Cover Cian Hulm, beer specialist at Heineken Malaysia
In this exclusive video feature, Cian Hulm tells us exactly what a beer specialist at Heineken does and what it takes to make a perfect pint
Above Cian Hulm shares about his job at Heineken Malaysia and the beer brewing process

Being the beer specialist responsible for Heineken Malaysia's quality agenda, Cian Hulm has a truly enviable job—at least from the perspective of a beer drinker. Since his main role is to ensure that the beer that reaches consumers is the best there is, we imagine he would have a full glass in his hand at all times—to check on the quality of beer, of course.

Having grown up in Dublin, Ireland, the home of the iconic Guinness St James Gate brewery, Hulm was introduced to the brewing industry early, as a number of his family members, including his grandfather, had worked at Guinness. Hulm is a qualified beer sommelier who has a complete understanding of the brewing process and draught beer systems.

Read more: 12 Craft Beer Bars to Know in the Klang Valley

Tatler Asia
Above Cian Hulm

In the video, Hulm shares the various flavour profiles and ingredients that go into a Heineken beverage from Heineken and Guinness beers to Tiger Crystal and Apple Fox cider.

"Unlike wine tasting, you can usually make a first assessment of beer easily by its appearance. A smaller or bigger than normal head is the first indication. You test it further with a sip, savour it, and when you swallow. I can normally judge a beer just by looking at how the bartender is pouring. Is the flow rate too fast or too slow? Is the glass clean? Is the beer being poured at the right angle? After that, it’s all about letting your other senses do the work."

His pro tip for drinkers? "Great beer deserves a great serve, so don’t be afraid to report a dirty glass or bad pour the next time you’re in a bar."

Tatler Asia
Above A work kit containing the ingredients to help understand the beer brewing process

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Aaron Pereira
Deputy editor, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

If tall, dark and handsome is what you're looking for, Aaron Pereira ticks two out of three. This fine chocolate man (that is, a connoisseur of fine chocolate), enjoys the theatre, futsal, real-life conversations and of course, the English language. He believes that language should first be used to express, but the business of a sub-editor is to impress.

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