Whether you’re planning a casual poolside barbecue or entertaining with a blowout Oktoberfest party, having a selection of different beers to serve is always a great idea. There are loads of locally and internationally brewed ales and lagers available in Singapore to satisfy both craft beer enthusiasts and American-style lager-lovers. Here are eight beers you’ll want to fill your cooler with – plus beer cocktail and food pairing ideas!
For Pale Ale Enthusiasts
Little Creatures Pale Ale
This heavily hopped beer is beloved for its delicious-smelling fruity hop aroma and its refreshing, full-of-flavour taste – citrus hop resin, nectarine and burnt toffee all rolled into one! Its bitter finish seals the deal, making this Aussie craft favourite a hot-weather hit. This cloudy orange ale goes with everything from buffalo wings to spicy Mexican or Asian food. We’d suggest pairing it with lemongrass chilli chicken fried wings!
Up your game even more by surprising guests with a fun beer cocktail like the bul, a Cuban drink that’s perfect for a sweltering day. Pour your pale ale and some ginger beer into a pitcher. Then, add lime juice and mix before pouring into glasses of ice; garnish with lime wedges!
Or, have your guests sip on some beer sangria. A fruity pale ale is perfect for this type of drink. There are tons of ways you can do it, from different fruit choices to various alcohol options to mix in. Get creative!
Chop Shop Pale Ale
Stockade Brew Co’s Chop Shop packs a punch of tropical hop flavours right up front, with a sweet caramel malt finish. Its medium-bodied mouthfeel makes it especially great for pairing with everything from fried foods to burgers, along with your favourite hawker dish. We think this craft beer is a must for the next guy’s night get-together, or an F1 bash.
For Derby Day, serve a fresh take on the julep by adding an ale like this one to the recipe! Trust us, it’s a fun take on the classic drink.
For Lager Lovers
Brooklyn Lager
This Vienna-style lager with an American twist comes from New York-based craft brewery Brooklyn Brewery. It’s amber-gold in colour with a refreshing bitterness that hop lovers are sure to enjoy. Flavours of toffee, toast and caramel come together to create the award-winning taste, accompanied by a dry-hopped aroma full of grapefruit, flower and pine. Pair it with burgers at a barbecue, pizza at poker night or a cheese board at a sit-down soiree. It’ll work any which way, really.
Plus, if you’re planning a Sunday brunch gathering, consider mixing a lager like this one with tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice and chilli sauce for a much-needed Michelada (a beer-based version of the bloody Mary!).
Or, whip up some shandies with a light lager and citrus juice or lemonade.
Kona Longboard Island Lager
This crisp, pale-gold craft beer is brewed via a traditional lager-style in the US. Its smooth taste pairs well with lighter fare but is full-bodied enough to stand up to heartier foods, too. So, whether you pair it with a grilled chicken salad or a heftier pork dish, it’s usually a winner regardless – and deserves a coveted spot in your esky.
Hite Extra Cold Beer
This South Korean lager is super refreshing, and it’s also full of flavour. This is thanks to a special cold-processing technology that’s used throughout the entire process – from ageing to filtration. In view of its origins, it’s no surprise the beer pairs well with Korean fried chicken, but it’ll complement any party snack well.
Here’s an idea: match a lager like this one with a seafood dish like salt and pepper beer-battered squid. It’ll be an instant crowd pleaser!
James Boags Draught Beer
Full-bodied with smooth hop bitterness and a crisp, refreshing finish, this Tasmanian lager is another great party pick. With a fruity front palate and a dry finish, it pairs easily with both subtle and stronger flavoured foods. (Aussies especially like it with seafood.) So, stock some cans in your booze cooler for your next sports viewing party, parents’ back-to-school night, and any shindig where you’ll need to please a big crowd.
Corona Extra Beer
Of course, Corona’s always a good staple in any party cooler. And there’s a reason this pale lager from Mexico is among the most popular cervezas on the planet. The crisp, clean taste is refreshing and light – perfect for that poolside gathering or picnic any day of the year here in Singapore.
Take it to the next level by making your guests some Coronaritas – a classic margarita with tequila and lime, topped with a Corona. (Or, use another lager of your choice to make the much-loved beer margarita).
For Brown Ale Aficionados
Archipelago Ki Siao Brown Ale
“Ki siao” means crazy in Singlish, so the vibrant neon packaging of this brown ale lives up to its name. The locally crafted brew offers up a mix of nutty flavours including chocolate, caramel and coffee. Ideal for drinking with roasted or grilled meats, try it the next time you sit down to a steak. Or, try it with this beef stew recipe!
Entertaining bourbon lovers? Shake things up by serving a beer-bourbon cocktail using a brown ale like this one.
Where to Buy
These beers (and more!) can be purchased online or at all Cold Storage stores.
From now till 26 September, Cold Storage is hosting its inaugural Beerfest, where shoppers can find a giant, international range of beers and ciders, along with special food pairings from Cold Storage’s range of ready-to-eat foods (think barbecue sticky spare ribs, German sausages and crispy pork knuckles!).
There are samples, too! On 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 September (from 12 to 6pm), head to Cold Storage’s Causeway Point, Compass One, Jelita, Plaza Singapura and Takashimaya outlets to taste these party-perfect beer and food pairings.
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Amy Greenburg
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