When I moved to Australia earlier this month, people warned me that the Land Down Under lags behind the rest of the world in almost every way, including beer. I was afraid I would reach for a pint after my long voyage and find only vintage old style lagers prevailing. Instead, what I’ve found is actually a budding craft beer culture that hasn’t yet gone hop-crazy and therefore fits my palate perfectly.

Ten-years-ago craft beer is right up my alley, and that’s what I’ve found here in Melbourne. Take Kettle Green Brewing Co for instance. They’ve created a unique and complex craft ale made from hemp, but it’s smooth and session-like enough to quench your thirst again and again on a hot Australian summer day. In a country where you’re reaching for beer but probably should be reaching for water, I hope this session ale trend stays for a while.