Mops, Socks, and Chardonnay: March 2008 Archives

As part of the Round the World trip I felt it was important that I try as many regional beers as possible. It's always been a theory of mine that one can learn a lot about a culture by imbibing their indigenous brews.  It's a lousy theory but the alternative explanation (and the one that Mary is most in agreement with) is that I have an abiding affection for the brew and will do most anything to acquire some. Still, I did have a great time, and I think it's safe to say that one can travel pretty much anywhere nowadays and find a great regional brew.

 Singapore         

Tiger

Kingfisher (which is really Indian but we ate a lot of Indian food so it just seemed right) Carlsberg (which is European but it was a hot day and the beer was cold and inviting)

Bangkok          

Singha

Phuket Island Beer

Japan               

Kirin Ichiban

Sapporo

Asahi Super Dry

Assorted Kyoto Micro Brews (that I neglected to get the names of - my bad)

Hawaii              

Kona Longboard Lager

Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale

Keoki Gold

Maui Brewing Bikini Blond Lager

San Francisco  

Anchor Steam

Hong Kong       

San Miguel (a Philippines beer but they opened a brewery in HK)

TsingTao

Chang  

Sydney            

Victoria Bitter   

Tooheys New

Tooheys Extra Dry

Boags Premium

Crown Lager

London             

Fuller's ESB  (In my defense we weren't in London long and Mary was feeling poorly so I was a bit loath to go out and do a pub crawl)

Of all the beers consumed I can safely say there is only one that I would not willingly and enthusiastically drink again and that was the Phuket Island Beer. It wasn't that this beer was bad - it was just a little strange as it was noticeably sweet. Also, the Bikini Blonde Lager in Hawaii although drinkable (and that's a pretty broad category for me) was pretty blah, fine if you like the mass market American brews like Budweiser but otherwise not able to compete at all with its tastier brethren from Kona or Keoki.