What’s Up in Beer: International Women’s Day Deals and New Brews on Tap

Hello beer lovers! No matter which side you sit or which half of the sky you're holding up, you all deserve a drink. Saying that, the women of Beijing have the most to benefit from today if you do decide to go for a pint.

In order to celebrate International Women’s Day, Arrow Factory are offering a massive 50 percent off all of their beer as well as buy-one-get-one-free on Zeffer red apple cider throughout Mar 8 and at all Arrow Factory locations (Liangma River, Hutong Taproom, and Stuff’d).

And why stop there? You can also drop by Slow Boat to take advantage of their RMB 25 for any beer deal by following their WeChat (ID: SlowBoatBrewery) and downloading the voucher in their last post. Flash it during a visit Slow Boat today for your one-time discount.

READ: Introducing "Queen's Day," Where Female Empowerment Means Pampering "Goddesses"

If you're looking for other food, drink, and cultural experiences to take part in this Women's Day, check our full round-up here.

Over at Great Leap Brewing, they'll bring back three of their seasonal beers on tap this Friday, including their Negrito Generalissimo India Black Ale (7.6 percent ABV, RMB 45), a solid India Black Ale dry-hopped with Styrian General hops with notes of mint and strawberry, and a roasted coffee and chocolate flavor; Adulating Buddha Wheat (5.8 percent ABV, RMB 40), the first beer from their homegrown series, dry-hopped with American Centennial hops to give it a fresh floral aroma, and balanced with wheat malt; and Honey Ma IPA (6.8 percent ABV, RMB 45), which first hit the taps last summer and has strong and citrusy aroma and subtle spicy and tingly finish courtesy of a dash of Sichuan peppercorns. The three brews will alsl be available on Mar 9 at all three locations.

Jing-A is collaborating with NBeer Pub to brew a Chun Pear Saison, the first beer in their two-part “Chun Qiu” (literally spring-autumn) series. The second brew will, you guessed it, be released in autumn (inside scoop: it’ll be a dark ale). The Chun Pear Saison (5.5 percent ABV) is brewed using fresh Xinjiang pear juice and cardamom, making for a floral, fruity, and crisp sipper. This limited edition beer will be on tap at all Jing-A and NBeer locations as of Mar 9.

If you head over to try their Brewer’s Brunch (11am-2.30pm) at Xingfucun Brewpub this weekend, you'll also be treated to a free drink of your choice (among Tuhao Gold Pils, Worker’s Pale Ale, Mandarin Wheat, Beer Bellini, brunch-sized Beergarita, or coffee/tea). Call 6416 5195 to book a table.

Finally, don’t forget that Jing-A is heading to the slopes for their annual Ski Break on Mar 10. They're taking final registrations here.

Over in CBD, Beersmith will launch a Kiwi Lager on Mar 9. This time, as the name may suggest (it is after all named after the national bird of New Zealand), brewmaster Tom Ashton draws heavily from his Kiwi roots. This take on a lager is slightly hoppier courtesy of Nelson-grown Riwaka hops and Canterbury malt. It has notes of grapefruit, passion fruit, and citrus, and measures in at 5.5 percent ABV and RMB 48 a pint.

Saving sad news to the last (again), High Town, the spacious brewpub on the second floor of Nali Patio which opened during the “beer boom” of 2016, recently announced their closure. We're especially sad to say goodbye to their osmanthus ale and comforting homestyle food, highlights of which included their delicious Cuban sandwich, quesadillas, and lava cake. RIP.

Cheers and happy Women's Day, all you ladies!

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
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Images courtesy of the organizers