Navigating Australian Beer Sizes (or ‘how to order beer like a local’)
Australian beer culture is known for a lot of things, but consistent serving size names across the country is not one of them.
Lets look at the various beer sizes and how to order a beer in Austrlaia.
When is a pint not a pint?
A Londoner and New Yorker walk into a Sydney pub and order order a ‘pint’… no, this isn’t the start of a bad joke…
The Londoner will get what they expect, a 20 fluid oz (570 Ml) glass. However, the New Yorker will receive a slightly larger serving than they get at home, as American pints are only 16 fluid oz (473 Ml).
If they decide to keep on drinking together in Adelaide, South Australia they will get a shock when they order those ‘pints’ as it will only be 14 fluid ounces.
Confused yet?
If you are visiting from overseas or traveling interstate, here’s a quick guide to getting to know your pots from your pints across Australia so you can order the beer size you are after.
Australian beer sizes by size and state
While the table above is not an extensive list of every size of beer glass size you will find, it does cover the four most popular sizes and what they are called state by state.
Note that some sizes have more than one name, so while a small 10 oz size is called a ‘middy’ in New South Wales, you might hear that same size called a ‘middy, a ‘ten’, or a ‘pot’ depending on where you are in Queensland.
But at least the middy beer size is consistent at 285 ml or 10 ounces. JUst don’t try to order one in Melbourne..
And having said all of that, some specialised breweries may have their own sizes of beer glass at their taproom.
If you get too confused, just shout your group a jug, you’ll not only be safe with the bar staff, but be a champion with your mates.
Looking for a map of breweries in Marrickville? We’ve got you covered, just click here. Want to find a place outside? Here are some other options.