Adelyn Torralba

10 Best Beers in Asia The trend on beer brews have made a breakthrough all over the world, and Asia is not about to settle on the bottom list just because it’s Asia. Hite may have conquered the market later than all the other beers in Asia, but that didn’t stop the notall-too-new beer product to rise and become a crowd favorite in Korea. In 1996, Hite’s trademark “Fresh Taste” took the high route when it conquered Korea’s top beer, OB, and since then remained the number one beer in the country. Hite Brewery markets the beer in 30 countries around the globe, including China, Mongolia, U.S, and Japan. Hite’s developers include Denmark’s Dan Brew and Weihenstephan University from Germany. To rra lb a OB Blue was Korea’s top beer years ago, but eventually conquered by Hite in the 90’s. Nevertheless, it remained one of the favorites on this side of Asia. Oriental Brewery, former manufacturer of OB Blue, started its business of exporting beer in the 80’s, but somehow fell on a series of pollution scandal. Cass beer brand, also owned by OB, eventually gave full control to InBec in 1998 and allowed the Belgian company to take full responsibility of the business’ marketing and manufacturing process. Kingfisher is one of India’s top brand from United Breweries and is said to have great similarity with Cobra -- with its pale clear golden color with a twang of sweetness. This standard, lightweight Indian lager has made it to the top, not only because of its brand, but the way it treats your mornings, an even gentle waking up as compared to other beers. The Kingfisher beer, because of its Indie origin, became a popular partner to local dishes such as curries and spicy local food. Ad el y n Asahi Super Dry became popular in Japan after it helps Sapporro gain recognition as one of the country’s top brewers. How you taste the Asahi Super Dry depends on how you pour your drink in your beer bottle. Some people complain about its lack of taste, but the secret to savor its flavor and relinquish to its alcoholic spirit is to have it chilled on 4 – 6 degree Celcius and pour it in a chilled beer bottle, making sure that at least ¼ of the beer foams up. Kirin Ichiban became the number one beer in Japan with additives carefully selected and imported from the Czech Republic. Barley Malt and Saaz Hops are its main contents, and while the brand has since been internationally brewed in Los Angeles in the mid 90’s, the idea of exportation became less of a priority, especially where the western countries are concerned. Kirin Lager is Japan’s best seller while Kirin Light with a 95 calorie per bottle is more popular in the United States. Sapporo Premium Beer is a product of Japan’s oldest beer brand “Sapporo.” The crisp taste of this premium beer is the result of the immense use of aroma hops. The refreshing flavor of a clean gulp is what makes the beer so popular not only in Japan, but to other countries where the beer is exported. Sapporo beer was first introduced in the United States in 1964; however, they opened the first Sapporo U.S.A brand in 1984 to preserve its excellent quality and distribution around the country, and soon became the number one Asian distributor in the United States. Tsingtao Beer has a malty flavor and an aroma of a well-balanced taste. The water used to formulate the Tsingtao Beer came from Laoshan’s spring water, which is known all over China because of its purity, while the hops are locally grown and used to brew the local beer. Nevertheless, that didn’t keep the brand from storming the European Breweries. Yeast and barley are also main additives of the beer and Tsingtao’s ingredients were carefully selected and imported from Canada and Australia. Just like a pilsener, its froth dies down easy if you let it sit for a while. San Miguel Pale Pilsen has been in the market since 1890 and that is why it is not surprising that the brand covers almost 80 percent of alcoholic drink in the Philippines. Its Asian debut has been so successful that it covers a market share in HongKong. The malty, caramel flavor of this beer is perfect for side dishes cooked by local chefs. The Pale Pilsen has a mild zesty and peppery after taste that will make you remember this one of a kind beer from the Philippines. To rra lb a Taiwan Beer has a distinct flavor that comes from adding a locally produced rice (Formosa Rice) during the process of fermentation. In late 2012, the Taiwan Beer launched new brews with flavors of mango and pineapple, and in 2013, the grape and orange flavor were introduced. The brew has a mild alcohol content of 2.8% and is the perfect drink during the summer season. This lager beer is best served cold and is paired with seafoods from the Taiwanese and Japanese cuisines. In 2013, Taiwan Beer launched a new flavor made of wheat beer called Taiwan Weissbier Draft, a tangy spice influenced by Kronenbourg Blanch wheat beer and Hoegaarden in Taiwan. It is sold in almost all convenience stores in Taiwan in 600ml bottles and 330ml cans. Ad el y n Beer Lao is famous in Laos and Cambodia, and has since then conquered Thailand’s bar and restaurants. The Jasmine rice content of the beer is locally produced, but the hops and yeast is carefully selected and imported from Germany. In 2009, Beerlao became even more popular when they were selected as the official sponsor of the Southeast Asian games in Vientiane.