Vietnam's craft beer scene has been gaining popularity in recent years, captivating locals and travellers alike with its unique flavours and innovative brews.
The country, already known for its vibrant beer culture and as the second-largest beer consumer in Asia, has enthusiastically embraced the craft beer revolution.
This soiree into the world of craft beer in Vietnam explores the rise of local breweries, the art of brewing with Vietnamese ingredients, and the impact of this burgeoning industry on the country's economy and culture.
From the early days of craft beer's introduction in 2014 to the current landscape of over 300 breweries, Vietnam's craft beer scene has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Pioneering brands like Pasteur Street Brewing Company and Heart of Darkness have paved the way for a new generation of Vietnamese brewers pushing the boundaries of what's possible with local ingredients and traditional brewing methods.
As we stumble on this journey through Vietnam's craft beer revolution, we'll discover the passion, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, making it one of the most exciting beer destinations in the world.
The Rise of Craft Beer in Vietnam
The Vietnamese craft beer market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a projected CAGR of 9.40% from 2024 to 2032. This rise can be attributed to several factors, including:
Geographical advantages: Vietnam's unique local produce and relaxed legal environment have made it an attractive destination for craft beer brewing.
Changing consumer preferences: Vietnamese customers are becoming more educated and quality-conscious, showing a growing interest in unique recipes and on-site brewing of domestic craft beers.
International recognition: Vietnamese brewers have received acclaim in international competitions, such as the 2021 Asia Beer Championship, further boosting the industry's reputation.
The craft beer scene in Vietnam has gone through three distinct waves: the introduction of Vietnamese draft beer, Czech-style breweries, and American, Australian, and European styles of craft beer.
Platinum Premium Ales, established in the summer of 2014, was one of the first major players in the market. In early 2015, Pasteur Street Brewing Company (PSBC) followed. PSBC has since become the dominant craft beer player in Saigon, with multiple locations and international awards.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainties, the Vietnamese craft beer market thrives. The industry's growth is driven by the country's deep-rooted beer culture, evolving consumer tastes, and the younger generation's enthusiasm for unique flavours.
As the market matures, it is expected to attract more Southeast Asian craft beer brewers, further diversifying the offerings available to consumers.
Top Vietnamese Craft Breweries
Vietnam's craft beer scene is still exploding, with many innovative breweries growing nationwide. From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and beyond, these breweries are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with local ingredients and traditional brewing methods.
Here are some of the top Vietnamese craft breweries making waves in the industry:
Pasteur Street Brewing Company (Ho Chi Minh City): Known for its innovative use of Vietnamese ingredients like passion fruit, jasmine, and locally sourced chocolate, Pasteur Street has become a dominant player in Saigon's craft beer scene. Its Jasmine IPA and Cyclo Imperial Chocolate Stout have garnered international acclaim.
Heart of Darkness Brewery Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City): Focusing on IPAs and Pale Ales, Heart of Darkness has produced over 150 beer styles. Their Kurtz's Insane IPA, and Loose Rivet, New England IPA, are popular among craft beer enthusiasts.
BiaCraft Artisan Ales (Multiple Locations): Offering the most extensive selection of craft beer in Vietnam, BiaCraft provides on-the-spot canning and has become a go-to destination for beer lovers.
East West Brewing Company (Ho Chi Minh City): This brewery beautifully articulates European and American brewing approaches using locally sourced ingredients. Their Coffee Vanilla Porter, Belgian Buddha IPA, and Saigon Rosé are must-tries.
7 Bridges Brewing Company (Da Nang): Bridging international craft styles with Vietnamese ingredients, 7 Bridges aims to leverage the power of excellent craft beer to achieve positive social and environmental impact.
Other notable craft breweries and brands include:
Winking Seal Beer Co. (Hoi An & Hanoi)
Furbrew (Hanoi)
Lac Brewing Co. (Hanoi)
Rooster Beers (Saigon)
Platinum Beer (Ho Chi Minh City)
Turtle Lake Brewing Company (Hanoi)
Five Elements Brewing Company (Danang)
Fuzzy Logic Brewing Co. (Saigon)
Tê Tê Brewing (Saigon)
With most craft breweries concentrated in larger cities like Saigon, Hanoi, and Danang, the Vietnamese craft beer industry continues to thrive and innovate, attracting beer enthusiasts worldwide.
The Art of Brewing with Local Flavours
Vietnamese craft brewers have embraced the art of brewing with local flavours, setting their creations apart from competitors and captivating consumers with unique stories and rich flavours. The country's geographical advantages, such as the availability of distinctive produce, have contributed to the evolution of craft beer recipes.
Breweries like East West Brewing Company and Pasteur Street Brewing Company (PSBC) are at the forefront of this movement, incorporating an inventive mix of Vietnamese ingredients into their brews. Some of the local flavours and ingredients used include:
Vietnamese coffee: Sourced from regions like Tai Lai and the Central Highlands
Fruits: Dragon fruit, kumquats, mangosteen, and passion fruit
Spices and herbs: Cinnamon from Saigon, vanilla from Mui Ne, and jasmine
Other ingredients: Sugarcane, beetroot, and Vietnamese single-origin Marou chocolate
PSBC prides itself on combining international craft brewing techniques with fresh, local Vietnamese ingredients to create beers with distinctive character, well-rounded flavour, and unique style. Many of their beers are used as ingredients in their food menu, creating an unmatched experience for every glass and plate.
Craft beer offers a delightful sensory experience and comprises various nutrients, including vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants like polyphenols from hops and barley.
As the Vietnamese craft beer scene continues to evolve, with brewers experimenting with local flavours and ingredients, it rivals that of cities in the U.S. and Europe.
Craft Beer Experiences Across Vietnam
Vietnam's craft beer scene offers diverse experiences for enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Craft Beer Vietnam, founded in 2017, has been instrumental in promoting the industry and supporting breweries and craft beer sellers nationwide. The organization offers services such as:
Craft beer tours
Guided beer tastings
Consulting for breweries and sellers
Craft Beer Vietnam also features partners like Saigon Craft Beer Tours, Heart of Darkness Craft Brewery, and East West Brewing Co., providing a comprehensive craft beer map of Vietnam and event updates through their Facebook Page.
For those seeking an immersive experience, The Great Beer Run – Vietnam 10-day tour from Hanoi to Saigon is a must-try. This tour explores Vietnamese beer culture, offering highlights such as:
Vietnamese Beer Immersion
Culinary Exploration
Spectacular Ha Long Bay
Scenic Train Adventure
The tour promises a wide selection of craft beers, diverse flavours, comfortable accommodations, and an inclusive adventure.
Craft beer experiences extend beyond the major cities, with Central Vietnam, including Hoi An and Danang, witnessing an emergence of a vibrant coffee culture alongside craft beer. Notable establishments include:
Imperial Craft Bia in Hue offers a variety of empty bottles for customers to peruse and four taps holding a range of additional brews
The Chàm Craft Beer and Coffee in Hue carries an upscale feel and air conditioning
In Hanoi, the beer culture is growing fast, with great craft breweries like Furbrew, Turtle Lake Brewing, and Homie Brewhouse. Nha Trang and Danang also enjoy the action, which has fantastic locations and unique beer concoctions. With the market segmented by product type, age group, distribution channel, and region, there's a craft beer experience for everyone in Vietnam.
Impact on Local Economy and Culture
The Vietnamese beer market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with revenue expected to reach US$5.5 billion in 2024. The craft beer sector, in particular, has seen a surge in popularity, with dozens of small-batch entrepreneurs entering the market.
The industry remains highly concentrated, dominated by four major brands: Sabeco, Habeco, Heineken, and Carlsberg.
The craft beer scene has significantly impacted Vietnamese culture, with the "nhau" culture evolving as young Vietnamese prefer to taste and understand their drinks rather than consume them for intoxication.
Craft beer festivals and events have become common, allowing breweries to showcase their products and for consumers to learn about and taste different beers.
The Vietnamese government has supported the craft beer industry, viewing it as promoting local products and boosting tourism.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Craft Beer in Vietnam
As the Vietnamese beer market continues to evolve, the craft beer segment is poised for significant growth in the coming years. Despite representing a small portion of the overall beer market, craft beer consumption is on the rise, driven by increasing demand for unique and flavorful options, a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly brewing practices, and a rising number of events and festivals.
With over 70 craft breweries operating in Vietnam, the craft beer scene is gaining recognition and is expected to continue thriving as consumers seek out different flavours and experiences.
Due to a lack of legacy or preconceptions, craft beer brands in Vietnam can experiment with various flavours, allowing for innovative and exciting new brews.
As the market matures, lagers are expected to make a comeback while breweries continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with local ingredients and brewing techniques.
The future of craft beer in Vietnam looks bright, with the potential to become a significant player in the global craft beer market.
Conclusion
Vietnam's craft beer revolution has taken the country by storm, captivating beer enthusiasts with its innovative flavours and unique brewing techniques. From the early days of Pasteur Street Brewing Company to the current landscape of over 300 breweries, the industry has experienced remarkable growth, driven by changing consumer preferences, geographical advantages, and international recognition.
The future of craft beer in Vietnam looks bright. As breweries continue experimenting with local ingredients and pushing the boundaries of flavour, the industry is expected to thrive, driven by increasing demand for unique and sustainable options.
With its vibrant culture, passionate brewers, and innovative spirit, Vietnam's craft beer scene is one to watch in the coming years.
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Mot. Hai. Ba . . .
Vietnam Teacher out!
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