🍻 Where Can You Find the Best Breweries in PenRIFF?
We toured every taproom in Penrith - or PenRIFF if you’re a local, to find the best brews west of Sydney. Five breweries. Dozens of schooners. One clear mission: uncover the top drops worth travelling for.
1. Rusty Penny Brewing Co. - Penrith’s OG Heroes
Why go: The original legends who kicked off Penrith’s craft-beer scene. Expect easy vibes, live tunes, and great food.
Top picks:
- The Nepean Pale Ale (5% ABV) - smooth, balanced, and crisp.
- Coconut Coffee Pale Ale (5.2% ABV) - tropical roast twist that somehow just works.
2. Drink West - Big Names, Big Flavour
Why go: Co-founded by UFC fighters Tai Tuivasa/Tyson Pedro and NRL star Nathan Cleary, this brewery mixes mateship and session beers with attitude.
Top picks:
- Hop on the Wagon Hazy Pale Ale (4.5% ABV) - juicy, light, and ridiculously drinkable.
- One Drop “Welcome to the Party” Smoothie Sour (5% ABV) - guest tap that proves they back other Aussie brewers.
3. Casey’s Brewery - The Local’s Local
Why go: Small-batch, family-run, and all heart. Casey’s keeps traditional styles alive without the ego.
Top picks:
- Lounge Amber Ale (4.8% ABV) - malty, mellow, made for long arvos.
- Kolsch German Ale (4.5% ABV) - crisp, clean, and true to style.
4. Mountain Culture - The Heavy Hitter
Why go: Straight from Katoomba to Emu Plains, Mountain Culture brings world-class hazy’s and a huge local following.
Top picks:
- Rocky Mountain High (x Rocky Ridge) Hazy IPA (6% ABV) - tropical, soft, and dangerously smooth.
- Double Dank Double West Coast IPA (8% ABV) - big hops, bigger attitude; not for beginners.
5. Squinters Brewing Co. - The Fresh Face of PenRIFF
Why go: The new kid already leading the pack. Squinters nails modern hazy’s with balance and community spirit.
Top picks:
- Swooping Season Hazy Pale (5.2% ABV) - our #1 beer across all breweries. Bright, aromatic, endlessly crushable.
- Chasing the Fog Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV) - juicy layers of stone fruit and citrus haze.
🗺️ Plan Your PenRIFF Brewery Crawl
Start at Rusty Penny, roll through Drink West, circle back to Squinters, then Casey’s, and finish at Mountain Culture. Take a single keg from your Cooler Keg (6.74 L = 16 schooners or 18 cans) for roadie refills later - cold schooners guaranteed, no power needed. Or take both and prepare to party with 32 schooies of your favourite picks. PenRIFF’s brewery trail blends craftsmanship, community, and a good laugh - making it one of NSW’s best beer adventures.
🧾 PenRIFF Breweries Summary
| Brewery | Top Pick 1 | Top Pick 2 | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rusty Penny Brewing Co. | The Nepean | Coconut Coffee Pale Ale | Pale Ale (5%) • Tropical Roast (5.2%) |
| Drink West | Hop on the Wagon Hazy Pale Ale | One Drop Smoothie Sour | Hazy Pale Ale (4.5%) • Smoothie Sour (5%) |
| Casey’s Brewery | Lounge | Kolsch | Amber Ale (4.8%) • German Ale (4.5%) |
| Mountain Culture | Rocky Mountain High Hazy IPA | Double Dank Double WC IPA | Hazy IPA (6%) • Double IPA (8%) |
| Squinters Brewing Co. | Swooping Season Hazy Pale | Chasing the Fog Hazy IPA | Hazy Pale (5.2%) • Hazy IPA (6.5%) |
💬 FAQ – PenRIFF Breweries x Cooler Keg
Can I take my Cooler Keg on the Penrith Brewery Trail?
Absolutely. The Cooler Keg’s 6.74-litre stainless build keeps beers frosty all day - no power, no worries. Perfect for road trips, barbies, or post-crawl chill sessions.
Which PenRIFF brewery champions sustainable sipping?
They all support this in different ways. We have filled our keg up at Rusty Penny, Squinters, and Casey’s and loved the experience every step of the way.
What’s the best craft beer in Penrith right now?
Our money’s on Squinters Brewing Co’s Swooping Season Hazy Pale - bright citrus, smooth haze, and unbeatable drinkability. It is a limited release, so get in quick!
How many beers fit in a Cooler Keg?
One Cooler Keg includes two kegs that hold 6.74 litres each = about 32 schooners or 72 cocktails. Enough to keep the whole crew happy. Or, just fill up a single keg for 16 schooners between you and a few mates.
