Four Craft Beers To Enjoy With Friends

There’s nothing better than whiling away spring and summer evenings among friends. Thanks to its uniquely diverse flavors, craft beer is a perfect pairing for those occasions. But the range of options can be off-putting—there’s alcohol content, bitterness, and body to consider before making your decision.

To help alleviate your worries, we invited BeerCraft Artisan Ales—one of Vietnam’s undisputed masters of craft beer—to present four beers they think are suitable. BiaCraft is home to the largest numbers of craft beers in the city, from extremely light summer ales for novices to powerful IPAs for the more discerning craft beer drinker.

And BiaCrafts choice of four beers have a common denominator—they all measure low on bitterness (IBU) and alcohol by volume (ABV) which makes them easy drinking, and suitable for an entire evening with your besties.

Xạo Bà Cố—F*kin’ Liar Summer Ale

Naturally, it’s the name that’s the draw for first time drinkers. But don’t let that detract from the flavor of the beer BiaCraft tell us. Their Xạo Bà Cố has the refreshing tang of tropical fruits. And the craft beer foregrounds fragrance with a hint of South Asian spiciness.

At 4.2% ABV it’s undoubtedly easy-sipping, but the slightly sour notes add elements of intrigue. And, at that strength, you should be able to keep drinking—and talking—well into the evening. This, BiaCraft tell us, is a smart choice, even if it’s just the first round before going onto something more serious as the night wears on.

ABV: 4.2% | IBU: 19

Lùn Mà Láo—Short But Arrogant Blonde Ale

BiaCraft’s Lùn Mà Láo is a perfect introduction to craft beer—especially for people switching from mass market brands. That’s because this beer, at least upon the first sip, has a similar flavor. However, closer inspection reveals a much richer, more malty flavor profile, that opens into gentle spicy notes.

However, Lùn Mà Láo is still a refreshing craft beer that’s light at 5.2% ABV—although you should approach it with slightly more caution than BiaCraft’s Xạo Bà Cố.

ABV: 5.2% | IBU: 22

Cái Ngàn Vàng—Holy Grail Golden Ale

This golden ale’s incredible flavor is the Holy Grail for craft drinkers—which is how it got its name. You’ll recognize it by its distinctive orange-yellow color. But what’s helped make it a favorite among craft beer drinkers is its flavor and aroma. BiaCraft have described it as “deliciously sexy”—and they have a point.

That’s because BiaCraft’s Cái Ngàn Vàng has a distinctive malt aroma with definite floral elements. Then, the taste reveals citrus-like flavors. It’s the kind of beer you’d never tire of sipping as it’s another easy-going craft beer at 4.7% ABV and 22 IBUs.

ABV: 4.7% | IBU: 22

Cởi Đồ Ra—Let’s Get Naked Wildberry Wheat Ale

BiaCraft are quick to dispel the image given to the next beer they offer us by the name—you don’t have to get naked while imbibing this brew they tell us. In fact, with the lowest ABV of the four beers at 4%, it’s unlikely to provoke bad behavior. And so, Let’s Get Naked Wildberry Wheat Ale is the perfect light accompaniment to your evening out with old friends. The perfectly balanced flavors help too. You’ll quickly discern the taste of peach and strawberry that combine to produce its refreshingly sour taste—perfect for the Saigon heat.

Besides its low alcohol, the Let’s Get Naked Wildberry Wheat Ale scores an IBU of 16, which is another reason you’ll be happily knocking these back without feeling the effects too strongly.

ABV: 4.0% | IBU: 16

You can explore BiaCrafts range of craft beers at the following locations:
110 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
1 Lê Ngô Cát, Quận 3
90 Xuân Thuỷ, Thảo Điền, Quận 2
300 Trường Sa, Quận Phú Nhuận
26 Hoàng Việt, Quận Tân Bình

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