What makes taste of Beerlao famous around the world?

You may not have been to Laos, but you may have heard of and drunk the famous beer brand Beerlao. This beer is not only available in Laos but also on tables in Asian, American, and European countries. This beer brings a harmonious, rich but still easy-to-drink flavor, representing the quintessence of the Lao beer industry with a sophisticated combination of high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing secrets.

Beerlao (Cre: Square44)

As an indispensable part of Lao culinary culture, most visitors know or have ever enjoyed this beer. With the meaning associated with joy, connection and hospitality, it often appears on important occasions, from family gatherings to traditional festivals. Let's explore the unique flavor of this iconic beer and enjoy the vibrant spirit of Laos through each cool sip! 

Reputation and quality

Beerlao has been famous all over the world. It has won many international awards and is exported to more than 20 countries, including major markets such as Japan and the US. It has also been highly appreciated by industry experts for its unique flavor that is not cross-bred with other beers.

The drink has been awarded the Gold Quality Award twice (2006 and 2010) and the Silver Quality Award once (2003), by Monde Selection, the first international quality institute established in Belgium. 

It has also been recognised in international beer competitions, demonstrating the highly regarded craftsmanship and brewing techniques of Laos. The combination of high-quality ingredients, careful brewing methods and a commitment to tradition ensures that every bottle or can of Beerlao is of the highest standard.

Beerlao has been famous all over the world (Cre: Passions and Palaces)

Unique beer symbol of Southeast Asia

Beerlao is not just a regular beer but a symbol of the culture and spirit of the Land of a Million Elephants. It has a distinctive taste, superior quality and international recognition. If you are looking for a unique beer experience, you can try it. 

It is not only a way to explore Lao cuisine but also an opportunity to feel a part of the quintessence of Asia. For tourists, drinking this beer is a way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Whether you drink a beer in a bustling night market, by a peaceful riverside or in a restaurant, it is a wonderful experience.

Unique beer symbol of Southeast Asia (Cre: Experience Travel Group)

Read more: Authentic Lao Cuisine: Cooking Classes for Tourists

Ingredients of Beerlao

Beerlao is made from Jasmine rice from Laos - a type of rice that brings a light, smooth sweetness and helps balance the flavor of the beer. Jasmine rice is very fragrant. Therefore, when brewing beer with this type of rice, the beer flavor will be very rich and linger for a long time.

It is also made from hops imported from Germany and Belgium and pure water from the mountains of Laos, bringing a natural freshness to Beerlao. Water plays a very important role in the brewing process. It is very difficult to choose high quality distilled water without affecting the taste of the beer. Yet the drink has done it. Therefore, the taste of the beverage  is both high quality and makes a good impression on tourists. 

Beerlao is made from Jasmine rice from Laos (Cre: VietKings)

Flavor of Beerlao

Beerlao is a combination of light sweetness and bitterness mixed with a smooth aftertaste. The traditional taste makes people love it from the first try. The beer tastes refreshing, the aroma always lingers in the throat. 

Each type of beer will have a different taste. However, the general taste of the beer will be sweet when drinking and bitter when swallowing. When drinking cold, the spicy taste of the beer will linger on the tip of the tongue. This contrast of taste makes the drinker very refreshed, removing all worries.

When drinking cold, the beer vapor seems to fill the whole body. The refreshing taste with sweet and bitter sips of beer will linger on the tip of the tongue. That is why Beerlao is loved worldwide. The reputation of this beer has contributed to making Southeast Asia more widely known.

Beerlao is a combination of light sweetness and bitterness mixed with a smooth aftertaste (Cre: Regina G Beach)

Beerlao alcohol concentration and classification

Beerlao has an alcohol content of around 5%. In 2005, the company used to produce Beerlao Light at around 2.9% and Beerlao Dark at 6.5% but Beerlao Light has been discontinued. The Dark is a richer, stronger beer with a deep malt flavor for those who prefer a more robust taste.

In addition to the two beers mentioned above, there are also some other beers below, with the same concentration of 5%:

• Beerlao Gold - A premium version with a more refined taste. It is very popular with locals as well as foreigners due to its aroma and non-sticky texture.
• Beerlao Green - A more environmentally friendly option with a slightly different flavor because it is made from malt. The light aroma of malt is combined with a bit of fragrant hops, creating a unique highlight for this beer.
• Beerlao IPA - A hop-forward beer for those who love a bitter, citrusy taste. This IPA-style beer perfectly balances a pronounced bitterness with underlying citrus and tropical notes for a refreshing and long finish. Hops provide a big, bold and bitter taste with complex aromas of grapefruit, fresh pine and a burst of tropical fruit. It is marked by a hoppy bouquet with notes of elderflower. The malty flavor is balanced with a pleasant bitterness on the finish.
• Beerlao White Lager - A lighter, wheat-based version with a refreshing finish. It is well-balanced, uniquely bold and refreshing with hints of citrus and notes of banana and exotic fruits, delivering a perfectly smooth lager.

They are usually sold in 330 ml cans or 640 ml glass bottles. A carton will contain 24 bottles or cans. Depending on the store, you may or may not be allowed to buy them individually. Some sidewalk beer stalls in Laos sell beer by the glass, which means you get the beer directly from the tap. The locals love to drink this type of beer. 

Beerlao has an alcohol content of around 5% (Cre: Laotian Times)

Price

Beerlao's price ranges from USD 25 to USD 330 per case of 24 cans/bottles. Despite being cheap, its quality is better than expected, which is why this drink is popular all over the world. You can buy it at any street shop in Laos. Its widespread availability and reasonable price contribute to its status as the country's favorite beer.

Ways to enjoy Beerlao

The beer is best served chilled at 4 - 6 degrees Celsius. Beerlao is extremely suitable to drink with Laotian rustic dishes with grilled dishes, spicy dishes or traditional Lao dishes such as lap, or Tam Mak Hung with the combination of sour, spicy, salty, sweet or simply, a plate of peanuts and some snacks can keep you and your friends chatting for hours to make it more delicious, many people also mix it with seafood. 

It is well suited to the hot and humid weather of Southeast Asia. It will be a wonderful combination. If you like a light, easy-to-drink taste, Beerlao Lager is the perfect choice. For those who love a stronger, richer taste, try Beerlao Dark or Beerlao Gold.

Ways to enjoy Beerlao (Cre: X)

Conclusion 

Beerlao is not just a drink but also a symbol of Laos, representing the country's rich brewing traditions, high-quality ingredients and warm hospitality. The refreshing taste of the beer has made it a favorite drink of tourists when coming to Laos. If you want to experience the drink, you can book a tour to Laos through Asia King Travel, we will help you experience everything you want.

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