Local vs. International: The Best Craft Beers You Can Find in a Busselton Bottleshop
Busselton’s Legacy of Craft Beer Leadership
Craft beer has come a long way in Australia — but in Western Australia, the movement took hold early, with local brewers leading the charge in freshness, flavour, and innovation. And right here in Busselton, Brew+ has proudly played a part in supporting that growth.
Since our beginnings through Cape Cellars, Brew+ has been a champion of independent breweries across the South West. As one of the region’s early adopters of local craft beer, we helped put fresh, small-batch WA brews in the hands of everyday drinkers — and built strong relationships with producers along the way.
That legacy continues today. While we offer a select range of imported craft beers, our shelves are dedicated to what WA does best: hop-forward hazies, sessionable lagers, crisp ales, and bold seasonal releases from the state’s top independent brewers.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
What makes local beer different (and often better) than international options
Some of the best WA-made beers you can find at Brew+
A few overseas favourites worth exploring for contrast
Whether you're new to craft beer or a seasoned enthusiast, there's always something fresh to discover — and it’s closer than you think.
Local vs. International: What’s the Real Difference?
There’s a lot to love about the global beer scene — but when it comes to what’s in your glass, local almost always wins. From taste and freshness to value and community impact, there are some key reasons Brew+ chooses to focus on WA-made beer.
Freshness You Can Taste
Most local beers arrive on shelves within days or weeks of being canned. That means you’re getting them as the brewer intended — fresh, vibrant, and full of character. In contrast, imported beers often spend months in transit and storage. Hop-forward styles like IPAs and pale ales lose their punch quickly, meaning many overseas cans are well past their peak by the time you crack one open.
Better Value for Quality
Imported craft beers usually come with a higher price tag. Freight, currency exchange, and long-haul logistics all add up — but not necessarily in ways that improve quality. With local beer, more of your spend goes toward premium ingredients, local jobs, and great brewing rather than transport costs.
Style Integrity
Certain beer styles are best enjoyed fresh. Unfiltered lagers, hazy IPAs, and fruit-forward sours can all suffer from time and temperature shifts during international shipping. Local beers, on the other hand, retain their intended flavour, texture, and balance.
Supporting Independent Brewers in WA
WA is home to some of the most respected independent breweries in Australia. Choosing local means backing passionate producers who live and brew in our region — and keeping money in the community. From Jindong to Margaret River and beyond, these breweries are putting Busselton and the South West on the craft beer map.
So, is local craft beer better than imported?
For everyday drinking, flavour consistency, and value — yes, absolutely. That said, there’s still a place for international classics. Belgian saisons, German pilsners, or American sours can offer style diversity and inspiration. But at Brew+, we believe the best beers for most drinkers are brewed close to home — and are often better than what’s shipped from overseas.
Why Brew+ Only Stocks Local Craft Beer
At Brew+, our commitment to local breweries isn’t just about the shelf — it’s about supporting the people and producers who make WA one of the best places in the world for craft beer.
We Listen to What Our Customers Want
Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand that our customers value quality, freshness, and local connection. That’s why we’ve made the decision to stock only WA-made craft beer — because that’s what locals and visitors alike are asking for. Whether it’s a bold new release or a fridge-friendly staple, our focus is on what matters most to the community.
It Keeps Beer Fresh and Flavour-True
By staying local, we cut out the long-haul shipping and storage that can compromise beer quality. No delays, no warm warehouses, no flavour loss. Just crisp, cold beer that was brewed, canned, and delivered within the same region — often within a week or two.
It Supports Local Brewers and Our Regional Economy
From Margaret River to Jindong, WA brewers are world-class. Stocking their beer means more than good taste — it supports small businesses, local tourism, and a thriving independent brewing scene. We’re proud to be a part of that, and to give these producers a consistent place on our shelves.
Our Range is Always Changing
With regular deliveries from breweries like Rocky Ridge, Beerfarm, Shelter, Eagle Bay and more, there’s always something new to try. Limited releases, seasonal specials, and crowd favourites are all in the mix — and when they’re gone, they’re often gone for good. It’s one of the reasons locals pop in regularly just to see what’s new.
What About International Beers?
We do carry a small, curated selection of imported craft beers — typically by request or for style diversity. But make no mistake: our focus is local, and that’s exactly how our customers like it.
Want to taste the difference? Visit Brew+ for the freshest range of WA craft beer — all chilled, all ready to enjoy.
Best Local Craft Beers to Try in Busselton
From hazy hop bombs to clean, easy-drinking lagers, WA’s local breweries offer something for every taste — and Brew+ is proud to stock a rotating range of the region’s best. Here are just a few of the standouts you’ll find in-store.
Rocky Ridge – Jindong Juicy, Ace IPA, Crisp Hoppy Mid
Brewed just outside of Busselton, Rocky Ridge is one of WA’s most innovative independent breweries — known for unfiltered, farm-grown beer packed with flavour.
Jindong Juicy: A hazy pale bursting with tropical hops and soft bitterness
Ace IPA: Bold, resinous, and built for fans of big-hop character
Crisp Hoppy Mid: Light, fresh, and full of flavour despite the lower ABV
Rocky Ridge beers are often seasonal or small-batch, so don’t wait too long if you see something you like.
Beerfarm – Royal Haze, India Pale Lager
Operating out of Metricup, Beerfarm blends creative brewing with a down-to-earth attitude and a strong WA identity.
Royal Haze: A fruity, hazy pale ale that’s easy to drink and full of citrus notes
India Pale Lager: Clean and crisp with just enough bitterness to keep things interesting
Beerfarm is also known for using WA-grown hops and native ingredients in some of their more experimental brews.
Shelter Brewing – Pale Ale, Lager
Shelter is brewed right on the Busselton foreshore, making it the most local of locals.
Pale Ale: Bright, balanced, and versatile — great with food or on its own
Lager: Clean and refreshing, this one’s built for summer sessions and backyard BBQs
Eagle Bay Brewing – XPA, Kölsch
Family-owned and sustainably focused, Eagle Bay crafts approachable beers that highlight balance and drinkability.
XPA: Extra pale, extra hoppy, and easy to enjoy
Kölsch: A light German-style ale that’s smooth, crisp, and ideal for hot days
Margaret River Brewing Co. – In the Pines IPA, Stout
One of the South West’s OG craft breweries, still making bold and flavour-forward beers.
In the Pines IPA: Piney, resinous, and full of classic hop flavour
Stout: Rich and roasty with notes of chocolate and coffee
Colonial Brewing Co. – Small Ale, Pale Ale
Dependable, sessionable, and always solid — Colonial is a favourite for mixed packs and easy fridge-fillers.
Small Ale: Low in alcohol but not in flavour
Pale Ale: A well-balanced classic with broad appeal
Others to Watch – Cheeky Monkey
Creative, community-minded, and always experimenting.
Brew+ regularly stocks limited releases and seasonal cans from Cheeky Monkey — keep an eye out for fresh arrivals that don’t stick around long.
Local Brewery Spotlight (Not in Cans)
Some breweries in the South West don’t package their beer for retail, but they’re well worth visiting in person:
Bootleg Brewing Co. – One of the region’s pioneers, known for consistency and great taproom vibes
Wild Hop – Scenic views, creative tap-only beers, and a favourite for locals in Yallingup
Occy’s – A Dunsborough staple with loads of personality and an ever-changing beer board
You won’t find these in the Brew+ fridge, but they’re great stops if you’re heading out for a tasting adventure.
How to Choose the Right Craft Beer for Your Taste
Not sure where to start? With so many styles and flavour profiles, choosing the right craft beer can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a quick guide to help you find something you’ll love.
If You Like Fruity or Tropical Flavours
Try hazy pales, juicy IPAs, or beers with added citrus or tropical hops.
Suggestions:
Rocky Ridge – Jindong Juicy
Beerfarm – Royal Haze
Cheeky Monkey seasonal releases
If You Prefer Crisp, Light, and Easy-Drinking
Look for lagers, kölsch, and summer ales — perfect for hot days or relaxed sipping.
Suggestions:
Shelter – Lager
Eagle Bay – Kölsch
Colonial – Small Ale
If You Enjoy Bitterness and Bold Hop Flavour
Go for IPAs, West Coast styles, or hop-forward XPAs.
Suggestions:
Rocky Ridge – Ace IPA
Margaret River Brewing Co. – In the Pines IPA
Eagle Bay – XPA
If You Like Malty or Roasted Notes
Darker styles bring depth, sweetness, and richness — great for cooler nights.
Suggestions:
Margaret River Brewing Co. – Stout
Cheeky Monkey – Seasonal darks
Colonial – Porter (when available)
Want Something Different Every Time?
Ask about our limited releases. Many of the breweries we stock rotate fresh, seasonal beers every month — so there’s always something new to try.
Need help choosing? Just ask. Our team at Brew+ is passionate about local beer and happy to recommend something that suits your palate or occasion.
Where to Buy Craft Beer in Busselton
If you’re looking for great local beer, Brew+ is your go-to bottleshop in Busselton. We’re proud to offer a wide range of craft beer from WA’s best independent breweries — all kept fresh, cold, and ready to enjoy.
Why Choose Brew+?
Drive-thru convenience: Grab your favourites without leaving the car
Rotating seasonal range: We update our stock regularly with new releases from breweries like Rocky Ridge, Beerfarm, Shelter, Eagle Bay, and more
Cold storage: All our beers are kept chilled for maximum freshness and flavour
Weekly specials: Look out for great deals on local favourites and limited drops — visit our Weekly Specials page for the latest
Knowledgeable staff: Whether you’re after a four-pack for the weekend or beer for a big event, we’ll help you find the perfect mix
Event-ready options: Planning something big? We can help with custom orders and bulk supply — just get in touch via our Contact Page
Fresh is Best — Choose Local, Drink Local
WA’s craft beer scene is something truly special — and Busselton is right at the heart of it. With so many talented local brewers crafting bold, balanced, and boundary-pushing beers, there’s really no need to look far for quality.
At Brew+, we’re proud to back our region’s best. Every can in our fridge has been chosen for its flavour, freshness, and connection to the place we call home. Whether you’re a long-time craft drinker or just starting to explore, there’s always something new to try — and someone local behind it.
Next time you’re looking for great beer in Busselton, skip the imports and go straight to the source.
Discover your new favourite at Brew+ – Busselton’s local craft beer destination.
