7 Unique Beer and Ciders to Look Out For at Beerfest Asia 2015

At the top of every beer geek’s list, Beerfest Asia 2015 is back for its 7th edition at the Marina Promenade. Featuring a dizzying myriad of over 400 different beers and ciders, Singapore’s ultimate beer festival promises to be even bigger and better this year. With so much booze available, selective drinking is a skill that’ll need to be utilised, and we hope to make your life easier with our pick of 7 unique beer brands to look out for this year.

Dos Equis – 4.5% ABV (Mexico)

Jonathan Goldsmith, Dos Equis

Dos Equis is the favourite beer of the ‘most interesting man in the world’. Jonathan Goldsmith’s portrayal of the ever successful, seemingly faultless man in witty beer commercials have elevated Dos Equis to an almost legendary cult status, with Goldsmith becoming a hilarious internet meme. Whilst the beer itself’s taste is not subliminal, you can at least look forward to making some fun Instagram shot posing with the bottles.

Iron Maiden Trooper – 4.7% ABV (UK)

Iron Maiden Trooper Beer

We now know what gives vocalist Bruce Dickinson his broad range of rock vocals. The lead singer of Iron Maiden is a real ale enthusiast, and we’re certain that beer was a key element when it came to honing his singing. This same love for alcoholic beverages led to his creation of the Iron Maiden Trooper – a solid, yet tight-knit beer that is pretty much like the old school heavy metal band. Its malt flavours and citric notes are prominent in this deep golden ale, while the subtle hint of lemon makes for an excellent thirst-quencher in our humid weather.

Strongbow Apple Ciders – 5% ABV (UK)

Strongbow Apple Cider

With Strongbow a household name in the UK, making headways in Singapore’s alcoholic market was a cinch. Established by H.P. Bulmer in 1962, the apple-based beverage is now under the tenure of Heineken, and the Dutch brewing giants now have a mission to make its brand global. At Beerfest Asia however,  the brand’s honey flavour will be made available, and drinkers can expect a sweetish blend of fresh apple tartness and aromatic honey flavours .

Dester 12% Super Strong – 12% ABV (Holland)

Dester Beer

A relatively ‘young’ brand in the global beer market, this beverage has only been around for the past 25 years. Its presence has not gone unnoticed however. Dester is a familiar product at most Kopitiams in Singapore and this beer’s strength is as strong as its name suggests, with the 12% ABV an obvious contributing factor for its potency. Drinkers can expect a strong bodied taste with hints of dried fruit, a malty fragrance, and traces of whisky.

Thatchers Rose – 5.4% ABV (UK)

Thatchers Cider

When William Thatcher began brewing ciders on his apple farm in Sanford, his family’s reputation grew as bottles of his produce were gradually distributed in the country. Fast forward a century, and Thatchers is now one of the most established cider brands in the UK. The Rose version is extremely similar to Rosé wine, and anyone with an affinity for the sweet liquids will find this bottle most pleasant.

Tongerlo Blond – 6% ABV (Belgium)

Tongerlo Blond

Once again, it seems that the beer gods have showered their blessings on the beer brewers of Belgium. The country is known for their excellent brews of beer, and Tongerlo Blond is frankly no different. Winning the World Best Beer 2014 Award at the World Beer Awards 2014 is testament to this copper coloured beer’s brilliant composition, and beer buffs can expect a smooth transition of refreshing honey flavoured liquid down the throat – nectar from the gods we say.

Pilsner Urquell – 4.4% ABV (Czech Republic)

Pilsner Urquell

The Czech Republic is yet another country with a long and rich beer brewing history, and Pilsner Urquell is a fine example of the Eastern European nation’s quality produce. First brewed in 1842, this Czech beer also happens to be world’s first pilsner – acting as an inspiration for today’s modern beer brands. While most lagers are pretty forthcoming with their flavours, Pilsner Urquell will seductively tease your tastebuds, offering shades of its crisp flavours in a gentle, yet rich manner.

Beerfest Asia will be held from Thursday, 25 June to Sunday, 28 June 2015 at the Marina Promenade (the F1 tracks behind the Singapore Flyer).

To purchase tickets to Beerfest Asia 2015 in Singapore, please click here

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When Joel’s not partaking in one of his shameless eating sessions, he likes to think of himself as a sponge – absorbing the mysteries and beauty of our world – be it through a good book or a wacky jaunt in a foreign country.