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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
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.
#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.
#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.
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 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.
#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.
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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
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.
#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.
#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.
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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
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.
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.
#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.
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.
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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
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.
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.
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.
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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!