What Is XXXX Beer And Is It Related To Dos Equis?
Beer may not be as trendy as newfangled cocktails and the ever-so-convenient hard seltzer, but in America, it's certainly still feeling some love. Statista reports that beer made up just over 40% of alcohol sales in the U.S. in 2022, putting it just behind spirits in terms of popularity. Imported brews from countries like Germany, Japan, and Mexico are well-known in the States, but nations like Australia also have beers that are worth mentioning.
One of the most popular beers in the land down under are XXXX beers, with their golden hue and bright red logo. XXXX, pronounced "four-ex," are local beers made in the northeastern state of Queensland by brew company Castlemaine Perkins. Many describe XXXX Gold, the most popular variety, as slightly hoppy with hints of sweet malt. None of XXXX's products are particularly potent — in fact, Gold actually ranks lower in alcohol content than most other lagers. The brand even sells a completely non-alcoholic drink that helps you skip out on searching for the top hangover-free beers.
While their logos are strikingly similar, XXXX beers are not related to the Mexican-made Dos Equis beers, nor are they produced by the same company. The two brands, however, do share some similarities, as they both specialize in selling slightly hoppy lagers that are none too alcoholic.
People enjoyed XXXX beers as far back as the 19th century
While XXXX has remained a vital part of Queensland's history for over a century, it didn't start there. The founders of the company, brothers Edward and Nicholas Fitzgerald, had began producing local beers in Castlemaine, a town at the center of the southeastern state of Victoria. They then moved their business to the company's current location.
In 1878, the brothers purchased a distilling facility near Brisbane and turned it into a second brewery. Still loyal to their place of origin, they named their new business location Castlemaine, and made their first XXXX beer there — although at the time, it was named "XXX Sparkling Ale." Like many other Aussie beers, the company is now overseen by Lion, an Australian-New Zealand subsidiary of the Japanese brewing conglomerate Kirin. Make no mistake by the acquisition, however — XXXX is still a vital part of Queensland economy and culture.
On top of being incredibly popular among locals, the company sponsors the Queensland Rugby Team, donating over $20 million total as of March 2024. That's a good thing for players who are thirsty after a game, as a post-workout beer is actually a good idea for hydration. If you ever find yourself parched after exploring Queensland, a classic XXXX Gold would also be a great boon.
Finding XXXX outside of Australia will probably be a challenge
If you're excited about trying out XXXX beers, but are located outside of Australia, don't get too hopeful about finding a pack at your local grocery store. As of now, all of the company's official retailers only stock in their home country, making it near impossible to obtain, unless you're visiting. If you're dead set on purchasing a pack of XXXX, your best bet lies in international supermarkets near you. You might have to search for one that stocks Australian products.
Otherwise, try getting ahold of a licensed courier that can import the item for you. Be aware that this will be the much pricier route, as a private carrier will likely charge you shipping, handling, and any brokers fees set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, if you're in America.
The good news is that the popular XXXX Gold isn't super singular in flavor. To get a similar experience, you can try to find a brew that closely matches the flavor profile. XXXX also comes in varieties like Dry and Bitter, which are slightly more intense, but could also be matched by other products that are easy to find where you live. Light, low-alcohol lagers are the category to start searching through.