In This Article
Introduction to IPAs in Australia
After drinking a lot of Australian IPAs over the years, one thing becomes pretty clear — the best ones aren’t always the highest in alcohol or the most hyped; they’re the ones that get the balance right.
Australian brewers have got very good at brewing IPAs like this. Over the past few years, drinkability has taken centre stage, with plenty of flavour and hop character, without the fatigue that can come from pushing things too far.
These are some of our all-time favourite Australian IPAs. They’re easy to track down, brewed year-round, and available without chasing limited releases. If you’re new to IPAs, this is a good place to start. And if you already know what you like, these are still worth keeping in the fridge.
How We Chose These Australian IPAs
This isn’t a list built around what’s new, rare, or hardest to find. There’s no hype chasing here.
Every beer included meets a few simple criteria:
- Brewed year-round
- Available nationally
- Easy to buy from places like Beer Cartel or Dan Murphy’s
- Built around balance rather than brute force
- Enjoyable enough to drink more than once in a sitting
They were all tasted the same way most people drink beer — bought retail, poured at home, and judged over time rather than on first impression. That tends to reveal what actually holds up.
The 7 Best Australian IPAs to Try in 2025
BentSpoke Brewing Co. – Crankshaft IPA
American IPA | 5.8% ABV
Few Australian IPAs have earned their reputation as steadily as Crankshaft. BentSpoke’s flagship has been around long enough to feel familiar, but it hasn’t lost relevance — which says a lot in a category that moves quickly.
Centennial, Citra, Cascade, Simcoe, Mosaic, and Equinox bring classic orange citrus, grapefruit, and a touch of pine, with a light caramel malt note underneath. The bitterness is present but balanced, keeping things crisp, clean, and easy to drink.
Hop Nation – J-Juice Hazy IPA
New England / Hazy IPA | 7.1% ABV
Hop Nation was already well established before J-Juice arrived, but this beer locked in their reputation for modern hop-forward brewing. After an early release under a different name, it was refined and reintroduced — and it’s been a fridge staple for hazy IPA fans ever since.
Nelson Sauvin, Citra, Mosaic, Riwaka — it’s an all-star hop bill, and it shows. Expect passionfruit, lime zest, mango, and soft citrus wrapped in a creamy mouthfeel. Despite the boozy numbers, it drinks smoothly, with low perceived bitterness and no sharp edges. A proper juice bomb that stays controlled rather than chaotic.
Modus Brewing – Sonic Prayer
American IPA | 6.0% ABV
Sonic Prayer has quietly become one of Modus Operandi’s defining beers. It doesn’t rely on novelty or gimmicks — it just does its job well, every time.
Citrus and stone fruit lead the way, with orange and peach up front and a light pine note in the background. A clean malt base keeps everything balanced, and the finish is dry with a gentle bitterness that holds it together.
Boatrocker – Big Love Hazy IPA
Hazy IPA | 6.2% ABV
Big Love sits comfortably in Boatrocker’s wheelhouse — soft, approachable, and easy to drink without losing character. It’s a hazy that leans more into balance than intensity.
Stone fruit and orange citrus lead the way, with a soft sweetness sitting underneath. The mouthfeel is smooth and pillowy, bitterness stays low, and the hops carry through gently. Easygoing, rounded, and built for comfort rather than intensity.
Black Hops Brewing – Hornet IPA
American IPA | 5.6% ABV
Hornet is a confident, structured IPA that leans into hop character without overcomplicating things. Black Hops have built this one with intent, favouring clarity and balance while still giving the hops plenty of room to speak.
Citrus and stone fruit show up first, with pine and resin following through. A light malt sweetness keeps things balanced, and it finishes dry with a firm, lingering hop presence. It’s an excellent pick for experienced IPA drinkers, or for anyone ready to step up from softer styles.
Wayward Brewing – India Pale Ale
West Coast IPA | 6.0% ABV
Wayward’s IPA sticks close to a classic West Coast-inspired blueprint, and it works because it doesn’t try to reinvent anything.
Tropical fruit and citrus lead the palate, with a firm bitterness following through to a dry finish. A light malt base keeps everything balanced while the hops remain the focus.
Mountain Culture – Scenic Route Hazy Pale Ale
Hazy Pale Ale (Session) | 4.0% ABV
Scenic Route often gets mentioned alongside IPAs, but technically it sits just outside the category — and that’s part of its charm. At 4.0% ABV, it’s built for longevity rather than impact.
New World hops bring citrus and soft tropical notes, supported by a smooth mouthfeel and a clean, dry finish. There’s flavour and freshness without the weight, making it properly sessionable. A great option if you’re planning on having a few and want to keep both your palate and your head in good shape.
How These IPAs Stack Up
| Beer | Style | ABV | Bitterness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crankshaft | American IPA | 5.8% | Medium | Next-step IPA |
| J-Juice | Hazy IPA | 7.1% | Low | Juicy hazy fans |
| Sonic Prayer | American IPA | 6.0% | Medium | Balanced IPA drinkers |
| Big Love | Hazy IPA | 6.2% | Low | Soft hazy lovers |
| Hornet | IPA | 5.6% | Medium–Low | Everyday IPA |
| Wayward IPA | American IPA | 6.0% | Medium–Low | Lager converts |
| Scenic Route | Hazy Pale Ale | 4.0% | Low | Session drinking |
Where to Buy These Aussie IPAs
All of the beers above are regular releases, so you don’t need to go hunting for them or wait for a seasonal run.
They’re available year-round either through Beer Cartel, which stocks them online, or Dan Murphy’s, both in-store and online. Between the two, most people won’t have much trouble tracking them down.
It also means you can try one, decide you like it, and actually buy it again — which still feels like a small win in the current beer landscape.
What Makes an IPA Beginner-Friendly?
Not all IPAs drink the same, even when the numbers look similar.
Beers that work for newer drinkers usually share a few traits:
- Lower perceived bitterness
- Late hopping for aroma over bite
- Balanced malt backbones
- Clean fermentation
Hazy IPAs often feel softer because hop oils and proteins round out the mouthfeel. Classic IPAs lean more on clarity and bitterness. Neither is better — they just suit different moments.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to IPAs, start with the softer beers. Let your palate adjust. There’s no rush.
And if you already enjoy them? These are still beers worth keeping in the fridge. They’re consistent, well-made, and genuinely enjoyable — which matters more than novelty ever will.
Tried any of these? Drop your thoughts in the comments, or sign up for the Craft Beer Me newsletter for more great beer content.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
