Popular Thai Beer Styles
Lagers: Refreshing and Light
Lagers are the most popular type of beer in Thailand, celebrated for their light, crisp, and refreshing qualities. They are particularly well-suited to Thailand's hot and humid climate, making them a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Singha Beer is one of the most iconic Thai lagers. It’s a pale golden beer with a clean, crisp flavour profile that includes subtle notes of malt sweetness and a gentle hop bitterness. Singha is known for its smooth finish and is widely enjoyed as a refreshing drink. In the UK, Singha Beer is readily available in supermarkets and Thai restaurants, appreciated for its consistent quality and versatility.
Chang Beer is another prominent Thai lager, recognised by its distinct elephant logo. It has a slightly bolder flavour compared to Singha, with a richer malt character and a hint of bitterness. Chang Beer is a popular choice in Thailand and is increasingly found in the UK, available in many supermarkets and Asian food stores.
Leo Beer is a lighter option compared to Singha and Chang. It has a pale, golden appearance with a mild flavour profile featuring light malt sweetness and a subtle hop bitterness. Leo Beer is often enjoyed for its easy-drinking nature and refreshing qualities. It is available in the UK, particularly in areas with a strong Thai or Asian influence.
Craft Beers: Innovative and Diverse
Thailand’s craft beer scene is expanding, with local breweries experimenting with a range of styles and ingredients to create unique and innovative beers. These craft beers offer a contrast to the traditional lagers and reflect the growing interest in diverse beer experiences.
Brewdog Bangkok is a notable example of a craft beer from Thailand. Known for its Brewdog Bangkok IPA, this beer features bold hop flavours with notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine. It’s a well-balanced IPA with a smooth bitterness, catering to those who enjoy hoppy beers. Brewdog Bangkok beers are available in the UK through specialist craft beer shops and online retailers.
Mikkeller Bangkok is another key player in Thailand’s craft beer scene, offering a range of creative and high-quality beers. Their Mikkeller Bangkok Pale Ale is known for its balanced bitterness and fruity hop aroma, with a light malt base that provides a refreshing drinking experience. Mikkeller Bangkok beers are making their way into the UK market, especially in craft beer shops and bars.
Beervana is a Thai craft brewery known for its diverse range of styles, including their Beervana Pale Ale. This beer features a floral hop aroma, a balanced bitterness, and a light malt character, making it an enjoyable and versatile option. Beervana’s beers are starting to be available in the UK, reflecting the growing interest in international craft beers.
Thai Beers in the UK
In the UK, Thai beers like Singha, Chang, and Leo are well-established and widely available. These lagers are commonly found in supermarkets, Asian food stores, and Thai restaurants, offering a taste of Thailand’s traditional brewing heritage.
The craft beer scene from Thailand is also gaining traction in the UK, with breweries like Brewdog Bangkok, Mikkeller Bangkok, and Beervana offering innovative and high-quality options. These craft beers are increasingly accessible through specialist craft beer shops and online retailers, catering to enthusiasts looking for new and unique flavour experiences.
Overall, Thai beers provide a diverse range of flavours and styles that reflect the country’s brewing traditions and modern innovations. Whether you’re enjoying a classic lager or exploring the creative offerings from Thailand’s craft breweries, Thai beers offer a distinctive and refreshing drinking experience that is increasingly appreciated in the UK.
