Best Craft Beer in Phuket

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Phuket has a growing craft beer scene, with local breweries and bars offering a variety of unique brews that cater to different tastes. While the craft beer movement is still relatively young in Thailand, there are several places and brands that have gained recognition for their quality and creativity. Here are some of the best craft beers and places to try in Phuket:

Best Craft Beers in Phuket:

  1. Kata Craft Brewery
    Kata Craft is one of the more well-known craft breweries in Phuket. Located in the Kata Beach area, they offer a range of well-made beers, from light lagers to richer ales and IPAs. Their beers are brewed on-site, and the focus is on high-quality, local ingredients.

    Recommended Beer:

    • Kata IPA: A hop-forward IPA with citrusy and piney flavors, perfect for IPA lovers.
    • Kata Wheat: A smooth, refreshing wheat beer that's great for the tropical climate.

  2. The Phuket Beer Factory
    The Phuket Beer Factory is a local favorite, producing a variety of craft beers for both locals and tourists. They focus on delivering well-balanced brews with an emphasis on traditional brewing techniques. They also have a brewpub in Patong, where you can enjoy fresh beers paired with food.

    Recommended Beer:

    • Phuket Pale Ale: A crisp, flavorful pale ale with a perfect balance of malt and hops.
    • Phuket Porter: A rich, dark porter with chocolate and coffee notes, great for those who enjoy a heavier brew.

  3. Craft Beer House (Phuket Town)
    This place in Phuket Town offers a selection of Thai and international craft beers on tap and in bottles. They feature a rotating list of local and imported craft brews, making it an excellent spot to sample a variety of styles, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers.

    Recommended Beer:

    • Pint of Love IPA: A refreshing IPA with a tropical twist, brewed locally with a hint of passion fruit.

  4. Brewery & The Beach (Patong)
    Situated in the vibrant Patong area, Brewery & The Beach serves a great selection of craft beers brewed locally. This is a popular hangout spot for craft beer enthusiasts and those looking to escape the standard commercial beer options. They offer beers brewed on-site as well as guest taps from other local breweries.

    Recommended Beer:

    • Blonde Ale: Light and refreshing, with a touch of malt sweetness. Ideal for a hot day by the beach.

  5. Tawandang Phuket
    Tawandang is famous for its large selection of craft beers, both locally brewed and imported. This massive beer hall serves a great variety of craft beers and is also well-known for its live music and large food menu, making it a fun place to enjoy a brew and hang out with friends.

    Recommended Beer:

    • Tawandang IPA: A solid, well-balanced IPA with a mild bitterness and a punch of citrus.

Where to Buy Craft Beer in Phuket:

  • The Craft Beer Pub & Restaurant (Phuket Town): A popular hangout spot where you can sample a wide range of local and imported craft beers.
  • Craft Beer Bar (Patong): A laid-back bar with a variety of craft beers on tap, including a selection of local brews from breweries like Kata Craft.
  • Wine Connection (Phuket): While known for wine, Wine Connection also offers a selection of craft beers, including those from local breweries.

Other Notable Craft Beer Options in Phuket:

  • Siam Brewery: While not strictly a craft brewery, Siam Brewery produces some great craft-style beers under its "Siam" label, such as Siam IPA, a solid choice for craft beer fans.

  • Mikkeller: This international brewery often has its beers on tap in various places around Phuket, offering some of the finest IPAs and experimental brews.

Tips for Enjoying Craft Beer in Phuket:

  • Local Ingredients: Many local breweries in Phuket use tropical fruits and local spices, which gives their beers unique flavors. Keep an eye out for brews that incorporate elements like passion fruit, mango, and even Thai herbs.
  • Beer and Food Pairing: Thai food, with its complex balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors, pairs wonderfully with craft beer. Look for brews that can complement dishes like spicy curries, grilled seafood, and Thai salads.

While the craft beer scene in Phuket is still expanding, these local spots and breweries are a great starting point for discovering some of the best craft beers on the island. Cheers!