What better way to stay toasty than with Australia’s best winter beers!

Forget the fireplace and heater. This winter we’re tucking into some hearty and equally outstanding Australian stouts to keep us warm.

With nights around Australia already reaching freezing temperatures, it’s the perfect time to get familiar with some of the finest Australian craft beer available. And, out of the category, the best type of beer for winter in our opinion is, of course, the mighty stout.

And, regardless of your palate preference, our guide is sure to entice your beer-quenching-thirst needs. So grab your mates and crack your way through our list of the best Australian made stout beers for winter 2023:

<strong>Big Shed Brewing Concern </strong>Golden Stout Time
Image via Beer Cartel website.

Big Shed Brewing Concern Golden Stout Time

A Golden Gaytime is usually best enjoyed on a hot summer day that is spent by the pool. But, this winter, your cravings will be satisfied thanks to the team over at Big Shed Brewing Concern. How, you may ask? They have  masterfully turned that summertime feeling into a sweet wintery stout. Meet the Golden Stout Time. Tasting frighteningly similar to the real Golden Gaytime, this craft beer has an ABV of 5.4% to ensure that you won’t feel too naughty enjoying this delicious treat for dessert. A must try this winter 2023!

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<strong>Grifter</strong> The Omen Oatmeal Stout
Image via Beer Cartel website.

Grifter The Omen Oatmeal Stout

We’ve all seen the 1976 film directed by Richard Donner that took Hollywood by storm. But, in our opinion, that’s old news now. This year, in our search for the best Australian beers for winter, we’d be condemned if we didn’t include Grifter’s The Omen Oatmeal Stout. Far from anything evil, this complex beer sees the use of six different varieties that are layered to give notes of chocolate, coffee and other roasted goodies. With a punch of oatmeal, this full-bodied beer has a velvet-like texture that is harmonious on the palate. Devilishly delicious and a must try in 2023!

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<strong>Green Beacon</strong> x Allpress Coffee and Donuts Breakfast Stout
Image via Beer Cartel website.

Green Beacon x Allpress Coffee and Donuts Breakfast Stout

Despite its name, this pastry stout is best enjoyed anytime after breakfast. If you love the sweetness of a doughnut but you’re needing a caffeine hit, Green Beacon’s newest creation, the Donuts Breakfast Stout is your best bet. Created in partnership with Allpress coffee, this interesting creation is sure to put the punch back into your day. With notes of cinnamon, oatmeal, golden syrup, dark roasted malts, espresso, dark fruit, chocolate and toffee, the Green Beacon x Allpress Coffee and Donuts Breakfast Stout will take you on an addictive yet surprisingly smooth journey.

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<strong>Hawkers</strong> BBA White Stout 2023 Strawberries & Cream Edition
Image via Beer Cartel website.

Hawkers BBA White Stout 2023 Strawberries & Cream Edition

This season, Hawkers Beer from Victoria has certainly topped the list with winter stouts. And, although the others featured on this list are decadent and deep, the Melbourne based brewers have also released a brew that is sure to sweeten up your smile. Give a warm welcome to the BBA White Stout 2023 Strawberries & Cream Edition. Think of it as Allen’s Strawberry & Cream in a can, this craft beer will suck you in until the very last drop. Pretty in pink in colour, the Hawkers Strawberries & Cream promises to be an overall enjoyable experience whether you’re a seasoned stout lover or you’re just getting sweetened up to the industry.

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<strong>Hawkers</strong> BBA White Stout 2023 Tiramisu Edition
Image via Beer Cartel website.

Hawkers BBA White Stout 2023 Tiramisu Edition

If you’re dreaming of a European summer this winter, let us take you there with every mouthful thanks to Hawkers BBA White Stout 2023 Tiramisu Edition. Delightfully orgasmic, this brew is creamy, rich, decadent and intoxicatingly addictive thanks to the bourbon barrels it was aged in. Plus, with the strong notes of cacao, vanilla and coffee, after every sip you’ll feel as if you’re about to spoon into a towering tiramisu at a patisserie that is tucked away in the back streets of Rome’s bustling city. An outstanding Australian craft beer for winter if we must say.

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<strong>Hawkers</strong> Rum Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
Image via Beer Cartel website.

Hawkers Rum Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

If you’re in search of one of the best dark beers for this winter 2023, then we must point you in the direction of Hawkers’ Rum Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout. Ready to pull you in after your very first sip, this brew is best enjoyed on those gloomy days. Of course, this stout’s flavour profile certainly tells a distinct story – much like the artwork that plays tribute to the Norse folklore of the Kraken. Inside you won’t find anything fishy, just well and truly good made brew. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend to wait until all ships have sailed, this a must try sooner rather than later!

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<strong>Hop Nation</strong> The Kalash 2023 Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
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Hop Nation The Kalash 2023 Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

No guide to Australia’s best winter beers would be complete without featuring Hop Nation’s The Kalash. And, this year is no exception with their eighth installment. Aged in seasoned bourbon barrels for four months before blending, stout beer lovers will find subtle oak and bourbon flavours. But, in true Hop Nation fashion, it doesn’t stop there. As you continue to taste (and hopefully enjoy) this brew, drinkers will find a surprising hint of dark chocolate, tar and spice. Best linked to mini chocolate Christmas puddings, we recommend you chill before drinking.

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<strong>White Bay</strong> Prevailing Winds Export Stout
Image via Beer Cartel website.

White Bay Prevailing Winds Export Stout

Located on the foot of Sydney’s Anzac Bridge in Rozelle is the team White Bay Beer Co. And, just as how the wind is changing, so too is their range which has now welcomed the Prevailing Winds Export Stout. It’s rich, complex and perfect for any world travellers. Featuring a malt base, this brew is cultured with its profile of chocolate, oats and bitter hops. Ready to take you on an adventure until the very last sip, we recommend cracking open this bad boy with a bunch of mates as you enjoy salted pretzels over a crackling fire.

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Looking for some more outstanding Australian beers to try? Check out this list of the Best Australian Made Craft Beers for Winter 2023. Are you the ultimate beer lover? Test your knowledge with our 10 Question Beer Style Quiz.

Editor’s Note: Our writers and contributors have independently selected and curated this article, and all opinions are their own. This article does contain affiliate links which allow us to make revenue off some purchases made by our readers.
This article was first published on June 12 2020. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on June 30 2023.
Feature image: Photographed by alexkoral. Image via Shutterstock.