Most Aussie men enjoy a delicious craft brew, but what makes a brew manly? What sets the men apart from the boys when it comes to beer? Is a manly beer hopped to the max, strong and bitter? Is it a malty, high alcohol Belgian-style brew? Is it a British style ale, hand pumped and highly quaffable? Maybe it’s a dark, earthy stout or a fruity, dry-hopped Aussie IPA. One thing’s for sure. A boy usually drinks whatever’s cheap and easy to acquire, but a man knows exactly what he wants. In the past ten years, craft brewing has been skyrocketing in Australia, and there are some great new flavours out there. Here are a few of Australia’s manliest craft brews.

5. Birbecks Brewing - Four Brothers IPA

Four Brother IPA holds it all together with a perfect balance of flavours. Made with Stella hops, it’s a little spicy and a little sweet. Its four malts and four hops give it floral and citrus undertones, and it is surprisingly bubbly and easy-drinking. Four brothers is a beer for fun and fellowship.

4. Ekim Brewing Co - After Battle Pale

This is a muscular, yet moderate, British-style pale ale with a Viking on the label. Who doesn’t love a Viking? It’s unfiltered, unpasteurised and completely natural. It’s just what you need after a game, a workout, a big meeting or a sword fight.

3. Kooinda Black IPA (Full Nelson)

It not just the wrestling reference that makes this beer manly. This is a big, black Aussie IPA from north Melbourne. It’s dry-hopped and it’s made with six malts. It’s packed with flavour, and at a 7% alcohol percentage, it really packs a punch. This is a big, strong and complex beer that will send mere boys running for the hills.

2. Boatrocker - Ramjet

Now we’re into the imperial stouts. This one is aged in British Victorian-era whiskey barrels and brewed with hops and malts shipped in from the UK. It’s named after backup engines, and it packs a punch and adds power when you’re almost out of fuel. With its rich, warm wood and whisky notes, it’s almost too easy to drink. It’s hard to tell just how strong it is: 10.2% abv.

1. Auld Bulgin' Boysterous Bicep

This beer is indescribably manly. The ingredients list is truly amazing. It’s described as “Australia's first Smoked Belgio Imperial Mussel and Oyster Stout,” and they are completely serious in that description. It contains both blue and green lipped mussels and Port Stephens oysters, as well as yeast from a Belgian monastery. It’s got a well balanced and completely unique flavour and it’s 10% abv. Be manly. Be adventurous. Explore all the great Australian craft brews and cultivate a mature taste in beer.