Not sure about that but I don’t think I’ve ever posted anything on here about Thai beer before.
Back in the states I pretty much just drank Corona Light and had a squirter of lemon juice to tang it up. The taste is very light, and if the bottles haven’t been sitting out in the sun before they make it to the bar or restaurant the beer is very clean tasting. I’ve had sewer water Coronas too – but that’s for another article.
Thai beer is strong stuff. Typical alcohol in Thai beer is 5.5% – 7%. Typical beer in the USA has 2.2 to 3.5%. Thais drink their beer with ice – as it mellows the flavor – and keeps it ice cold. Both of these are appreciated… it’s often over 90 degrees F at night in Bangkok, so one gets used to ice in their beer after a while. I finally did about 2 years into my stay. Waitresses add it to the mug anyway – without asking, figuring ‘everyone loves ice in their beer’.
Eventually I think nearly everyone gets used to it. Thai beer is a little harsh. That extra alcohol has the effect of turning beer into somewhat of an industrial pain remover or something. When I first arrived in Thailand I wasn’t too keen on the beer. I never used the word ‘keen’ either. Thailand changes you. Now I really enjoy one of the Thai beers that at first I didn’t enjoy at all. Beer Leo. This is one of the cheapest beers at 35 baht per big bottle – about two twelve-ouncers. If I drink one I’m fine for a couple hours.
Here are some of the Thai beers and what I think of them:
Singha – the national beer it appears. Expats like this one. It’s a little more expensive than the others. It has a decent taste – with ice.
Chang – means elephant. A harsh beer you must have with ice. I had Chang draught (draft) before and it was VERY good. In bottles or cans it’s not so great. Highest alcohol content. Thais prefer this one.
Beer Leo – pretty good. I still need ice for it.
Beer Lao – awesome. Comes in two varieties – pale and dark. No ice needed or recommended. Both are my favorite beers of all time. Yes, this comes from Laos and I have it when I run across the border to renew my Thai visa. Highly recommended. Sometimes in Thailand the beer has been overheated and it tastes horrible. Best to get right across the border at Chong Mek as there is a Beer Lao brewery just a few kilometers from there. Awesome beer!
If you see Thai beer in a Thai restaurant in the states or wherever you are in the world – give it a try and let us know what you think!
Cheers!
(Photo credits: Singha Beer – Flickr.com user, AndyLawson; Beer Lao – Flickr.com user, Asia Edit. Thanks much!)
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