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!

Explore the Hinterland: A Guide to Our Favourite Northern Rivers Hikes

We’re stoked to welcome Hinterland Hazy to the core range. From today you will start to find Hinterland Hazy in bottle shops and venues nationwide. Keep your eye out and if you haven’t tried it, get ready…she’s a keeper (for good reason)!

To celebrate Hinterland Hazy joining the Stone & Wood range permanently, we're sharing our team's favourite Hinterland hikes in The Northern Rivers.

Escape the ordinary and dive into the lush wonders of the Byron Bay Hinterland, a haven for nature enthusiasts and seekers of breathtaking landscapes. We've curated a guide to the best bush walks and hikes near Byron Bay, perfectly paired with the vibrant and juicy Stone & Wood Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale – a beer inspired by the essence of the Northern Rivers.

1. Mount Jerusalem National Park:

Discover the enchanting Mount Jerusalem National Park, just a short 50-minute drive from Byron Bay. Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Tweed Valley, offering idyllic settings for bushwalking, horseback riding, and waterfall chasing.

Traverse the diverse landscapes of Mount Jerusalem National Park, where towering eucalypt forests intertwine with subtropical rainforests along the winding creek lines. Dip into refreshing creeks or cascade-fed pools post-hike, all while keeping an eye out for rare species like Albert’s lyrebird and the red-legged pademelon.

Accessible from Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, and Uki, this park beckons day-trippers, bird enthusiasts, equestrians, and nature lovers alike to explore its captivating wonders. Take your pick between the Rayners and Unicorn Falls walking tracks, both of which take between 1 and 2 hours to complete.

Learn more & get directions from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

2. The Pinnacle Walk:

Take a leisurely 0.6 km return stroll through the seldom-visited Border Ranges National Park to reach the Pinnacle Lookout. Marvel at epic views of both sides of the state line, showcasing millennia-old crater escapements and the volcanic Mount Warning (Wollumbin). The easy trail is perfect for a sunrise adventure, witnessing Australia's first rays kissing the ancient volcano.

Reach new heights on The Pinnacle Walk, where stunning panoramic views await. Sip on the Hinterland Hazy as you take in the vast beauty, the golden haze of the beer mirroring the warm glow of the sun setting over the hinterland.

Learn more and get directions from NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services

3. Border Ranges National Park: A Wilderness Gem

Nestled within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, Border Ranges National Park stands as a sprawling testament to untouched rainforest beauty and the biodiversity linked to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana.

This expansive wilderness offers a plethora of opportunities to immerse yourself in the wonders of the rainforest. Travel along the Tweed Range Scenic Drive, a part of the Rainforest Way, providing the flexibility to stop and explore at your leisure. Take a leisurely stroll along the short Palm Forest walking track, meandering through subtropical rainforest, or opt for a more challenging adventure with the Booyong walk, commencing from the Sheepstation Creek campground.

Discover picturesque spots for a relaxing picnic or barbecue lunch, and don't miss the chance to pause at the park's lookouts, offering breathtaking views of the magnificent crater escarpment. Photographers, in particular, will relish capturing the ethereal beauty of billowing waterfalls, panoramas of Wollumbin-Mount Warning, and the lush greenery of the rainforest.

Accessible from Kyogle and Lismore, the park also beckons those seeking an immersive overnight experience. Choose to camp under a blanket of stars, awakened by the symphony of birdsong, for an even more intimate connection with this natural haven.

Learn more and get directions from NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services

4. Killen Falls Walking Track:

Embark on the 1.2 km return Killen Falls Walking Track to discover a hinterland cascade plunging into a refreshing swimming hole. A gentle trail leads to an elevated viewing platform for a mesmerizing view of the fast-flowing water. To make the most of your adventure, traverse the rugged track towards the bottom for a rejuvenating swim. 

Chase the allure of Killen Falls on this scenic walking track. Refresh your senses with Stone & Wood's Hinterland Hazy, a beer that mirrors the cool cascades with its low bitterness and full-bodied finish.

Local Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

5. Goonengerry Waterfalls:

Dive into the hidden gem of Goonengerry Waterfalls, where the surroundings echo with the secrets of nature. Let the vibrant and juicy aromas of Hinterland Hazy be your companion, enhancing the adventure with each sip.

For a captivating 10 km loop adventure with intermediate skill level, explore the Goonengerry Waterfall loop in Goonengerry National Park. Starting from the Garrong Road car park, the trail boasts two infinity falls and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Opt for an anti-clockwise direction on the North Boundary Trail to conquer uphill sections first and savor epic waterfall views in the second half of the hike.

Learn more and get directions from NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services

6. Minyon Falls:

Embark on the Minyon Falls Loop, a 6.8 km return journey through the enchanting Nightcap National Park. This rugged track winds through thick rainforest-shrouded escarpments, offering pristine vistas of old-growth brush box trees and fern-lined creeks. For a more relaxed experience, a viewpoint near the car park provides breathtaking scenes of the thundering cascade. And if you're up for more exploration, don't miss the nearby Protestors Falls.

Conquer the majestic Minyon Falls, a true spectacle of the hinterland. Celebrate your achievement with Stone & Wood's Hinterland Hazy – a golden elixir that mirrors the beauty and grandeur of the falls.

 Learn more and get directions from NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services

As you traverse these enchanting trails, let Stone & Wood's Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale elevate your hiking experience. Embrace the golden haze, relish the tropical fruit notes, and immerse yourself in the perfect harmony of nature and craft. Because in the Northern Rivers, every step is a journey, and every sip is a celebration.
For more Byron Bay Hinterland Trails, check out Alltrails.

The best post hike drink? Try Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale

After an exhilarating hike through the Byron Bay hinterland, there's nothing quite like indulging in the refreshing taste of Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale. And, the best place to enjoy one after a long day trekking in the Northern Rivers region? The Stone & Wood Byron Bay Brewery. Come on by, say g'day, enjoy a tasting paddle of our finest brews, sit back and relax. You deserve it. 

Want to know more about our Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale? 

Crafted with a meticulous blend of Pale, Regen Pale, Munich, and Wheat malts, this brew boasts a full-bodied yet well-balanced finish, offering a soft and satisfying mouthfeel. Infused with three distinctive Aussie hops—Vic Secret, Eclipse, and Galaxy—each sip bursts with vibrant tropical fruit aromas and flavors, perfectly complementing the post-hike relaxation. With its low bitterness and golden haze, Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale is the ultimate reward for a day of exploration, best enjoyed freshly chilled from the fridge. Cheers to the perfect end to an adventure-filled day in the hinterland!

Learn more about Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale here. 

Steps Towards Sustainability

Sustainable goals are coming into fashion. In a world where we hardly have the chance to sit down and smell the roses, we have even less time to look at what’s in our own wardrobes.

Not many of us consider how our clothing gets from the field to our backs, and you’d be among the majority if you didn’t know all the processes involved in landing a singular piece of apparel on the shelf. Clothing production is a huge problem for the world and just like the challenge we’ve undertaken to move our beers to a high standard of sustainability, we’re also determined to take all the steps we can for our range of sustainable merchandise as well.

WHY IS SUSTAINABLE FASHION IMPORTANT?

Over 65% of all clothing is currently made from synthetic materials, derived from crude oils and fossil fuels. On top of this, the dyes used to colour cheaply made fabrics are often toxic to the environment and harmful to the labourers who breathe them in.

As if pollution wasn’t bad enough, the craftsmen and women making these fabrics may be working in sweatshop-like conditions with little pay and no consideration to their health or wellbeing.

But there’s emerging hope, and it rests in the hands of forward-thinkers within the growing trend of sustainable fashion and management. A new wave of ‘consumers’, including people like you are seeing greater value in responsibly sourced apparel and merchandise.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE FASHION?

Sustainable fashion is the act of producing clothing and accessories while paying attention to its environmental and socio-economic impact. This means more natural dyes, fabrics, and ethical working conditions.

The best way to get there is to be educated on making the most of our clothing, rather than purchasing the newest seasonal trend. If anything, 2021 has opened our eyes to many issues happening both globally and in our communities, making it more important now than ever to have these conversations.

Responsible brands are looking to make sustainable fashion not just a trend, but a permanent fixture in the industry. Sites like Good on You are leading the way in sustainable merchandise and fashion education, offering a directory full of brands and information on how their products perform in terms of sustainability. Well-known names from Asics to Zara are up for scrutiny as Good on You provides all the details on what it takes to be an informed fashionista.

We also know how important the earth is to us and are making our own mark by our own Green Feet Initiative. Through this program, we have brought in sustainable practices that recycle water usage, increase our use of efficient energy systems, and have introduced innovative waste management programs, within our brewing process.

But this initiative extends past our main operations, as we’re also working to promote sustainable fashion in Australia through our beer clothing range. These are an exclusive collection of Stone & Wood-branded products just as clean and refreshing as a cold beer on a summer’s afternoon.

HOW DO WE MAKE OUR SUSTAINABLE MERCH?

There are so many reasons to focus on sustainable habits in and out of fashion. Not only is it great for the planet, but it helps every seamstress and craftsman along the supply chain make a living wage in working conditions that see them as more than just human sewing machines.

The best fabrics for sustainable fashion are natural, biodegradable, and easy to recycle. Materials like organic cotton, linen, recycled polyester, and spandex yarn are some of the many fabrics used to make our merchandise.

Not only are they good for the environment due to their ease of access, lack of chemicals in production, and recycling measures, but they look good too! This means you can both look and feel good while wearing your purchase of eco-friendly merchandise; knowing it is also supporting smaller communities to create a more incredible earth. We’re also working towards introducing packaging that is chemical-free, plastic-free, and made with less water and energy than ever before!

OUR COMMITMENT GOES BEYOND MERCHANDISE

The Green Feet sustainability program is our way of making the world better for today, tomorrow, and every day after. We aren’t perfect, but we work every day to lessen our impact on the world we love.

At our brewery events, we’ve introduced reusable cup programs at events that minimise the output to landfill, while our and community clean-up projects are actively involved in reducing the occurrence of waste in the environment. Through the initiative, we’ve even created the first recycled water beer for World Water Day!

From personally separating our waste by hand before bringing it to the landfill to talking with other breweries to raise awareness of eco-friendly and sustainable practices, The Green Feet Initiative ensures do our best to keep you looking your best while drinking the best.

The Stone & Wood team are on a mission to learn about more ways in which we can introduce sustainability and ethical practices while making changes along the way. We will continue to work towards our ultimate goal of providing a 100% sustainable fashion range with an entirely traceable supply chain.

 

 

Check out our range of beer clothing today, and join us as we attempt to be the champions of sustainable merch in the brewing industry. Let’s make our apparel and brewing habits not just a trend, but an established expectation.

Let's take a second to talk about Malt...

Let’s talk about malt. What is it? You can’t grow malt. It isn’t something that happens by itself. What you do grow is a grain, and then malting is a process applied to that grain.

Germination in a natural sense is where you have light and water hitting the grain, to the point where it puffs itself up and is full of starch.

This starch is what the brewers are chasing. Barley has the highest volume of starch present, yielding a content of 65% and is hence the most commonly used grain in the brewing process. Wheat, corn, oats and rice also are used.

Malting as a process

Malting is in a sense recreating this natural germination process, but in a more viable manner, which means indoors. Lay out all the grain, with a depth of roughly ten centimetres.

The grain is first steeped in water to encourage germination, then the process is abruptly stopped once the two little shoots, the chitlings, emerge.

This is the point where the grain reaches maximum starch capacity; and is now ready for roasting. Different levels of roasting induce many different outcomes from the same grain.

50 shades of malt

We use malt for many different reasons in the brewing process. One is to affect the colour. It’s a bit of a no brainer but the more you roast your grains, the darker in colour they become.

Pale ales use pale malts, amber ales get their earthy colour from malts around the Cara Munich stage, and dark beers like stout get their rich complexion from using dark malts, which have been roasted at high temperature.

Sugar and spice and all things nice

Malts also affect the sweetness of the beer. The more you toast your malts, the sweeter they become. This is due to the fact that as you have heat hitting the grain, it affects the starch and starts converting into sugars.

Next time you have a sip of dark beer, play close attention to the sweetness at the start of your sip. It will only be once the hops come in and balance out the sweetness with bitterness that you will get the rich well-rounded flavour associated with dark beer.

How many malts have you had tonight?

Malt also affects the alcohol content. Brewing is a balancing act. You’ve got water, malt, hops and yeast. While just four ingredients may allude to a simple recipe, brewing is a delicate process that involves getting the balance just right.

When you up the hops in a beer, for example when the brewer is making an IPA, he or she will also have to up the malts to create a balanced result. Up the hops, up the malt and the result will be a higher alcohol content.

Malt provides the fermentables. When you used more malt in a recipe, there is a higher gravity count (just think sugars). When the yeast is added and performs its party tricks, it converts the sugar into alcohol and expels carbon dioxide. If it has more malts to work with there is going to be a higher ABV in the finished product.

In essence, malt provides the sugar source, the starch source, and is the main carbohydrate for the yeast. It is the backbone of labour for the beer, without it there would be no alcohol and no CO2.