Craftier Than Before: An Inside Look Into Bangkok’s Exploding Craft Beer Scene

Dawn of a New Trend

Brewer stalls ran along the perimeter of the circular rooftop and live music echoed from the roof out into the city skyline. Eventually my friends arrived at a more leisurely, reasonable hour. Free beers were still in adequate supply and very few taps had run dry. Most people drank late into the night, appreciating flavors old and new, all without a stumbling drunk in sight—craft beer had successfully landed in Bangkok.

Other than being a bit pricey (even for the region’s high-demand, low-supply market), this event was the closest I’ve come to nirvana since living in the very place where the concept was invented. I must admit I’m a bit biased. Being born and raised in the brewery mecca of Portland, Oregon (yes, Portlandia is an accurate portrayal of my birthplace) automatically makes me a bit of a beer snob. But, any way you slice it, there’s a beer for everyone, and you don’t need to be a connoisseur to enjoy a cold brew in a beautiful country.

As someone who watched the industry/hobby/movement explode in my hometown, I can safely say the same is happening here in Bangkok. Just like the cups currently littering the ground outside this café window, craft beer is here to stay in Bangkok.

Ippei Suzuki