In my journeys across Asia I have come across a number of beers that I found to be highly drinkable and worthy of recommendation so I have drawn up a short list of my favourite Asian beers to date:
Beer Myanmar - A beautiful and slightly dark bodied beer this brew from Myanmar/Burma is one of the best things the country has to offer. Unfortunately sanctions make this beer nearly impossible to obtain outside of the country's borders. Genocide and Juntas aside I really would like to get my hands on more of this beer.
Beer Lao - This easy to drink beer is made with strict quality control and the best of ingredients. The beer is popular not because of advertising campaigns but by positive word of mouth. It is now available in countries all around the world including Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, USA and the UK. I recommend that you buy a case but do not be hasty in drinking it without chilling it properly first as the beer tastes best when it is icy cold. I leave it in the back of the fridge for at least a day before drinking it.
Carlsberg (Malaysia) - I truly believe that the Carlsberg brewed in Malaysia is superior to the European version. I always relish going to Malaysia just because I know I can drink as much draft Carlsberg as possible. It just tastes so crisp. Thailand really lost a great beer when Chang fell out with Carlsberg and pushed them out of the market through legal action but thankfully it is still available in Malaysia and from what I understand they are starting to increase their activities all over Asia once again.
Kingway (Shenzen, China) - A recent semi-regular addition to my fridge this beer is a pleasant surprise. It is good to know that some breweries understand that quality will be rewarded by drinkers' loyalty and dollars.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
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15 comments:
Always enjoyed Japanese beer. All of them.
I agree about Japanese beer. It's my understanding that when Japan decided to start brewing beer in the 19th century they went to Germany and hired brewers. Their best-selling brands, like Canada's, are far superior to U.S. best-sellers, though I suppose that's faint praise.
i did not read any comment on the philippines' san miguel beer. it's the best asian beer i've had so far. maybe one of the best beers in the world
Tsingtao is a good beer. Not surprisingly, it was first brewed in an area that the Germans had taken over.
Have you not tried any Sri Lankan or Indian beer?
Kingfisher is a decent Indian beer. Quite popular in the UK too.
Sri Lankan is pretty hard to get, but if you're ever there, then Goldbrew, Lion, Bison and Three Coins are ones to look out for.
Are you sure Thailand is importing Beer Lao now? I live in Thailand and the only way I can get it is to go to Laos and bring it back myself. It is very good beer, though, I agree.
Beer Lao can be found in Bangkok (try the girly bars), Phuket, Samui, Pattaya and probably some more places as well............
Do you mean Asia as in Orient?
If not then probably King fisher is one of the finest Beers produced by UB Group in India.
Outside India you find it in most of the UK "Curry Restaurants"
You are quite right MANU, Kingfisher is a most enjoyable beer and it does go nicely with a proper curry.
I shall try to find a bottle of five and order a takeaway in the next few weeks!
Ah the drunken memories.......
Kingifsher is at best mediocre. Worse, Kingfisher has such a monopoly in India that (1) no one knows any better and (2) you get utterly sick of seeing it, let alone drinking it. There's even an "Oktoberfest" with just one beer ... Kingfisher. Actually UB Export and SABMiller-made Royal Challenge are better in my opinion, anyway. Golden Peacock from Rajasthan is also a refreshing lager.
Hi
I am looking for a distributor of the Burmese beer, Mandaly in the US ?
Anyone know who imports this beer ?
Thanks
I am not sure what the deal with Mandalay Beer is. You might want to check this link for more information:
http://www.irrawaddy.org/aviewer.asp?a=2456&z=104
One other one I think deserves credit is Bintang from Indonesia. I put it on a par with Beer Lao, and very difficult to get outside of Indo. They make a Bintang Gold, too, which is even better, but seriously hard to find for some reason. I only came across the Gold twice during the 3 yrs I lived in Indo. If you haven't tried it yet, put it on your "to do" list!
Bintang has been highly recommended to me but I have never seen it anywhere in Asia (or outside).
I really must get to Indonesia someday!
Guys, Have you tried the carlsberg brewed in India. I find it great and am binging on it now a days. I love the new one's which they have bought into the market - Tuborg & Palone.
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