Beers from Singapore
Singapore’s beer scene has evolved significantly in recent years, with the country’s rich mix of cultures and its tropical climate influencing the styles and flavours of local brews. While lagers dominate the market due to their refreshing nature, the rise of craft brewing has introduced more diverse styles, including IPAs, stouts, and wheat beers. Singaporean brewers are also known for incorporating unique local ingredients, offering flavours that are distinctly tied to the region. This blend of traditional and innovative brewing makes Singapore a fascinating destination for beer enthusiasts.
Types of Beers in Singapore
Lagers
Lagers are the most widely consumed type of beer in Singapore, thanks to their light, crisp, and refreshing qualities, which suit the country’s hot and humid weather. The most popular lagers are mass-produced by well-established breweries and are commonly enjoyed across the island.
Tiger Beer: Singapore’s most famous beer, Tiger Beer is a pale lager with a light body and a crisp, clean taste. It has a mild malt sweetness, a subtle bitterness, and a refreshing finish, making it an ideal drink in Singapore’s tropical climate.
Anchor Beer: Another popular lager, Anchor Beer is slightly fuller-bodied than Tiger, with a malty backbone and a smooth, refreshing flavour. It’s a sessionable beer, perfect for casual drinking.
Craft Beers
The craft beer scene in Singapore has been growing steadily, with several local breweries pushing the boundaries and creating unique brews. These craft beers often experiment with hop profiles, local ingredients, and different brewing techniques, offering a variety of styles to suit different palates.
Brewerkz IPA: One of the pioneers of craft brewing in Singapore, Brewerkz produces a range of beers, with their IPA being one of the most popular. This beer is hop-forward with citrus and pine aromas, balanced by a slightly sweet malt body. It has a refreshing bitterness that lingers on the palate.
RedDot Lime Wheat Beer: A refreshing take on the classic wheat beer, RedDot’s Lime Wheat Beer is brewed with local lime, giving it a zesty and citrusy flavour. It’s light and effervescent, with a smooth mouthfeel, making it a perfect beer for Singapore’s warm climate.
Local-Inspired Brews
Some Singaporean brewers have begun experimenting with local ingredients and flavours, creating beers that are uniquely Singaporean. These beers often draw on the country’s diverse culinary heritage, blending familiar flavours with traditional beer styles.
The 1925 Brewing Co. Liang Teh Beer: Inspired by a traditional Chinese herbal tea, this beer has a delicate, floral aroma with subtle herbal notes. It’s light-bodied with a slightly bitter finish, making it an interesting fusion of local flavours and beer.
Crossroads Brewing Chilli IPA: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, Crossroads Brewing’s Chilli IPA offers a spicy kick along with the citrusy and piney flavours typical of an IPA. The chilli adds a warming finish, making this beer a unique tasting experience.
Flavours of Singaporean Beers
Crisp and Refreshing
Due to the tropical climate, many of Singapore’s beers are brewed to be crisp and refreshing. Lagers like Tiger Beer and Anchor Beer have light, clean flavours, with mild malt sweetness and minimal bitterness. These beers are perfect for quenching thirst on a hot day and pair well with the diverse array of spicy and savoury dishes found in Singaporean cuisine.
Fruity and Citrusy
Craft brewers in Singapore often incorporate fruity and citrusy flavours into their beers. Brewerkz IPA, for example, offers bold citrus and tropical fruit aromas, with a refreshing bitterness. Similarly, RedDot Lime Wheat Beer has bright, zesty lime flavours, adding a tropical twist to the traditional wheat beer style.
Bold and Unique
Local-inspired beers, such as The 1925 Brewing Co.’s Liang Teh Beer, incorporate unique flavours that reflect Singapore’s cultural heritage. These beers often feature herbal, floral, or even spicy elements, offering a distinctive flavour profile not commonly found in traditional beer styles. Beers like Crossroads Chilli IPA provide a bolder experience, combining heat with the hop-forward characteristics of an IPA.
Popular Singaporean Beers Available in the UK
While Singaporean beers are not as widely available in the UK as those from other beer-producing nations, some iconic brews, like Tiger Beer, can easily be found in supermarkets and Asian food stores across the UK. Tiger Beer’s light, refreshing profile makes it a popular choice for pairing with a variety of cuisines. For those interested in exploring Singapore’s growing craft beer scene, some specialty beer shops and online retailers may stock beers from Brewerkz or RedDot, offering a taste of Singapore’s craft brewing culture.
Conclusion
Singapore’s beer scene offers a diverse range of styles, from light and refreshing lagers to bold and experimental craft brews. While lagers like Tiger Beer dominate the market and reflect the country’s warm climate, the rise of craft breweries has introduced a wider variety of flavours and styles, including IPAs, wheat beers, and local-inspired brews. Whether you’re seeking a crisp, easy-drinking beer or a unique fusion of local ingredients and traditional beer styles, Singapore’s beer landscape has something to offer for every palate. With some of these beers now available in the UK, beer enthusiasts can enjoy a taste of Singapore without leaving home.
