Local beer isn’t just about taste – it’s about community. Meet the South Australians behind the pints that keep our state’s craft scene alive and thriving.
It might seem like a small choice – picking a local beer over a national brand. But in South Australia, it means a lot.
We’ve got more than 80 independent breweries across the state – from suburban sheds to coastal taphouses and hillside pubs. Together, they account for just five per cent of beer sold in SA, but a massive 70 per cent of the jobs in the industry. That’s more than 2000 South Australians – brewers, bar staff, delivery drivers, designers and more – whose livelihoods rely on people choosing local.
These small businesses pour around $120 million into the SA economy each year. Most are run by families, not huge corporations. With rising production costs, staff shortages, and the lingering post-COVID hangover, SA’s indie brewers are feeling the pressure more than ever.
So when you’re choosing your beer, why not make it one that counts? If you care about flavour, creativity, sustainability – and keeping your money in the state – now’s the time to buy local. Here’s where to start.
The head brewer who won’t back down
Founded by Kevin Mulcahy and James McCall in 2016, multi-medal-winning Shapeshifter Brewing Company is known for juicy IPAs, bold can designs, and fun seasonal releases.
Its head brewer Carla Naismith is the one making sure every beer is clean, balanced, and brewed to spec – and she loves her job.
“I’ve never felt more at home in an industry,” she says. “It brings together science, problem-solving and creativity. It’s like baking – but with hops.”
Carla’s got the kind of brain that likes to understand how things work, and brewing gives her endless learning opportunities. She’s also seriously determined.
“I’m good at my job and seriously stubborn,” she says. “People talk a lot about style or trends, but the best beers are the ones that are made well.”
She’s also passionate about mentoring the next generation. During a recent trip to Manchester, she found herself working alongside three other female brewers.
“I nearly cried with pride,” she says. “Now I’m on the other end of the phone if someone wants help. You don’t have to figure it out alone.”
Shapeshifter’s Findon venue has become an epic hangout for locals and visitors: 12 rotating taps, live music, food trucks, and even a kids’ corner. The beers change frequently, but the vibe stays relaxed, inclusive and proudly local.
The biotech boss who chose beer
Set among the gum trees in Totness, Prancing Pony Brewery Restaurant has racked up over 160 medals since 2012, including multiple Champion Small/Medium Brewery awards. But for co-founder Corinna Steeb, trophies are just a bonus.
“We don’t just make beers to win medals,” says Corinna, who holds a PhD in Medical Sciences and spent years in biotech before pivoting to brewing with her husband, physicist Frank Samson. “We make them because we love the art of creating flavour.”
Like their signature India Red Ale – bold, hoppy and malt-driven – or their cult-favourite Black Ale, which doesn’t fit neatly into any competition category but remains a year-round crowd-pleaser.
Corinna doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges of being a woman in brewing. Despite her credentials, she’s faced the kind of treatment many women in male-dominated industries know well.
“You can come up against a lot of pre-judgemental opinions – people pushing you around or just not taking you seriously because you’re a woman,” she says. “But I always tell people: brewing was historically a female profession. Prove me wrong.”
That confidence flows through the entire operation. The brewery recently welcomed another female apprentice brewer and continues to champion sustainability – using solar power, and sourcing ingredients locally wherever possible.
The biggest challenge? Tap contracts with big breweries that lock up most of the taps in pubs.
“It’s brutal when you see those contracts and know that 60-plus independent SA breweries are fighting for maybe just two craft beer taps per pub,” Corinna says.
More worth checking out
1. The Suburban Brew – Small-batch, big flavour from this Goodwood and Glynde brewer focused on sessionable beers and community feel.
2. Wheaty Brewing Corps – An extension of the legendary Wheaty hotel, this brewery is owned and led by women, known for fearless experimentation and bone-dry humour.
3. Uraidla Brewery – Clean, modern beers brewed with local grain and local water. Their 2024 Vampiric Throne Red IPA took out Champion Independent Beer nationally.
4. Watsacowie Brewing – Yorkes’ first independently owned microbrewery and tap house, serving up small-batch beers with a local edge.
5. Kangaroo Island Brewery – A sunny shack with fresh pours, big views and easy-drinking local beer.
Make it local
Next time you’re choosing a six-pack or planning a catch-up, look for the Brand SA logo or buy direct from your fave South Aussie brewer.
That way, your beer money stays local, supports real families, and lets you meet the makers while soaking up the good vibes at your local brewery.
For a full list of independent South Australian breweries and where to find their brews, head here.
