If you think that drinking locally is limited to just the usual beer and spirits, you’ve got another thing coming. Asia has its fair share of microbreweries and craft distilleries that are willing to take risks with new experiments in flavour and production techniques. There’s something for everyone here, whether you prefer strong IPAs, sour beers, or cocktails made with unique ingredients like pandanus leaves, yuzu or blue ginger honey. Here is a guide to the best craft beers and spirits in Asia.
SINGAPORE
If there’s one thing that Singapore is known for, it’s the wide variety of Asian cuisines served at local restaurants. But there’s more to Singapore than just food, and one of its most popular drinks is beer. It is home to home to one of the largest craft breweries in Asia, called Prichard’s. The brewery uses a variety of different ingredients to create their beers, including tropical fruits, herbs and spices. The beer is not just popular with locals, but is gaining popularity across the globe. For whisky lovers, there’s a wide range of premium brands made in Singapore as well. Apart from beer and whisky, Singapore also has a number of distilleries that make delicious rum and gin
JAPAN
With its long history, rich culture and premium products, it’s not surprising that Japan has a lot to offer when it comes to craft beers and spirits. There are a number of local microbreweries that make a variety of different beers and ciders using the best ingredients, including locally grown rice. If you’re a whisky lover, you don’t have to go to Scotland to try some of the best whiskies in the world. Japan also has a number of award-winning whisky distilleries that make some of the best whiskies in the world. If you’re visiting Japan and want to try some of the local beers and spirits, make sure you visit the Hakuseki-shu Brewery, the Kirin Brewery and the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery.
CHINA
For those looking for a mix of tradition and innovation, China is the place to visit. The Chinese have long been known for their love of tea, and many of their famous teas are produced in China. However, China also has a number of local craft distilleries making a variety of different spirits. Some of the best craft beers and spirits in Asia are made in China. The best time to visit China is during the Autumn Harvest festival, when there are a number of local festivals throughout the country celebrating the harvest season.
HONG KONG
If you’re visiting Hong Kong, you’ll find a variety of local craft beers, ciders and cocktails made with a selection of locally produced ingredients. The city is home to a number of popular breweries, including the Hong Kong Beer Company, the Fat Buddha Brewery and the Gweilo Brewery. There are also a number of premium distilleries that make a variety of different liquors, including the famous Blue Mark and Blue Seal gins, and a Chinese whisky called Chung King.
THAILAND
If you’re a fan of whisky, then Thailand is the place for you. The country is home to a number of award-winning whisky distilleries that make some of the best whiskies in Asia. There are also a number of local craft breweries in Thailand, including the Koh Chang Brewery and the Siam Brewing Company, that make a variety of unique Asian beers. If you’re more of a cocktail person, you’ll be happy to know that there is also a number of local cocktail bars in Thailand using a variety of local ingredients in their cocktails. The best time to visit Thailand is during the monsoon season, when you can enjoy the lush tropical scenery along with your cocktails.
VIETNAM
Vietnam is most famous for its coffee, but it is also home to a number of award-winning craft distilleries that make a variety of different liquors. One of the most popular distilleries in Vietnam is the Tran Phu Distillery, which produces a number of local coconut and pandan-flavoured spirits. You can also enjoy a variety of cocktails made with local ingredients at the Bia Craft Bar, one of the best bars in Vietnam. The best time to visit Vietnam is during the Tet Festival, when the whole country celebrates the lunar New Year.
PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is home to a number of tropical fruits that grow year-round, and many of these fruits are used in the production of popular local craft beers and spirits. There are a number of local craft breweries in the Philippines that make a variety of delicious Asian beers, including the Sip-N-Brew Craft Brewery, the Tanduay Brewery and the San Miguel Brewery. There are also a number of premium distilleries in the Philippines that make a variety of different premium spirits, including the F. Barreto Company, Senator Blanco and Ginebra San Miguel. The best time to visit the Philippines is during the summer months of April and May, when the weather is hot and there are a number of festivals taking place.
FINAL WORDS: TRAVELING FOR CRAFT BEERS AND SPIRITS IN ASIA
If you’re a beer or whisky lover, then you’re in for a real treat when you visit Asia. There are a number of local breweries and distilleries that make a variety of delicious craft beers and spirits. You can visit the Prichard’s Distillery in Singapore, the Hakuseki-shu Brewery in Japan, the Tran Phu Distillery in Vietnam or the Sip-N-Brew Craft Brewery in the Philippines to try some of the best craft beers and spirits in Asia.
