Three breweries, one easy afternoon. Capital 3in3 is a 3-hour craft beer outing in Canberra that mixes behind-the-scenes access with convenient transport, plus a small group vibe (max 10). I like that you’re not just popping into bars—you get a working look at how breweries run, and you can ask questions as you go.

What I also like is the guide attention. On tours with Shane, the chat stays friendly and practical, and the pacing feels right for an afternoon session that can roll into evening.

One consideration: some of the pours can be high-ABV, so you’ll want to pace yourself and lean on the water and snacks early. This tour includes plenty to drink, but it’s still alcohol-first.

Key points to know before you go

• Three Canberra craft stops in about 3–4 hours, with a planned pickup at 2:00pm and return around 5:30pm
• Transport included on air-conditioned buses, so you don’t have to solve ride share after beers
• Behind-the-scenes access at each brewery, not just tasting rooms
• Beers and cider tastings plus snacks and bottled water are included, with no lunch
• Small group size (up to 10) for more Q&A and less standing around
• Brewery stops can shift day to day based on operations and bar hours

How the 3-in-3 format keeps your afternoon stress-free

Capital 3in3 is built for an easy-going afternoon. You start in central Braddon, drink with the benefit of a guide, and finish with enough time to keep the night going in Canberra without a late scramble for transport. The whole thing runs about 3–4 hours, with the usual rhythm pointing you back to Bentspoke around 5:30pm.

Here’s the real value of this format: you get a structured craft beer experience without turning it into a full-day mission. You’re paying for three things that are hard to do on your own without work: transport, curated tastings across multiple places, and behind-the-scenes access at operating breweries. In other words, you’re not just buying drinks—you’re buying the plan.

The group size is capped at 10. That matters. In a small group, it’s easier to actually talk to your guide about what you’re tasting, and it’s easier to hear answers when you ask questions. If you’re the type who likes to learn the “why” behind the flavors, this setup makes it easier.

This is also scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays. That timing is useful if you want the craft beer scene without waiting until late-night hours.

Your anchor stop: meeting inside Bentspoke in Braddon

Your tour starts inside BentSpoke Brewing Co. at 8/38 Mort St, Braddon. They’re the meeting point, and they’re not just a random address—you begin your beer day already in a brewery environment, which sets the tone right away.

I like starting at a brewery rather than a bar. You get context fast: this is a real production space, not just a themed tasting counter. It also means you can get your bearings early—where the bathrooms are, where to store your bag, and how the staff runs the place.

From a practical angle, meeting at 2:00pm helps you beat the worst of the evening rush. You’ll still be in time for a casual dinner later, especially since the drop-off is around 5:30pm.

Bring what they ask for: sturdy closed shoes and a camera if you want photos of the brewing environment. Even if the tour feels relaxed, you’ll likely be moving between spaces and tasting areas.

Behind-the-scenes brewery access: what “working” looks like

This tour’s biggest differentiator is that it’s not only about sampling. You also get behind-the-scenes access at each brewery stop. That can mean you’ll see parts of the operation that you’d never get to wander through on your own.

The stops are designed to show you how Canberra’s beer scene works—how breweries function, how different beers get built, and why the same ingredients can still taste very different. You’ll also pick up fun beer facts along the way, so you’re not leaving with just a buzz—you’re leaving with a better palate.

A key detail: the order of locations can change based on brewery operations and bar hours. The tour is still built to hit three great craft locations, but you should expect some day-to-day flexibility. That’s not a problem; it usually means the guide is prioritizing access to the places that can best accommodate a group at that moment.

One extra perk you might get: a chance to chat with a brewer on site at one of the stops. When that happens, it turns the afternoon from standard tasting into something more personal. Even if you’re not a super-nerdy beer person, it’s a great way to understand what they care about most—like yeast style choices, fermentation differences, or why a beer ends up the way it does.

The three tasting stops: pace, compare, and ask smart questions

You’re visiting three craft beer hotspots over roughly three hours, but the stops function as parts of one comparison. Instead of treating each place like a one-off, you can learn faster by thinking in categories: what’s similar, what’s different, and what changes when you move to another brewery’s style.

Because the exact venues can vary, I can’t promise a specific lineup of brands for every day. What I can promise is the structure: each stop includes a solid number of beer and cider tastings and the kind of casual explanations where your guide can connect the dots.

Here’s how I’d do it if you want the best experience (and not just the most liquid):

• Start with something lighter if you see it available, then work your way toward stronger brews.
• Take notes in your phone on what you liked and why. Even one line per beer helps you remember later.
• Ask one question at each stop. For example: what makes this style Canberra-friendly, or what’s the most important ingredient choice that shapes the flavor.

You’ll also notice the guide keeps things moving. That’s intentional in a 3-in-3 format. If you’re the type who likes to linger, you can still do it—but expect the tour to stay “let’s taste and learn” paced, not “sit and chat for hours” paced.

And yes, alcohol strength can vary. Some beers may skew high alcohol, so you’ll want to slow down, sip water, and use snacks to keep things comfortable.

Included drinks and snacks: great value, but no lunch

A lot of craft tours sell you the idea of tastings while quietly charging you for extras. This one is clearer about what’s included. You get beverages, bottled water, and snacks along with alcoholic tastings. The drinks are part of the experience, not an add-on.

What it does not include is lunch. That’s the one place you’ll need to plan. If you go straight from work without eating beforehand, you might find yourself too full of beer momentum by the middle of the tour—or just uncomfortable. Eat something earlier in the day, then use the provided snacks as support, not as your only meal.

The bottled water matters. Use it like a tool, not just a courtesy item. If you’re tasting multiple styles, the water keeps you tasting properly and makes the afternoon feel less rushed.

The guide makes it feel personal: Shane, and the small-group vibe

Daves Tours keeps the group small. You won’t be in a crowd of 30 where half the questions never get heard. With up to 10 people, the guide can focus on individuals and keep the conversation going.

A couple of specific guide moments stand out from real experiences: Shane has a reputation for being helpful and ready to talk through brewing process details. You might also hear stories and beer facts that make the tasting feel like more than a checklist.

You can treat it like a friendly class. Not heavy or boring—more like a guided way to learn. And because you’re tasting while you learn, the information sticks.

If you’re visiting Canberra and want an easy way to feel part of the local craft beer rhythm, this small-group attention helps. If you’re local and think you already know breweries, the behind-the-scenes access can still change how you look at the beer.

Getting back to your evening: drop-off around 5:30pm

The tour typically returns you around 5:30pm back to Bentspoke. That timing is practical. You can plan a dinner afterward without committing to another two-hour drinking session just to fill the day.

Since this is an afternoon tour on Fridays and Saturdays, you can also pivot into evening plans with less friction. You’ll already have a sense of what styles you like, so choosing a place later becomes easier.

If you’re going with friends, this is a nice structure: you get the shared activity of the tour, then you can break off for dinner nearby or continue the night with the same group chemistry.

Price and value: what $111.17 really covers

At $111.17 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to drink beer. But it’s also not priced like you’re paying only for tasting cups. You’re paying for a bundled experience: transport on an air-conditioned bus, snacks, bottled water, an expert guide/driver support, and behind-the-scenes brewery access across three separate stops.

For me, the value equation comes down to this: if you tried to do this yourself, you’d spend time coordinating transport and entry, and you might miss the behind-the-scenes part that turns tastings into a real “how it’s made” experience. Here, those costs are wrapped into the tour.

Also, the group cap helps protect the experience quality. When the tour stays under 10 people, the guide’s attention is easier to maintain, and the overall flow stays smoother.

One more practical point: this kind of tour can book out far ahead. On average, it’s booked about 92 days in advance. If Canberra is in your plans, I’d lock it in early rather than waiting for the last minute.

Who should book Capital 3in3 (and who might skip it)

This tour fits best if you want an easy introduction to Canberra craft beer that still feels genuine. It’s ideal for:

• First-time visitors who want the craft beer scene without navigating transit after drinking
• Couples or small groups who like learning while they taste
• Beer lovers who enjoy variety—because you get multiple tastings and different brewery styles
• People celebrating something in a relaxed way, including corporate/team afternoon energy

You might skip it if you:

• Want a full-day itinerary with more food time (this tour does not include lunch)
• Prefer a strictly low-alcohol pace (some beers may be higher ABV, and tastings move along)
• Need a silent, low-interaction experience (this is social by design, with guide-led fun facts and talk)

If you’re somewhere in the middle, you can still enjoy it—just show up fed, pace your tastings, and ask questions.

Should you book it? My practical take

If you want a simple, guided Canberra craft beer afternoon with transport and behind-the-scenes access, I think it’s a smart booking. The biggest strength is that it removes the logistics headaches and replaces them with structure: three stops, tastings included, water and snacks to help you stay comfortable, and a guide who keeps the learning friendly.

The main thing to respect is your drinking pace. Since some beers can be strong, start cautious and drink the water. If you do that, the tour feels like a fun mix of beer education and local culture—without the stress of planning your own route.

Book it when you can, especially if you’re traveling on a Friday or Saturday and want one of the limited-size slots.

FAQ

How long is the Capital 3in3 tour?

It runs for approximately 3–4 hours, starting at 2:00pm and usually returning around 5:30pm.

Where do you meet for the tour?

You meet inside BentSpoke Brewing Co., 8/38 Mort St, Braddon ACT 2612.

What days does the tour run?

It runs on Fridays and Saturdays (afternoon departures).

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is transportation included?

Yes. The tour includes transport in an air-conditioned bus, and you’re dropped off back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Beverages, bottled water, snacks, and driver/guide support are included, along with local guide help and alcoholic tastings.

Is lunch included?

No lunch is included.

What should I bring?

They suggest sturdy closed shoes and a camera if you want photos.

What is the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Can I change or get a refund if plans change?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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