Ever cracked open a homebrew and thought: ‘Yeah… no thanks’? 👇

Coopers nailed it again — ready to pour beer your mates won’t believe you brewed?

June 24, 2025

Starter kits are fine—until you try a Coopers can and ask, 'Wait, why is this actually good?'

3 Coopers Products Every Beginner Needs to Brew Beer Like a Craft Expert

These tried-and-true brews are what separate a backyard experiment from a beer worth bragging about

Some start with curiosity. Others, with a birthday gift from a mate. But everyone learning to brew hits the same fork in the road: stick with the dodgy tins from the shed, or level up to something that actually tastes like beer you'd pay for.

That’s where Coopers comes in. Not just a household name in Aussie beer — they’re the secret weapon for new brewers chasing that "Wow, you made this?" moment. And no, you don’t need a stainless steel mash tun or a chemistry degree to get there.

Good brewing isn’t about fancy gadgets — it’s about starting with the right base, and knowing what to expect.

We’ve pulled together three Coopers favourites we reach for again and again when someone asks: “What’ll actually give me a solid first brew?” These picks are reliable, forgiving, and downright tasty — even if your shed is running without a brew fridge or fancy fittings.

1. Coopers Original Stout 1.7kg

Rich, dark, and absolutely packed with character — this isn’t just any stout. It pours a deep espresso-brown with a head that holds firm like crema on a fancy long black. The aroma? Think roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and a touch of grain — but without punching you in the face.

It’s a go-to for cooler months, and beginners love it because it’s forgiving. Stouts cover small mistakes with bold flavours. Didn’t sanitise perfectly? Bottled too early? Nine times out of ten, you’ll still end up with something you want to drink — or proudly share.

Pro tip: Brew it now, stash a few bottles, and taste it every month. This one ages like a good yarn — better each time.

2. Coopers Original Real Ale 1.7kg

Bright golden, fruity-malty aroma, satisfying full mouthfeel. This is the stuff traditional pub dreams are made of. It’s everything you wanted beer to taste like when you poured your very first pint — before commercial lagers let you down.

Beginner-friendly with just the right amount of bitterness for balance, this kit is ideal when you’re ready to move beyond “first brew” tastes, but not into the weeds of dry hopping and advanced temp control.

Use a standard fermenter and basic bottling setup? It'll still come out with a surprisingly clean finish and a touch of complexity that whispers, “Yep, you’re getting the hang of this.”

“If I had to recommend just one all-rounder to newbies who want solid results without stress, this is it.” – Candeece, homebrew support lead

3. Coopers European Lager 1.7kg

This one’s for the clean-finish lovers — those who want their homebrew crisp, clear, and full of finesse. It's based on premium Northern European styles and delivers a herbaceous hop aroma with a solid malt backbone.

Yes, lagers are a touch trickier to master because they prefer cooler temps. But here’s the magic: this kit balances that with beginner tolerance. You’ll still get stellar results using standard room temperatures — particularly in SA’s cooler months.

Pour it tall, pour it chilled, and leave a generous 5cm of foam — this lager wants room to shine. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why folks are quick to say, “No way this came from your shed.”

So, what’s the common thread?

All three cans hit that rare sweet spot: reliable for beginners, rewarding for experienced brewers, and made to impress without overcomplication. They bridge the gap between DIY and downright delicious without giving you decision fatigue.

Used to take five YouTube videos, three types of hops, and a half-day brew session just to maybe get something drinkable? Not anymore. These Coopers tins cut straight to the good part — real beer, worth a cheers.