Here are all the local breweries participating in Beerfest Asia 2023

Founded in 1997, Reddot Brewhouse is one of the leaders in locally-brewed craft beer in Singapore, run by a tight-knit family of brewmasters. His daughter, Crystalla, learnt the trade from her father, founder Ernest Ng, and under her guiding hand Reddot Brewhouse has turned into a craft brewery and restaurant serving up hearty fare to complement the beers, which come in a range of eccentric flavours.

Our recommendation: The Sauvignon Ale is perfect for both wine and beer lovers, made with wine yeast to bring out the mineral and fruity aromas of a traditional Sauvignon Blanc. The Monster Green Lager snatches your attention with its electric green hue, a natural product of spirulina that’s high in protein and notes of biscuit and champagne.

Sunbird Brewing Company was birthed in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, and it has since grown into one of the most important local breweries to look out for. Besides being committed to the highest quality brews, Sunbird believes in sustainability, ensuring every ingredient is repurposed in the brewing process—an attitude that has garnered it awards like the Brew King Singapore 2021 and the Asia Beer Championship 2020 and 2021. 

Our recommendation: Among Sunbird’s delectable offerings is a seasonal mango bingsu cold IPA, made with a blend of mango, apricot, spice, and vanilla for an exceedingly refreshing ale. Lest you miss the classics, go for the Lucky White Stout, a top-fermented beer that respects tradition while adding a special twist unique to the brewery’s codes.

Co-founders Will Julius, Ben Hendry-Prior and Harry Renshaw set out to make craft beer tailored to the climate conditions of Southeast Asia, which eventually led to Lion Brewery Co, one of the fastest growing breweries in Singapore. Having now brewed over 60 seasonal varieties and expanded into markets in the UK, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Cambodia, the prospects are promising for this home-grown brand.

Our recommendation: The Straits Pale Ale at Beerfest Asia, the most iconic of its flagship beers, is not to be missed. Golden in colour with notes of lychee and citrus, it’s perfect for knocking back in the midst of the heat wave that’s gripping Singapore. But for those who appreciate more of the craft, go for any beer in its Brewer’s Series like the English Bitter, single-hopped with the classic East Kent Goldings hop and brewed with Kveik specialty yeast for a woody taste with slight honey aromas.

Founded in 2015 by three brothers with diverse backgrounds, Rye and Pint is committed to putting Singaporean beers on the world stage with its small-batch production and diverse selection of grains.

Our recommendation: Don’t miss the Punchin’ Rye at Beerfest Asia, a pale ale that’s brewed with rye malt, lending a passionfruit aroma and touches of spice. The Sunday’s Brew Pilsner is another classic that pleases with its floral notes before giving into a finish that coats the tongue with malt.

Read more: Brewerkz Head Brewer Dmitrii Gribov on Creating the World’s First Probiotic Beer

Another business born out of the pandemic, Ollie Hard Seltzer is a product of founder Samuel Cooper’s knack for home-brewing picked up in the United States as he looked for tipples without the cloying additives in most commercial beverages. The result? Clear, refreshing drinks with zero sugar and a light ABV at 5% for a fabulously clean drinking experience.

Our recommendation: The original flavour is good on its own, but for some additional flair, go for flavours like citrus ginger or grapefruit for an extra rejuvenating drink.

The brainchild of a financial analyst and a chemical engineer, Alive Brewing was founded in 2020 to satiate the founders’ craving for quality craft beer in a diverse range of beer styles. With a splash of creativity and even more eclectic labels, knock back sessionable beers that will keep up the life of the party.

Our recommendation: “One Night in Cologne”, Alive Brewing’s version of a German light ale, is an excellent beer done in the Kölsch style which effortlessly combines the malty flavours of fermentation with the lightness of florals and fruit. One of the more premium offerings includes the Lucky Omen, a complex double IPA harkening to the aroma of tropical fruits ripening in the sun, ending with a creamy mouthfeel. 

Don’t let its name fool you—at its core, Trouble Brewing is just looking to provide sincere, quality sessionable beers that Singaporeans will love, rather than niche, triple-hopped pours.

Our recommendation: The Singapore Lager, one of its landmark offerings, is nothing fancy but still crisp and light on the palate, perfect for pairing with your favourite meals. For something a little more creative, the Road Hog contains hints of juniper and citrus alongside a roasted malt bitterness. 

Archipelago Brewery is a name Singaporean beer-lovers should be familiar with, being Singapore’s first commercial brewery established in 1931. Leading the way with its small-batch production and meticulousness developed over decades, Archipelago Brewery has forged a Singaporean twist to its beers while respecting its German heritage.

Our recommendation: The Singapore Blonde Ale has a delightful local spin, infused as it is with pandan leaves and calamansi for an extra refreshing drink. If you're looking for more classic offerings, go for the Bohemian Lager, which honours traditional brewing techniques even as it adds a fruity Singaporean twist.  

Crossroads Brewing Co is the result of Jim Kellett’s passion for brewing craft beer in Singapore, where the market for quality craft beers has been steadily growing. Its four signature brews—craft lager, session IPA, golden ale and steam ale—are crafted with Singapore’s climate in mind, delivering beers that are flavourful, low bitterness, and extremely sessionable.

Our recommendation: The session IPA, which is made with Galaxy, Mosaic and Ekuanot hops, has a complex citrus aroma with the slight bitterness of grapefruit for a refreshingly fruity pour. Or the golden ale, made with malted Australian wheat and German barley lending the beer a generous body with a light sweetness—a combination that won the silver medal at the 2017 Asia Beer Championships.

NOW READ

Prost! Celebrate Oktoberfest at These Restaurants and Bars in Singapore

4 Liquor NFTs That Are Shaking Up the Alcohol Industry

Fun in the Sun: 5 Beach Bars and Clubs in Sentosa to Visit For a Tipple