XXXX
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- For other uses, see XXXX (disambiguation).
XXXX (pronounced four-ex) is a brand of beers brewed in Milton, Brisbane by Queensland brewers, Castlemaine Perkins, a brewery originally located in Castlemaine Victoria, Australia. Its name, first introduced in 1924, is a throwback to the long standing tradition of using X's to indicate the strength of an ale.
XXXX is the most widely available beer throughout most of Queensland, although many other beers, such as Victoria Bitter and Tooheys are popular. XXXX is substantially less popular in Australia outside of Queensland. In other parts of the world, such as the UK, it competes with Fosters.
A humorous explanation for the name is that Australians or Queenslanders cannot spell "beer".
Within Australia, the two main varieties are XXXX Bitter (Lager) and XXXX Gold (Lager). Also available are XXXX Draught/Original Draught, XXXX Light Bitter (Lager), XXXX DL (Diet Lager) and Sovereign (Lager).
Previously sold beers, currently not available, include Thirsty Dog (Wheat Beer) and XXX Sparkling Ale.
The most widely known outside of Australia is XXXX Export Lager. It contains 4.8% alcohol by volume (ABV) which amounts to 1.4 standard drinks. It is described as bland but palatable (with a distinct bitter aftertaste).
XXXX Gold was first sold in 1991 and is now the third most popular beer in Australia.
XXXX's mascot is the so-called Mister Forex - a jovial cartoon man in a suit with a boater hat. His origins are the subject of some confusion.
Most beers under the XXXX label are sold in Australia as 375ml cans, 375ml bottles (stubbies), 750ml bottles (tallies or long necks) and 250ml bottles (throw backs), on tap (in most Qld pubs but also to a lesser extent throughout the rest of Australia) and all bottles have twist top lids.
XXXX's labels generally feature a depiction of the Milton Brewery alongside the Ipswich railway line.