What’s Up in Beer: New Brews at GLB, Jing-A, and Slow Boat, Party at Arrow Factory

As the American country singer Kinky Friedman once said, “beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.” Such a sentiment is doubly true when the sky is blue, the AQI is low, and Beijing presents a short moment to have a drink in the breeze. Without further ado, let's see what's happening with everything beer related this weekend.

If you missed the release of Honey Ma Saison and the accompanying history lesson last Sunday at GLB #6, no worries, the brew is now on tap at all three locations (minus the history, unfortunately). Great Leap also releases another two seasonal beers this Friday (Feb 24): their Bearded General Red IPA (6.3 percent ABV), a double dry-hopped IPA with Amarillo hops, a medium body, and grapefruit and apricots notes; and the Savior in Vienna Lager which features a more session-worthy ABV (4.9 percent), a crisp finish, and a subtle biscuit aroma thanks to the Grungeist hops used to brew it.

Jing-A also releases their Galactic Haze IPA on tap this Friday, joining their other cloudy IPA in the series (New England-style IPA), the Juicy Dongbei IPA. This new IPA has 7.2 percent ABV, and is full of peach and citrus aromas, as well as a distinct and conspicuous bitterness. If you're curious about these new bitter brews, join Jing-A's tasting session with co-owner Alex Acker this Saturday (3pm) for RMB 120 (includes snacks) as well as four beers (the aforementioned bitter IPAs, plus two more). The event is limited to 30 people. WeChat: BJbrew to book a seat from BHS.

If you are passionate enough about their beers, you may also want to apply to be their full time marketing coordinator or graphic designer. Just a suggestion.

As we mentioned last week, Slow Boat has released new batches of Sea Anchor Imperial Vanilla Stout and Dragon Bay Agave Wheat. This week, their Peanut Butter Destroyer Pale Ale also goes on tap. Their Sanlitun pub has also revamped their menu with several new dishes, including healthy buffalo cauliflower (RMB 45) and the Pengyou Platter (RMB 128), and a not so healthy white chocolate crème brulee (RMB 35), and deep-fried chicken skin Crack-Lings (RMB 25). Check out our full review here.

If you are a member of Arrowhead at Arrow Factory, you'll want to visit their Liangma River location on Saturday (Feb 25) where they'll be hosting a big party especially for the members. Every Arrowhead will receive a free pint of their newly brewed batch of Liangma IPA. Also, if you are a fan of sour beer, you can now find Raspberry Beijingerweisse at their Wudaoying taproom, and Kiwi Sour Wheat (4.2 percent ABV) at the Liangma brewpub, both brewed by Nbeer.

Rugby fans will be happy to hear that the Six Nations will be on at Arrow Factory's Liangma location at 10.25pm on Saturday and 10.15pm on Sunday. There will be a two-for-one deal on selected beers during Saturday's match.

Also, if you still haven't found a chance to try the Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA (15-20 percent ABV) there's still some of it left at El Nido (RMB 150 for 220ml). If you are afraid of burning a massive hole of your wallet, there are also other decent choices from Founders and De Molen. You may also want to make use of El Nido's happy deal of buy-any-two-beers-get-one-free (except the 120 Minute) on weekends, 2-8pm. That should help reduce the sting.

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
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Photos courtesy of the venues