Coopers nailed it—now it’s your turn to brew the beer styles no one’s brewing.

October 2, 2025

Beer Styles You've Probably Ignored — But Will Wish You Tried Sooner

You know about pale ales and lagers. Maybe you've even dabbled in a stout or IPA. But hiding in plain sight are underdog brews that deserve centre stage — not just for their flavour, but for how much fun they are to brew. And here's the best bit: most of them are easier, more forgiving, and way more interesting than you’d expect.

The case for brewing beer styles that aren’t household names

The Aussie beer scene has been dominated by a few juggernauts for decades. Nothing wrong with a crisp lager after mowing the lawn — but if you’re brewing at home, it makes no sense to stay inside the fence.

After all, you’re not just making beer. You’re crafting something that says a bit about who you are — hands-on, curious, and quietly competitive with your mates. These lesser-known styles? They're flavour-forward, unique, and let you flex your brewing skills without overcomplicating things or chasing unicorn ingredients.

1. Sparkling Ale – Australia’s best-kept secret

Ask any seasoned homebrewer and eventually they’ll name-drop this beauty. An Aussie original, sparkling ales are criminally underbrewed for how good they are. Big malt flavour, brilliant carbonation, and a deep amber hue that just looks like proper beer.

One solid option is the Thomas Coopers Innkeeper’s Daughter Sparkling Ale. It’s named for Anne Cooper, and the style carries old-school charm with a fizzy, malt-forward kick. Clear your arvo — because this isn’t a beer you knock back in a hurry. It’s one you savour and think, “Why didn’t I brew this sooner?”

2. Altbier – Germany’s smooth operator

Altbier has one foot in ale, the other in lager territory. Originating in Düsseldorf, it's clean, crisp, and slightly bitter — like a dark lager but brewed with top-fermenting ale yeast. The rich copper colour and subtle spiciness often catch people off guard… in a good way.

“Altbier is what I brew when everyone else expects a pale ale – and then I blow their minds.” — Candeece, H Hardware Brewing Lead

For those who’ve started building out a more controlled brew setup — especially a fermentation fridge — Altbier’s ideal. It’s not tricky, you just need to mind your temps. Pair it up with a nice Vienna-style malt or a touch of chocolate malt and you’re golden.

3. Kölsch – The summer sleeper hit

Feels like a lager, drinks like a lager, but it's not. Kölsch is a German hybrid ale with a super clean profile, subtle biscuit malt, and a refreshing bite. It ferments warm but conditions cold, which makes it achievable in a standard homebrew layout with a bit of patience.

If you like your beers crisp but can't be bothered mucking about with true lagering, Kölsch is a brilliant middle ground. Perfect for kicking back under the verandah on a hot Saturday, or lining up a batch while footy’s on in the background.

4. Saison – Built for backyard brewers (literally)

Picture this — you're brewing in your shed in the middle of a warm autumn. You don’t have precise temp control, but you’ve got passion, decent gear, and a nose for flavour. Bingo: Saison.

This Belgian-style farmhouse ale was meant to ferment in unpredictable conditions. It thrives in the warm, ferments fast, and gets bonus points for being spicy, citrusy, and bone dry. It's a perfect style if you're still figuring out advanced controls.

Try tossing in some homegrown rosemary or black pepper for a one-of-a-kind batch. Just don’t be surprised when your mates start hounding you for a second bottle.

5. Wee Heavy – Small name, big flavour

This is Scotland’s answer to “bigger is better.” Deep caramel, toffee, and roasted flavours, usually clocking in at a higher ABV — but smooth as silk when brewed right. You don’t need tons of hops or trick ingredients. Just good malt, time, and a thick-grain bill.

Not every beer has to be session-friendly. Some are made for slow sipping by the firepit with a beanie on, swapping stories and taking your time. Wee Heavy is that kind of beer. Brew it once in the colder months and you’ll be stashing a few longnecks away every year after.

The real win? These brews are yours

You don’t need to chase overseas trends or battle clone recipes to make something unforgettable. These underrated styles let you show skill without needing a degree in brew science. They’ve stood the test of time, they’re practical with local gear, and they deliver that “Oi, taste this” moment every brewer lives for.

So next time you’re tossing up what to put on the next brew day, steer off the main track. Pick a style with history, guts, and surprise factor. Because in this shed, it’s not about what’s popular — it’s about what’s worth pouring.

Cheers,
— Candeece