Where to find the best craft beer around the world

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Like your travels with a side of hops? Then you need to retrace the steps of the BWS World's Biggest Beer Run.

In collaboration with Pedestrian, actor Tai Hara and BWS beer expert Malcolm travelled to six countries – to destinations that no bottle shop has been before – in the name of tracking down the best craft beer based on Australia's votes.

The result? The world's rarest six-pack. And this ultimate travel guide for lovers of a cold one.

Stop 1: Osaka, Japan

Take the 2.5 hour Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Osaka (but not before slurping up a bowl of delicious ramen) and make your way to the neon streets of Dotonbori.

While there are thousands of craft beers on offer in Japan, family-owned Minoh Brewery is one of its best kept secrets.

Here, the Minoh Weizen – a medium-body beer with banana-like flavours – was the first addition to the world's rarest six-pack.

Stop 2: Paro, Bhutan

Fly into one of the most dangerous airstrips (it navigates through a narrow valley!) for not only the positive vibes of "the happiest place on Earth", but a thirst-quencher after all that hiking and temple hopping.

Didn't know Bhutan made craft beer? Nestled in amongst Buddhist shrines and sacred monasteries is something that will surprise you – Namgay Artisinal Brewery.

Red rice, which is native to Bhutan, flavours the lager at Namgay and is well worth a pint.

Stop 3: Bamberg, Germany

On the cobbled streets of historic Bamberg, where beer is practically a religion, you'll find Schlenkerla Brewery which has been brewing since the 1500s.

There are around one hundred breweries in the Bamberg county – awarding it the highest brewery density in the world – and the specialty around these traps is smokey beer.

Schlenkerla also produces malt on-site on an open fire, the smoke from which gives the beer its distinct smokey flavour and dark colour. Liquid bacon, coming right up.

Stop 4: Wroclaw, Poland

Contrary to popular belief, Poland is not a vodka country – it is, in fact, a beer country. And Stu Mostow Brewery is famous for putting Wroclaw's thriving craft beer scene on the map.

Centuries-old beer traditions meet with modern beer styles at Stu Mostow, where the eight per cent alcohol Crumble Sour IPA will have you singing, "If you like pina coladas…".

Stop 5: Padua, Italy

In under half an hour on the road, departing the floating city of Venice, you can be at Padua (or Padova to the Italians) where medieval beauty combines with… beer!

Set aside your glass of prosecco in favour of an Italian saison at one of the country's most innovative craft breweries, CR/AK Brewery.

Packaged in whisky and rum barrels and aged for three years, this fruity product is changing the rules of beer.

Stop 6: Merida, Mexico

The final leg of the BWS World's Biggest Beer Run landed at Hermana Republica Brewery in the vibrant capital of the Mexican state Yucatan.

Forget what you know about Mexican beers until you try Hermana's malty, medium-body blonde with a hint of coriander and clove. It contains the four traditional ingredients of beer, while it's also made up of 96 per cent water from Yucatan. Salud!

Head to your local BWS to check out a tailored craft beer range (without the airfare).