Experiencing Pint of Origin 2025
Melbourne’s craft beer scene bursts into life from May 9 to 18, 2025, as Pint of Origin returns for its thirteenth year, transforming 23 of the city’s finest pubs, bars, and breweries into a global beer haven. Organized by The Crafty Pint, this cherished festival, a highlight of Good Beer Week since 2012, invites beer enthusiasts to embark on a choose-your-own-adventure journey through approximately 800 beers (including from across the globe) and 23 venues to visit. With no admission fee for most events, Pint of Origin offers an accessible, immersive experience celebrating the diversity of craft beer, from local treasures brewed on-site to rare brews shipped nearly 17,000 kilometers.
Pint of Origin’s concept is elegantly simple yet thrilling: each of the 23 host venues adopts a specific region- whether a part of Australia, a country, or a broader global area - and dedicates its taps and fridges to beers from that region for the festival’s ten days.
This creates a passport-like experience, allowing attendees to “travel” the world of beer without leaving Melbourne. From Scandinavian brews at Beermash to Canadian pours at Whitehart, Japanese and Korean beers at Benchwarmer, or Tasmanian delights at The Lincoln, every venue delivers a unique taste of its chosen region.
The 2025 lineup boasts unparalleled variety, with around 800 different beers, many exclusive to the festival and never before poured in Australia. Whether you’re chasing bold IPAs, crisp lagers, or experimental sours, there’s a brew for every palate. Venues elevate the experience with events like tap takeovers, beer-pairing dinners, trivia nights, run clubs, and collaboration launches, ensuring the festival offers more than just a pint.
Our Central Crawl Experience
To capture Pint of Origin’s magic, we ventured on a mini-crawl through four iconic venues in Melbourne’s CBD, each showcasing a distinct slice of the festival’s global tapestry. Here’s how it unfolded:
Whisky & Alement (Boilermaker Hub, 270 Russell St)
Our journey kicked off at Whisky & Alement (see more photos of this experience above in the article), the festival’s Boilermaker Hub, where mixologist Ryan transformed the classic beer-and-spirit pairing into an art form. We savored a Teenage Brewing Amber Lager paired with Vintage Nikka VSOP Apple Brandy, a smooth, fruity combination that delighted the senses. Next, we sampled West Coast Brewing’s Vibe Machine Berliner Weisse, bursting with raspberry and grapefruit, alongside Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Whisky - a bold yet balanced duo. A charcuterie plate enhanced the drinks, making this a refined start. The cozy, dimly lit ambiance and Ryan’s expertise set the tone.
Captain Melville (Beer Cocktail Hub, 34 Franklin St)
A short walk led us to Captain Melville, the Beer Cocktail Hub, where manager Matt introduced us to innovative beer-infused cocktails. The Molly Rose Grubby Paws Dark Lager in a Mushroom Gin Martinez was earthy and intricate, while Bentspoke StraightForward Lager in a Decadent Whiskey Sour offered crisp refreshment with a boozy edge. We paired these with Welsh Rarebit, Duck Waffle, Sizzling Prawns, and Rump Cap Steak, each dish amplifying the cocktails’ flavors. The historic venue’s warm, inviting atmosphere made it a memorable stop.
Whitehart (Canada, 22 Whitehart Lane)
Nestled in a laneway, Whitehart whisked us to Canada with brews from Goodland and Parallel 49. A DJ spinning lively tracks set a vibrant mood as we explored Canadian beers on tap. Their crisp, hop-forward profiles paired perfectly with corn chips and dip, a simple yet satisfying snack. Whitehart’s open-air courtyard and laid-back energy made it a perfect spot to linger and embrace the festival’s global vibe.
Heartbreaker (Melbourne – North of Yarra, 234 Russell St)
We concluded at Heartbreaker, a dynamic bar celebrating Victorian beers from north of the Yarra. Hop Nation’s Rattenhund Pilsner was a crisp, refreshing standout, paired with Connie’s Sicilian pizza, a cheesy, flavorful treat. Heartbreaker’s rock ‘n’ roll energy, neon glow, and local pride captured the festival’s passion for Melbourne’s craft beer scene.
Pint of Origin is a celebration of community, discovery, and support for local venues and breweries amid economic challenges. As James Smith, founder of The Crafty Pint and creator of Pint of Origin, explains, “The local beer and hospitality industries continue to struggle in the face of ongoing economic challenges and the cost-of-living crisis. Festivals like Pint of Origin are a great way of getting behind venues and breweries while having fun.” With no entry fee for most events, the festival welcomes all, letting attendees tailor their experience to their budget and curiosity.
The digital passport, a festival gem, elevates the adventure. Available via The Crafty Pint’s platform, it unlocks free beers, prizes worth thousands, and curated mini-crawls to navigate between venues. It’s an essential tool for planning your journey, whether visiting one bar or all 23.
Beyond beer, Pint of Origin is a foodie’s delight. Venues like Captain Melville and Whisky & Alement offer creative pairings, while others serve hearty pub fare or international dishes to complement their brews. Specialized hubs, like the Boilermaker Hub and Beer Cocktail Hub, add a creative flair, appealing to those seeking more than a traditional pint.
The 2025 lineup is a beer lover’s paradise, with each venue bringing its own character and regional focus:
-Beermash (Scandinavia): Nordic brews with a sleek, minimalist vibe.
-Carwyn Cellars (USA): Bold American IPAs and stouts.
-CoConspirators Brewpub (Brisbane): Sunny Queensland flavors.
-Mr West (UK): Classic British ales and modern craft.
-The Catfish (New Zealand): Hoppy Kiwi brews in a lively setting.
-Windsor Alehouse (No Origin): A wildcard mix of global beers.
Visit pintoforigin.com for the full list and event details to plan your crawl.
Pint of Origin is a celebration of craft beer’s diversity, Melbourne’s thriving hospitality scene, and the thrill of discovery. From May 9 to 18, 2025, gather your friends, download the digital passport, and explore the world, one pint at a time. Whether you’re savoring a rare Scandinavian lager, a local Victorian pilsner, or a beer-infused cocktail, Pint of Origin promises an unforgettable journey. Walk, sip, eat, repeat - Melbourne’s beer adventure awaits!