Victoria Bitter reigns supreme on International Beer Day

IS VB still Australia’s best cold beer, or has a craft beer usurped the local legend. Just what is our favourite brew on International Beer Day?

AN IPA or porter might be the new pint of choice for young blokes with beards, but when it comes to a hard-earned thirst Victorians still turn to a VB when they want a cold beer.

Victoria Bitter is the number one beer brand in Australia, according to Liquorland, and is the most popular beer in our state.

Friday is International Beer Day, so it’s the perfect time to raise a frosty glass in celebration.

But that glass is increasingly likely to be filled with a beer from one of the growing number of boutique craft brewers.

Craft beer continues to drive beer’s resurgent popularity, with sales growing 20 per cent per year.

At Liquorland, full-strength domestic beer remains number one in terms of value and volume, and still accounts for about one-third of all beer sales.

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International premium beers such as Grolsch and Peroni are also enjoying increased popularity and now account for about 20 per cent of beer sales.

Matt Kendle, from Liquorland, said traditional favourites were still the top-selling brands around the country but he added Aussie beer drinkers’ tastes were changing.

“There is a real trend towards drinking for flavour, so people are willing to have fewer beers if that means they can have something that really tastes great, and that has seen a steady decline in light beer,” he said.

Beer drinkers remain loyal to their local brands.

XXXX Gold reigns in Queensland and the Northern Territory, Boag’s Draught is the number one choice in Tasmania and over in South Australia West End Draught is king.

Western Australia is the odd state out, preferring Carlton Dry to local brands.