There's no better month for beer lovers in Melbourne than May. We've got GABS. Good Beer Week. The Aussie International Beer Awards. And of course, Pint of Origin: the ten-day event that kicks everything off.
Running from May 10-19 this year, the 2024 edition of Pint of Origin promises to be bigger, bolder and more bodacious than ever before. The create-your-own-adventure beer festival – first conceived in 2012 by the folks at local craft beer publication the Crafty Pint – will soon be popping up at some of our favourite pubs and bars around the city, and we can't wait to taste the wacky and wonderful creations on offer across the week.
Wondering how the event works? It's simple: 21 Melbourne venues will host a different region of Australia or part of the world for ten days. Their mission is clear: serve only beers that come from their designated destination. Participating venues will run pairing events, themed tap takeovers, degustations, launch parties and opportunities to meet the brewers. Safe to say, there'll be no shortage of beer-soaked events throughout the program to take your fancy.
We're told around 700 beers will hit taps across Melbourne, from more than 225 breweries located everywhere from Quebec to Queensland, from Wales to Western Australia.
Pint of Origin 2024 Melbourne venues:
The tap dancers from Beermash in Collingwood will be pouring Scandinavian beers.
Benchwarmer in West Melbourne is showcasing Japanese brewers.
If you love your Western Aussie brews, make a beeline for Bonny in Fitzroy. It's pouring only Greater Perth froffs.
Yee-haw! Carwyn Cellars in Thornbury is pouring straight from the good ol' US of A.
Fitzroy's the Catfish is pouring New Zealand beers for you to wash down your fush and chups (or opt for a Philly cheesesteak instead, because the ones here are legendary.)
The Cherry Tree Hotel in Cremorne is pouring Victorian beers from regional destinations.
The Lincoln in Carlton, which needs no introduction, will be pouring Tasmanian beers.
Cheerful Miss Moses in Brunswick is all about the Sydney beers.
Joining that long-running northside versus southside debate in Melbourne, the Terminus in Fitzroy North will offer pints from north of the Yarra. Meanwhile, Freddie Wimpoles in St Kilda is carrying the torch for brewers south of the Yarra.
If you're curious about what's happening in the UK scene right now, head straight to Footscray's Mr West, which will be pouring British beers.
Brunswick Street's Near and Far will shine a spotlight on South Australian beers, while Brunswick's CoConspirators Brewpub will pour beers from the territories (NT and ACT.)
South Melbourne's Palace Hotel is turning its taps to South Australia.
The Park Hotel Abbotsford is showcasing Queensland beers.
Prince Alfred Port Melbourne will be pouring Greater Perth beers, while Richmond's Royston Hotel will focus on regional WA beers.
The Woodlands Hotel might look like a tiny German castle from the outside, but it's keeping its beers domestic from regional NSW.
On the other hand, Westside Ale Works has decided to pour European beers, while Whitehart Bar in the CBD will be sharing beers from good ol' Brizzy.
Also in the CBD, Heartbreaker will be all about the Canadian brews and Whisky and Alement will pour beers from the Boilermaker Hub.
Finally, The Windsor Alehouse has chosen to pour "Pint of No Origin" beers. These are beers from brewers that don't own their own brewery so borrow facilities from others.
For more details on this year's program, check out the official website.
