Beertopia showcases that Hong Kong’s craft beer scene is only expanding.
While Hong Kong is a culinary capital, its craft beer scene is taking some time to catch on. To jump start this process, the second annual Beertopia was held on Saturday, April 13th this year. The festival was largely held on the site of the planned West Kowloon Cultural District which offers sweeping views of the magnificent Hong Kong skyline.
With the sun out and a light breeze from the harbor, beer enthusiasts and amateurs alike arrived for an afternoon of tasting over 200 beers from all over the world including some countries not necessarily associated with beer production such as Cambodia. Additionally, the event offered live music performed by local Hong Kong bands, lectures on beer pairings and the brewing process, food from local Hong Kong restaurants including tacos from Brick House and brats from Flying Brats, and some classic American drinking games. Unique beers included Mamma Mia! Pizza Beer from Illinois and Lindemans Pechresse, a peach-infused beer from Belgium. Personally, I was excited to see my home town, San Diego, well-represented by Aztec Brewing Company, Iron Fist Brewing, Lost Abbey, and Julian Hard Cider.
Beyond Beertopia’s event, an exciting news for attendees was: many of the delicious beers on tap at the festival are available in Hong Kong year-round! Companies such as Solar Max Limited and AmeriCraft Imports specialize in importing beers from around the world both for individual orders and mass orders for restaurants and bars. Based on conversations with the various export companies and bar managers at the event, Hong Kong’s craft beer scene is only expanding. Look out from more international beers available in Hong Kong as well as Beertopia 2014!
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