As the name suggests, this bar in the heart of Melbourne’s Federation Square has always offered solace for the beer aficionado. But it’s really come into its own as a craft beer destination since the end of 2008. Where once there were four beers on taps, now there are nine. And while the beer pouring from those taps may have changed occasionally in the early days, now it’s a veritable merry-go-round.

It’s a merry-go-round of the finest too, with Beer DeLuxe regularly showcasing the best Australian craft beers alongside weird and wonderful imports. On occasion, you’ll even find kegs only otherwise served at the brewery that produced them – and some brewed specially at the request of the bar, such as Temple’s Japanese Soba Ale created for the bar’s month-long Shinobi Japanese Secret Beer Garden event in 2010. Add to that the 100-plus bottled beers found in the smart red Beer Bible and there’s plenty to keep the most eager of drinkers happy.

In summer, the two beer gardens are great places to relax in the heart of the city while year round there’s a focus on matching beer with food: regular beer and cheese tasting events; cultural tie-ins that allow the bar to introduces beers from a country alongside its traditional foods; or the daily beer food platters. There are also regular BeerFun courses for those keen to learn more about various aspects of the amber nectar.

The bar’s knowledgeable staff go on monthly brewery visits across Australia to increase their beer nous so, even if you’re a newcomer to the wide world of great beer, there’s no need to be daunted – just place yourself in their hands. With a commitment to good quality beer, wherever it’s from, chances are you’ll enjoy whatever they recommend.