Carlton Draught

Lore & Background

Carlton Draught's formulation was altered in 2003, lowering the alcohol content from 5.0% to 4.6% in response to an increase in federal alcohol taxes. The logo was also changed at that time, and a new advertising campaign aimed at a wider market was introduced. The beer is brewed using a wortstream process and includes a portion of cane sugar to thin the body, a practice reportedly driven by drinker preferences.

Reader's Guide

Carlton Draught holds a significant place in the Australian beer market as the fourth-most popular brand, with a presence on tap nationwide and in packaged forms. Its 2003 reformulation reflects a response to tax policy, while the use of cane sugar and the wortstream process are characteristic of many Australian lagers. The beer's promotion as simply 'made from beer' and its comedic marketing have helped maintain its broad appeal, though calls from some critics for a review of the brewing process indicate ongoing discussion about its production methods.

Did You Know?

• Carlton Draught's alcohol content was reduced from 5.0% to 4.6% in 2003 in response to an increase in federal alcohol taxes.
• The 'Flash Beer' advertising series featuring Kevin Kavendish was parodied on The Chaser's War on Everything.