So, we’ve given you our picks of the best beers at this year’s festival, and now we’re helping you broaden your horizons in a slightly different way.
Namkhong Beer (Laos)
Before Namkhong, our friends up in Laos could basically choose between Beer Lao and Beer Lao Dark. Not anymore, with this easy drinking lager.
Where to find it: APB, Booth R2
Sengur (Mongolia)
If Genghis Khan were alive today, he’d be about 852, and he wouldn’t think twice about shotgunning a couple of Sengurs. Brewed using local barley and pristine Mongolian water, Sengur has a distinctive burnt malt aftertaste.
Where to find it: APB, Booth R2
Kilikia Dark Lager (Armenia)
Alright, so this conventional dark lager was at last year’s Beerfest and it’s been spotted in fridges around town, but come on, it’s still a beer from Armenia. What other Armenian produce have you had the chance to try?
Where to find it: ArevA Group, Booth B10
Gold Crown (Cambodia)
As much as a glass of Angkor Beer is the perfect way to conclude a day of wandering around temple ruins, it’s good to see the Cambodian beer market expanding. This refreshing lager is crisp and smooth.
Where to find it: APB, Booth R2
Clancy’s Amber Ale (Canada)
From the same folks who’ve been bringing you Moosehead Lager all the way from Saint John, New Brunswick, comes this malty, slightly sweet amber ale. And if you’re wondering, we also don’t know who Clancy is.
Where to find it: Asigo Trading, Booth R3
Jaz Fresh Lychee (Malaysia)
Much like a Proton, Malaysia’s de facto national beer is affordable and gets you where you want to go. This brand new lychee-infused member of their stable comes in mini-kegs and plastic-wrapped yellow bottles featuring excessively cute cartoon characters.
Where to find it: Napex Brewery, Booth R4
Storm Beer Golden Ale (Indonesia)
If you’ve been to Bali, then you’ve probably heard of Storm Beer. Their incarnation of the golden ale, arguably the best beer style to get hammered on a weekday afternoon, is light and floral.
Where to find it: Storm Beers Bali, Booth R1
Myanmar Beer (Myanmar)
Politically-minded drinkers might appreciate the irony of something being called “Myanmar’s Favorite Beer,” but this is a lager that’ll be enjoyed by all.
Where to find it: APB, Booth R2
BrewDog Trashy Blonde (Scotland)
The famous (or infamous) BrewDog may not be bringing their headline-making ultra-strong beers Tactical Nuclear Penguin (32%) and Sink the Bismarck! (41%) but they make up for it with this zesty, hoppy, passionfruity number.
Where to find it: MyBrewerytap, Booth B11
Biere Larue (Vietnam)
Enjoyed all over Vietnam, particularly in its central area around Da Nang, Biere Larue looks like a close cousin of our own Tiger Beer. It tastes a little of straw, or what one might imagine straw tastes like, and you can bet it’ll leave you making jokes involving the word “dong”.
Where to find it: APB, Booth R2
Visit the official website of Beerfest Asia 2011 for a full list of beers. Tickets (from $32) are still available for all four days from SISTIC
