a clean finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with roast pork, grilled tuna, or nutty cheese; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Tusker Premium
#46 in this roundup
Beer profile

Tusker Premium

Brewed by Vanuatu Brewing Limited

StylePale Lager
ABV5.0%
Oceania moveVanuatu’s elephant-label national beer
Brewed inVanuatu

pale grain, soft honey, grassy hops, and brisk carbonation

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Tusker Premium represents Vanuatu’s elephant-label national beer. From Vanuatu, it brings pale grain, soft honey, grassy hops, and brisk carbonation, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with lap lap, grilled fish, or coconut crab; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Guam Gold
#47 in this roundup
Beer profile

Guam Gold

Brewed by The Guam Brewery

StyleCream Ale
ABV4.2%
Oceania moveGuam’s crisp maize-and-wheat cream ale
Brewed inGuam

lemon, soft grain, flowers, mild citrus hops, and a clean finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Guam Gold represents Guam’s crisp maize-and-wheat cream ale. From Guam, it brings lemon, soft grain, flowers, mild citrus hops, and a clean finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with kelaguen, barbecue, or fried seafood; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

SolBrew Lager
#48 in this roundup
Beer profile

SolBrew Lager

Brewed by Solomon Breweries

StylePale Lager
ABV4.7%
Oceania movethe Solomon Islands’ nautical-label lager
Brewed inSolomon Islands

pale bread, soft fruit, gentle bitterness, and lively fizz

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: SolBrew Lager represents the Solomon Islands’ nautical-label lager. From Solomon Islands, it brings pale bread, soft fruit, gentle bitterness, and lively fizz, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with grilled reef fish, cassava, or barbecue pork; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

SB
#49 in this roundup
Beer profile

SB

Brewed by Solomon Breweries

StylePale Lager
ABV5.7%
Oceania movethe Solomon Islands’ stronger gold-can lager
Brewed inSolomon Islands

bread, light caramel, herbs, and a dry warming close

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: SB represents the Solomon Islands’ stronger gold-can lager. From Solomon Islands, it brings bread, light caramel, herbs, and a dry warming close, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with roast pork, grilled chicken, or fried snacks; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

Ikale Export Beer
#50 in this roundup
Beer profile

Ikale Export Beer

Brewed by Tonga Breweries

StylePale Lager
ABV5.0%
Oceania moveTonga’s enduring eagle-label export lager
Brewed inTonga

pale malt, mild sweetness, soft herbs, and a clean finish

BAR NOTES

Why it earns a place: Ikale Export Beer represents Tonga’s enduring eagle-label export lager. From Tonga, it brings pale malt, mild sweetness, soft herbs, and a clean finish, giving this broad regional flight a specific cultural and stylistic point rather than reducing Oceania to one generic lager story.

How to drink it: Serve it properly cold at 3–6°C in a tall clean glass, then finish the pour while its carbonation and delicate hop character remain lively. Pair it with lu pulu, grilled fish, or cassava; the combination uses carbonation, bitterness, malt, roast, or acidity to keep the food and beer in balance.

KEEP THE FLIGHT GOING

Keep drinking around the Pacific

Go deeper into Australia and New Zealand, cross into nearby Asian brewing cultures, and turn the region’s best lager, hop, stout, sour, and fruit ideas into your own brew day.

Karl S
BEHIND THE BAR

Written by Karl S

Lead marketer, brewer, dad, and husband. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy. Self proclaimed coffee addict who's been home brewing beer (among other things) for 25+ yrs. Also an aspiring pro-brewer and micro-brewery owner!

Meet Karl →