Popular Singapore Beer Styles
Lagers: Refreshing and Easy-Drinking
Lagers dominate the beer scene in Singapore, prized for their crisp, refreshing qualities that are perfect for the tropical climate. These beers are generally light in body and flavour, making them popular choices for casual drinking.
Tiger Beer is the most iconic lager from Singapore, known for its light, clean taste with a slight malt sweetness and a subtle bitterness. It’s a pale golden beer with a crisp, refreshing finish, ideal for cooling down on a hot day. Tiger Beer has a significant presence in the UK, available in many supermarkets and Asian food stores, and is well-regarded for its consistency and drinkability.
ABC Extra Stout is a darker beer that offers a richer alternative to typical lagers. Despite being a stout, it retains a smooth, easy-drinking quality with flavours of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee. ABC Extra Stout is a bit heavier but still refreshing, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a more robust flavour. It’s available in select UK stores and is appreciated for its unique taste profile.
Jolly Shandy is a popular option for those who prefer a lighter, fruitier beer. It combines lager with a splash of lemonade, resulting in a refreshing, slightly sweet drink with a lower alcohol content. Jolly Shandy is less common in the UK but can be found in some specialty Asian shops.
Craft Beers: Innovation and Variety
Singapore’s craft beer scene is burgeoning, with numerous local breweries experimenting with various styles and ingredients. This burgeoning industry reflects the city-state’s growing appreciation for diverse and innovative beer options.
Brewerkz is one of Singapore’s leading craft breweries, known for its wide range of beers. Their Brewerkz IPA is a notable example, featuring a robust hop character with notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine. It’s a well-balanced IPA with a smooth bitterness, popular among those who enjoy hoppy beers. Brewerkz beers are starting to make their way into the UK craft beer market, often available through specialist online retailers.
Raffles Belgian Ale offers a unique twist, with its Belgian-style ale that boasts a fruity, spicy flavour profile. It combines traditional Belgian yeast character with a touch of local innovation, resulting in a complex and aromatic beer. While not as widely available in the UK, Raffles Belgian Ale can be found in select international and craft beer stores.
Archipelago Brewery is another key player in Singapore’s craft beer scene, offering a variety of styles including their Archipelago Pale Ale. This beer is characterised by its balanced bitterness and floral hop aroma, with a light malt base. Occasionally available in the UK, Archipelago beers are found through online craft beer retailers.
Singaporean Beers in the UK
Singaporean beers are making their mark in the UK, with several brands becoming more accessible to beer enthusiasts. Tiger Beer is the most widely available, found in many major supermarkets and Asian food shops. Its crisp and refreshing qualities make it a popular choice for those seeking a taste of Singapore’s brewing tradition.
For those interested in exploring craft options, Brewerkz and Archipelago Brewery are gradually making their presence felt in the UK craft beer scene. Their innovative and high-quality beers offer a unique flavour experience that reflects Singapore’s modern brewing culture.
While not all Singaporean beers are widely available in the UK, the increasing interest in international craft beers is leading to more options becoming accessible. Whether you’re enjoying a classic lager like Tiger Beer or exploring the innovative brews from Singapore’s craft breweries, Singaporean beers offer a refreshing and distinctive drinking experience that adds variety to the UK beer market.
