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.
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! If they want to get the same size beer, they will need to order an ‘Imperial Pint’ (which, as I understand, some places in the UK call a ‘pint’) .
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 size beer you are after.
While the table above is not an extensive list of every size of beer you will find, it does cover four of the most popular sizes. 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 don’t try to order a schooner is South Australia.
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.
