Victoria Bitter stayed south of the border, Resch’s beers were in NSW only and no one else but Queensland had XXXX.

But these days, those beers are everywhere – because the days of state-based beers have gone, right?

Nope, they’re still here.

And Tasmania has had no fewer than four beers unique to that state – which isn’t too bad considering they’re a small island with two major breweries.

That’s four beers that you can’t get anywhere else but Tasmania. Can’t even order them from the brewery – I know this because I tried.

In recent weeks, that number has dropped by one with James Boag’s decision to send its Wizard Smith’s Ale to the mainland for a limited time.

As part of the deal it’s only available at Liquorland, First Choice and Vintage Cellars.

When you taste it you’ll realise why the Tasmanians kept this for themselves and sent over all that other ordinary stuff.

An English ale, it has some lovely toffee aromas and flavours, along with a hint of dark fruit as things warm up.

There’s even perhaps a lick of biscuity malt as well.

If you happen to see this in your local bottle shop, I’d highly recommend you pick up a six-pack. Who knows when we’ll see it again.