Spring, a pleasant season associated universally with rebirth and growth, is regrettably all too short in Shanghai.  Like is said of summer in Britain: if you blink you’ll miss it. Not so much “spring” in the pastoral sense of birds chirping and flowers blooming, spring in Shanghai is...

Shanghai offers an impressive selection of secluded hideaways, architectural wonders and people-friendly parks. While spring is still in the air, consider exploring a few of Shanghai’s historical locations which affords you the opportunity to drink in the comfort of Shanghai’s great...

Do you ever wish you could keep track of all the beer you’ve had? Or share insights of a specific stout with a friend overseas? Or simply find something other than your standard favorite staples at the pub? Well, as is the maxim of the 21century, there’s an app for...

What:  Hops Beer Tasting Featuring Chimay Where:  De Refter (181 Jinxian Lu) When: April 25th, 7-8pm How much: 150 includes beer tastings/one pint/Belgian food/in-depth presentation and Chimay...

The bartender looked at me quizzically. “Can I have an Orion?” I asked, interested in the local common beer. Still, a soft confusion on his face, then a moment’s pause, then realization. “Oh,” he said, “you mean Oh-ree-on. Sure,” and he turned around...

The sleepy nation of Laos is Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country and is often overlooked on the well-trodden backpacker trail. People are beginning to take notice however, as with few unexplored places left to discover, Laos’ offer of ‘real Southeast Asia’ is appealing to more and...

When one imagines the plethora of historical, cultural and natural pleasures that the Middle East offers, quality beer is not usually in the mix.  Always redefining rules and sticking to their own doctrine, Turkey rejects this notion and has made sure that their national beer, Efes, is...

What is a craft beer revolution? Why does it happen? What sets the stage?  What fuels it and what limits its potential?   A craft beer revolution is a dramatic change in a country’s beer culture, and is typically marked by change from mass consumption light, fizzy industrial lagers...

The bitter damp of Shanghai winter is easing up and that is all the allowance we need to start the warm season off right with the year’s first Craft Brew Festival in Shanghai, hosted by Boxing Cat Brewery at their Sinan Mansions location.  The event will be held on May 25th and 26th,...

Homebrew Recipe No. 1- Caramel Amber Ale   One living in Shanghai might not expect there to be a well-stalked and expertly maintained homebrew shop in the residential mazes of Pudong, however China is full of surprises.  Wanting to tap into this impressive Mecca for all homebrewers in...