The Beer Thread 2

[Pagey]

Is it actually open yet? Or is this just pre-opening spiel? Last time I looked in Bluport, it didn't even look like any work had been done.

I've not been but according to FB there is a live band playing tonight, 8.30 -10.30 so must be open now.

[caller]

Is it actually open yet? Or is this just pre-opening spiel? Last time I looked in Bluport, it didn't even look like any work had been done.

I've not been but according to FB there is a live band playing tonight, 8.30 -10.30 so must be open now.

I should have come back to answer my own question. Yes, it's open. Still a soft opening so 15% discount. Decent selection of beers, if not perhaps as widespread as it could have been and a small to medium menu. Looks okay, for example, 4 Fullers beers, all 500m bottles for 300 baht. Considering they are about 250 to buy in a supermarket, isn't bad. I have been past a few times and there's always been customers, extends to sitting outside the Mall as well. Curious how the opening hours will work, as that late finish is beyond the Malls normal opening hours.

[Big Boy]

No different to cinema or gym opening hours. Security will mooch around in a similar way I'd imagine.

[caller]

No different to cinema or gym opening hours. Security will mooch around in a similar way I'd imagine.

Okay, I just wondered if the fact they have their own entrance might have made a difference. Loos are just by the shop as well.

[Ratsima]

When visiting the local CJ Mart here in Korat was surprised to see all the Carabao/Tawandaeng beers (known locally as เบียร์เปา - Beer Bao) are heavily discounted at less than 50 baht for the large (490ml?) cans. The IPA is 49 baht while the lovely lager is 44 baht. I hope this doesn't spell the demise of the only innovative large batch commercial brewery in Thailand. I had been thinking that we'd finally get some real choice in reasonably priced beer.

For example, the Heart of Darkness brewery in Saigon has released well over 500 beers. (Not that all of them are simultaneously available.) How much choice do we have with the Thai monopolies?

(Not that I'd ever encourage anyone to consume alcoholic beverages. We're talking economics here.)

[buksida]

Carabao owns CJ, and they're in direct competition with CP/Chang/Singh, which is a good thing. I was told that they're running a promo on their beers for Songkran. Still a shame that the small breweries have to charge so much for their products and availability is limited due to the monopolies' control. The opposition party are trying to make things better but the military and oligarchs that run the place have the final say.

[Ratsima]

Carabao owns CJ, and they're in direct competition with CP/Chang/Singh, which is a good thing. I was told that they're running a promo on their beers for Songkran. Still a shame that the small breweries have to charge so much for their products and availability is limited due to the monopolies' control. The opposition party are trying to make things better but the military and oligarchs that run the place have the final say.

[berlinmichael]

I'm a particular fan of German beer especially out of Bavaria. My favourite is probably HB Original (Hof Brau) out of Munich which I enjoy at Juergen's Cafe and Khao Tao Beach Lodge. Does anyone know where I might be able to buy this wholesale in Hua Hin? TIA

[hhinner]

The Beer Lao IPA is much better IMO ... but double the price.

Thanks. I'll try the carabao if I see it, but won't go out of my way. 60ish baht for 330ml beer lao isn't too bad.

I just tried the Tawandaeng (TD) IPA side by side with the Lao IPA.

The Lao is 5% and the TD is 5.5%

I prefer the flavour of the Lao but the TD isn't bad.

But, the TD seems to have an after taste that I found unpleasant. A bit 'tinny'.

Wouldn't say no to a TD, but would rather have the Lao.

[Ratsima]

I also enjoy the beer Lao IPA. I've always assumed that it is actually a hoppy lager rather than a true ale. On the other hand, Tawandang seems to claim (looking at the can) that their IPA is a true ale. That doesn't really matter, though, as long as you find one you like at a reasonable price. My current preference in local IPAs is the M32 IPA by Mardi Craft. But, it is around twice as much as the Tawandang IPA.