Stone & Wood Brews a Fire-Fuelled Porter for the Darkest Nights

As the winter solstice draws near, Stone Beer emerges—a brew steeped in ancient tradition. Inspired by medieval techniques, we fire stones and cast them into the kettle, caramelising malts to create rich toffee flavours. For its 17th winter, this dark porter features premium Australian malts, pouring deep brown with aromas of chocolate and notes of roasted coffee and biscuit. Best savoured on the darkest of nights, gathered around a crackling fire.

Honouring Tradition, Brewed by Fire: Our Annual Winter Stone Beer Returns

In the depths of a chilling Northern European winter, a celebration begins. The long-awaited harvest returns a dark bounty that is above all else that has come before.  
 
Long before the wizardry of steam was invented, brewers used stones and wood to brew their daily beer. Each year we release our winter seasonal Stone Beer, by adding wood-fired stones to the kettle to rouse the boil we pay tribute to this ancient technique and the brewers of the Middle Ages – dating back to the Vikings. Apart from the obvious heating effects, the stones intensify the malt characters and caramelise the brew, creating rich and toffee like flavours

Every winter, we honour ancient brewing techniques by releasing our annual Stone Beer, a bold yet approachable dark porter brewed with wood-fired stones in the kettle. This year, we’ve opted for a range of the highest quality Australian malts from Voyager Craft Malt, to produce a decadent limited release brew. Stone Beer 2025 pours dark brown, with rich and chocolatey aromas, followed by coffee, dark chocolate and biscuity flavours on the palate and finishes with a firm bitterness. Our wood fired porter is perfect for cold nights, sitting by the fire, beer in hand with mates.

Ingredients

• Malt
  • Voyager Veloria
  • Barrets Pale malt
  • Voyager Regen pale malt
  • Voyager Biscuit malt
  • Voyager Voodoo malt
  • Voyager Chocolate malt
  • Voyager Smoked Red Gum malt

• Hops
  • Galaxy
  • Fuggles

• Yeast
  • 1056 American Ale yeast

Food Pairings

🔥 Rich & Roasted Pairings (Match Intensity)

These dishes match the beer’s bold, roasted flavours:

• Smoked beef brisket with charred bark and caramelised edges
• Charcoal-grilled lamb burgers with harissa yoghurt or tahini slaw
• Slow-cooked beef cheek with root veg and jus reduction
• Sticky BBQ short ribs with molasses glaze

🌶️ Spice-Driven Pairings (Complement & Contrast)

Porters often pair beautifully with warm spice blends:

• Tandoori chicken with garlic naan and mint raita
• Lamb kofta with tabbouleh and a smoky eggplant dip
• Turkish-style eggplant stew (Imam Bayildi) for a vegetarian match
• Pulled lamb shawarma with pickled onion and tahini dressing

🧀 Cheese Pairings (Cut & Contrast)

Stone Beer’s roasted bitterness and carbonation can balance fat and salt:

• Sharp aged cheddar or mature Gouda
• Smoked provolone or blue cheese with fig paste
• A cheese board featuring nutty hard cheeses, toasted walnuts, and dates

🔥 BBQ & Flame-Friendly

Ideal for the beer’s smoky finish:

• Chargrilled sausages with caramelised onions
• Grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in balsamic and herbs
• Barbecued lamb skewers with chimichurri
  

Stone & Wood Brews An Easy Drinking Yet Flavour-Full Pale Ale.

Easy-drinking yet full of flavour, Easy Pale is a well-balanced, mid-strength Pale Ale crafted with all-Australian hops and pale malts. Brimming with tropical notes of mango, guava, and mandarin, this refreshing beer delivers a light, crisp body without compromising on taste. Perfect for those moments when you want to take it easy but still enjoy a proper beer.

ABOUT EASY PALE

OVERVIEW

Mid-Strength Pale Ale, 3.5% ABV

INGREDIENTS

Malt, Water, All Aussie Hops, Yeast.

CHARACTERISTICS

A refreshing, light-bodied Pale Ale with tropical mango, guava, and mandarin aromas. Smooth and well-balanced with a crisp finish.

THE FINER DETAILS

HOPS

Showcasing Australian Vic Secret and Eclipse hops for bright tropical aromas and a subtle citrus finish.

MALTS

A carefully crafted blend of Pale Malt, Voyager Pale Regen Malt, and SM40 for a smooth, full-flavoured base.

FOOD PAIRING

Easy Pale pairs effortlessly with almost anything! Enjoy it alongside BBQ meats, fresh seafood, or a summer salad. Its tropical notes also complement spicy dishes and umami-rich flavours like miso-glazed eggplant.

AVAILABILITY

Available online, in our Byron Bay and Brisbane Tasting Rooms, and at select BWS & Dan Murphy stores nationwide.

The Backpack West Coast IPA

Knapsack rangers and rucksack jockeys, set your wanderlust free with the The Backpack West Coast IPA. This bright, tropical and sessionable brew captures the essence of coastal adventures and the spirit of collaboration. The Backpack beer is the big and juicy second instalment of our partnership with the crew at Mountain Culture. Inspired by their bold American brewing techniques and our shared origin in, and passion for, vibrant backpack towns this approachable 6% ABV tipple is brewed with Idaho, Amarillo and Galaxy hops and bursts with flavours of mango, citrus and stone fruit.

 The Backpack West Coast IPA has you covered from the mountains to the sea and is brewed with your inner nomad in mind.

From The Mountains To The Sea – The Spirit of Collaboration

When our brewers met DJ, the Mountain Culture head brewer it was a match made in hop-heaven. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, DJ refined his craft in Colorado before taking his love for fresh beer and crisp mountain air to the Blue Mountains of Katoomba, NSW.

We quickly bonded over a shared passion for epic nature, good times and even better beers – and it was not long before the idea of a collab was inevitable. With both Mountain Culture and Stone & Wood hailing from quaint backpacker towns filled with colourful characters and vibrant energies, the stage was set for an epic, two-part collaboration. Our journey began with a team visit to the Blue Mountains and resulted in the mountain edition of the Backpack Ale, where the Mountain Culture brewers gave us their beautiful twist on the Original Pacific Ale.

A few short months later, it was our turn to bring the MC team from the peaks to the sea with our own creation – The Backpack Westcoast IPA. We spent a few stunning days together finding waves and swapping brewing tales while blending American and Australian hops into this beautiful spin on their big, delicious IPAs. 

Being our first-ever brewery collab, we could not be more honoured and excited to team up with the amazingly skilled and epically awesome crew at Mountain Culture.

With their influence and our shared passion for great brewing, we think this beer is nothing short of extraordinary. Enjoy!

Shop Backpack West Coast IPA here

Brewing good beer is always fun, but throwing in a little stitch up and some banter makes it even better!

Back in March, our mates at Mountain Culture invited us to the stunning Blue Mountains to team up on a brewing adventure. We crafted the first beer in The collab series: a smooth, sessionable Hazy Pale Ale we’d appropriately name Backpack Ale with both breweries hailing from Australian backpacking regions.

But it wasn’t all just brewing. The Mountain Culture Crew decided to up the ante by taking us on a wild canyoning escapade. Picture this: heavy rain, being hurled over a thundering waterfall, and racing through fast-moving rapids. The first of a handful of stitch ups yet come throughout the collab.

In true collab style, it was our turn to host and return the favour. We were pumped to welcome the Mountain Culture Crew to Byron Bay and show them what the Northern Rivers is all about. 🤙🏻 Surf ups!

Since it was their first time surfing, the boys took some heavy wipeouts, but their ambitious spirits threw them back on the board to get back out there and catch a few more. We wrapped up the session with some ice cold Stone & Wood Pacific Ales. Then, it was back to the brewery to dive into brewing our own addition to The Backpack Ale series.

When our brewers met DJ, the head brewer at Mountain Culture, it was like a match made in hop heaven. DJ, originally from North Carolina, polished his brewing skills in Colorado before bringing his love for fresh beer to the Blue Mountains of Katoomba, NSW. We quickly bonded over our love for epic nature, good times, and great beers, and it wasn’t long before we knew we had to collaborate.

With both Mountain Culture and Stone & Wood coming from vibrant, backpacker-friendly towns, it was a no-brainer to create something special together. So, check out the second beer in our collab: the Backpack Ale West Coast IPA. It’s available for a limited time at select bottleshops, pubs, our breweries, and online September 12th. Cheers to an epic two-part collaboration!

Need answers now? Click here to be taken to our beer size cheat sheet down the page.

If you've travelled Australia, you might have experienced the perplexity of different beer sizes, shapes, and names across state lines.

Just like the never-ending ‘parma or parmy’ debate, the naming conventions of our beers can confuse even the most seasoned beer drinker when visiting interstate.

Let’s dive into how each state in Australia names their beer sizes.

New South Wales’ beer sizes

We’ll start with our birthplace, the great state of New South Wales. We’re a little biased, but these sizes make the most sense to us.

The most standard size to order is the humble schooner, clocking in at 425mL. This is largely the same across all of Australia (looking at you, South Australia) and is a popular choice across the country. Not too big, not too small, just right.

Slightly larger in size is the pint, which holds 570mL. For quenching a more serious thirst, a pint is another very popular choice.

Larger still is the jug, with the standard size of 1,140mL in New South Wales. The jug is perfect for pouring yourself and a friend a pint each, or just under three schooners. The jug’s size is standard across the country.

Our middy is the smallest standard size that you can expect to order, making it ideal for those who have just come down for one. This comes in at 285mL.

We’ve also got our uniquely named schmiddy, a 350mL glass that sits in between the schooner and middy. Buy a pair of schmiddy glasses from our online store today.

Pictured: A middy of Green Coast lager is poured at our Byron brewery.

Queensland’s beer sizes

Queensland’s different beer sizes are named largely the same as in New South Wales.

Queensland shares the same schooner size as NSW, coming in at 425mL and a pint is also 570mL, the same as most other states, and their jug is 1,140mL. 

Where Queensland might differ from your home is with their smaller size, with the 285mL largely referred to as a pot instead of a middy.

Victoria’s beer sizes

Exploring further south, Victoria is again fairly similar to Queensland and New South Wales.

A schooner is the same at 425mL, and a pint is also 570mL. Asking for a pot of beer will get you a 285mL sized serving. Jugs remain the same, coming in at 1,140mL.

Asking for a glass of beer in some places in Melbourne will get you a 200mL size, even smaller than the more standard pot.

Hot tip: Victorians will tell you that if you don’t specify a size, it’s likely you’ll be poured a pot. Most other states default to a 425mL schooner.

South Australia’s beer sizes

Here’s where things get a little confusing. South Australia is by far the most unique of all states, with names that are widely accepted elsewhere in the country as one size referring to a smaller size in this region.

In Adelaide and surrounds, the standard and most common size is the pint, coming in at 425mL. This is not to be confused with the imperial pint, which comes in at the size of 570mL. Their most widely accepted small size is called a schooner and comes in at 285mL.

While these all differ from other states, the ever-reliable jug remains the same at 1,140mL.

The Northern Territory’s beer sizes

The Northern Territory’s more tropical weather makes larger sizes slightly less popular to the average drinker, as they go warm quick if not enjoyed fast enough.

Ask for a handle of beer if you’re after a 285mL, smaller beer to enjoy (although middy or pot are generally accepted too). These may come with a handle, so you don’t warm the beer too quickly holding it in your hand.

Schooners are the same as most other regions of Australia, coming in at 425mL. Pints and jugs are also the same at 570mL and 1,140mL.

Tasmania’s beer sizes

The Tassie pint remains unchanged to most other states, coming in at 570mL.

Tasmania’s name for their 285mL beer size is either pot or ten depending on who you speak to, with the name ten coming from the fact that 285mL is ten ounces of liquid. In keeping with this theme, a 425mL beer is referred to as either a schooner or a fifteen.

Western Australia’s beer sizes

Just like New South Wales, a middy is the most common name for a 285mL beer in Perth and surrounds. You might also hear this being referred to as a half-pint.

After this, the schooner (425mL), the pint (570mL) and the jug (1,140mL) remain the same as the rest of the country.

Australian Capital Territory’s beer sizes

Similarly to Western Australia, the capital also refers to 285mL beers as a middy or a half-pint. Double this in size for a standard pint at 570mL, with the schooner coming in at the mostly standard 425mL.

Our Australian beer size cheat sheet

To recap, there’s a lot of variation. It’s not an exact science, with differences by region and even each venue.

By and large, jugs, pints and schooners are a pretty universally understood size (except in SA), with most of the smaller options often having a name unique to the region.

As Aussies, we’re a diverse bunch. Our unique ways of enjoying beer are a perfect metaphor for our unique geography and people, and at Stone & Wood we think that’s more than worth celebrating.

So, whatever size glass you choose to drink from, raise it with us in celebrating the different ways in which Aussies enjoy their beer.

Find our range of beer available for purchase online, including the Stone & Wood core range and our limited releases. We also have a range of merchandise (including beer glasses)!

The Origins of Stouts & Porters

Stouts have a storied history that stretches all the way back to 18th century England. Originally, the term stout was used to describe strong, hearty porters – but over the years, stouts evolved into their own distinct category. They're both characterised by their robust flavours, slightly higher alcohol content, and the use of roasted barley, which adds that signature dark colour and that complex, roasty and toasty aroma.

It’s this warm and comforting flavour profile that makes these dark brews such a perfect fit for the winter months, making them a popular choice as the mercury drops.

The Australian craft industry has embraced these dark and full-bodied beers. Today, you’ll find stouts of all kinds crafted with a uniquely Aussie twist, incorporating local ingredients and flavours that make them truly our own.

Stout vs. Porter: What’s The Difference?

Alright, craft beer lovers, let’s dive into the age-old debate: what sets a stout apart from a porter? These two dark and delicious brews often get confused, and for good reason. They share a common history and a similar flavour profile, but there are key differences that beer enthusiasts should know.

The Origins of Their Names

The name "porter" itself comes from the hardworking porters who favoured this hearty brew. Stouts, originally known as "stout porters," were simply stronger versions of porters. Over time, stouts have evolved into their own distinct style.

The Different Brewing Processes

The key difference between a stout and a porter lies in the ingredients and brewing techniques. Stouts typically use roasted barley, which gives them that signature dark colour and robust, coffee-like flavour. Porters, on the other hand, often use malted barley, resulting in a smoother, more chocolatey taste.

Flavour Profiles of Stouts and Porters

Stouts

So, what makes a stout a stout? At its core, a stout is defined by its use of roasted malt or barley, which gives it that deep, dark colour and rich, robust flavour profile. When you pour a stout, you’re greeted with a thick, creamy head, and as you take that first sip, expect to encounter notes of coffee, chocolate, and sometimes even a hint of burnt toast – a unique delight that’s both comforting and complex.

But it’s not just the taste that sets stouts apart. The mouthfeel of a stout is often velvety and smooth, sometimes with a slight sweetness or a bitter finish, depending on the specific style. From dry stouts like the always recognisable Guinness, to the sweeter and more decadent milk stouts, there’s a stout for everyone.

Common food pairings with stouts include chocolate desserts, grilled meats and sharp cheeses, all of which complement the complex flavours well.

Porters

The flavour profile of porters is typically smoother and more approachable flavour to the boldness of stouts. When you pour a porter, you’ll notice its deep brown to black colour and a more subtle head.

The first sip of a porter often reveals a balance of chocolate, caramel, and toffee notes, with a roasted finish that’s less intense than a stout. Porters tend to have a medium body, offering a rich yet smoother mouthfeel that’s easier on the palate. They can range from the robust Baltic porters to the lighter, more easy-going brown porters, providing a spectrum of flavours for different tastes.

Food pairings that pair well with porters include barbecued meats, roast vegetables and even nutty desserts such as pecan pie.

Stone Beer 2024

Our own unique take on a wood-fired porter, our annual Stone Beer for 2024 is now available online and in select pubs and bottle shops.

Incorporating notes of roasted coffee, dark chocolate and smoky Macadamia, our 6% ABV Stone Beer is best paired with delicious BBQ meats, ribs and hearty stews around a campfire with good company. Rug up and enjoy today!

You've Found The Kween. Or Did The Kween Find You?

It's not every day that you find the Kween.

Let alone the fourth iteration.

If the third time's the charm, the fourth takes it up a notch or 11.

This fourth iteration in the Kween series releases the shackles – dialling it up with the holy trinity of chile de árbol, lime zest and pineapple juice. Hops take a backseat as the Kween reminds everyone what happens when you hit pause on the rules of beer.

We invite you to join the dad dance with our Head Brewer Caolan and explore the inspiration behind the beer, the brewing technique to arrive at this version of the Kween, and immerse yourself in the full tasting notes - just click play below ...

ABOUT SPICY KWEEN

HOPS
Hops take a back seat for this one, with a very small amount of Galaxy hops added for bittering purposes only.

MALT
Australian Pale and Wheat malts were summoned for the return of the Kween.

FOOD PAIRING
This Spicy Margarita Sour works well with all of your favourite Mexican dishes, from pork and pineapple tacos, to kingfish ceviche tostadas and chicken taquitos – the Kween loves to pair with them all.

AVAILABILITY

The Kween won't be around for long, so get your hands on this new limited release at Stone & Wood online, our Byron and Brisbane Tasting Rooms, and at select venues and bottle shops while you can!

Another exciting development in our partnership is the introduction of the Eclipse hop, a recent addition to HPA's lineup. This intriguing variety has captured our brewers imagination with its unique mandarin, pine needle, and citrus peel aromas. The perfect hop for the additions our brewers were chasing when developing our Big Pale Ale.

The brewers also added Vic Secret, another hop in the HPA arsenal of magic medleys. Vic Secret brings the big pineapple flavours and tropical notes to Big Pale, creating a symphony of tropical flavours and aromas in this well-balanced yet full- flavoured pale ale.

Visiting the farms in the picturesque Ovens Valley, where HPA cultivates these beautiful hops, is always a special experience. Meeting passionate growers like Alan, whose family has been part of this legacy for generations, reinforces our commitment to supporting Australian agriculture and showcasing the best of what our country has to offer.

As brewers, our excitement peaks during harvest season, but the real joy comes when we see these top-quality Aussie hops transform into delicious beers that excite our drinkers. It's a collaborative process that highlights the artistry of brewing and the importance of premium ingredients in crafting memorable brews.

The launch of Hinterland Big Pale is not just about a new beer; it's a celebration of a decade-long partnership with HPA, a tribute to Australian hops, and a toast to the shared passion for what we do.

Join us in raising a glass to craftsmanship, quality, and the vibrant flavours of Australian-grown hops. Cheers to a journey worth savouring, and here's to many more hops-inspired adventures ahead!

Hinterland Big Pale is a limited release that is available at Stone & Wood online and in our Brisbane and Byron Bay tasting rooms. As well as at Dan Murphy's nationwide and select BWS stores.  

NRB 🦃 AVAILABILITY 

From today (21.03.24) you’ll be able to grab a carton from the following bottle shops and next week we’ll be dropping the list on where to grab it on draught...

NRB - Keeping It Local.

Since 2008, we’ve always put community, connection and sustainability at the heart of Stone & Wood. And whilst our beer can now be found around the country, the Northern Rivers will always be our home.

Our new Northern Rivers Beer is dedicated to our home, this special corner of the world. It was dreamed up by our team and brought to life through their efforts. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding region and its people, we’re keeping this one local. NRB will be exclusively available in store, within the bounds of the Northern Rivers, stretching from Tweed River in the north to Yamba in the south. Of course, it’s not limited to this region alone; you can still find it in our online store.



Community has always been at the heart of our mission. We strive to forge meaningful connections by collaborating with kindred businesses and organizations in our area. NRB is another avenue through which we can achieve this. Since 2018, we’ve contributed $2.1 million to local grassroots, environmental and social charities, both near and far, all through the Ingrained Foundation. For every 100 litres of beer sold from our portfolio, Stone & Wood donates $1, and NRB will proudly continue this tradition.

About Northern Rivers Beer.

This is what we call a Northern Rivers Lager, taking inspiration from the region surrounding us and the people within it. NRB has light floral aromas, subtle malt flavour and low bitterness, but to put it bluntly, it’s a beer that is simply good to drink, with no fuss.

This beer is the perfect drop to wet the whistle. A bright, crisp beer that’s easy to drink and have a yarn over. And the best part of this local brew, other than its taste, is that it’s made from at least 70% malt that has been Certified Sustainable and 100% Ryfield Certified Sustainable hops; crops that take things easier on the soil and water that they’re produced from.

Who Is Certified Sustainable & What Is Certified Sustainable Malt?

Certified Sustainable (CS) is a nonprofit certification program, working with growers that are passionate about sustainable farming practices and the long-term health of their land and communities.

CS works across the supply chain from growers, to makers, and providers, independently verifying and validating positive practices regarding environment, social and governance outcomes.

Through yearly audits, CS growers are required to maintain standards with regard to six key areas. These include traceability, soil health, water conservation, emissions, monitoring, and social/community responsibility. CS growers demonstrate outcomes and practices that balance the material impacts of conventional farming with the wellbeing of people and the natural environment.

Positive practices that are found at a Certified Sustainable Farm include soil nutritional programs that build soil structure and organic carbon levels, cover cropping, minimal to no tillage, water conservation, and adherence to additional regulation and guidance for the use of agrochemical inputs.

That’s why, for us, it makes sense to work with Certified Sustainable when sourcing our malt for this beer. We hope you enjoy this beer as much as we enjoyed bringing it to life!