Rock-Hard Buns: Diving into Brewonly's Irresistible and Affordable German Suds

In the wake of our 2018 Beijing Burger Festival and the ongoing Burger Cup, our Rock-Hard Buns series will whet your appetite by taking a look at those vendors who slung their wares at the veritable meat fest that just past. Remember to vote for your favorite here!

Long lines spilled out from Brewonly's tent at last month's Burger Festival, and there's little wonder why. Located in Yingshang, Anhui province, Brewonly has produced 700,000 tons of irresistibly authentic German-style beer, thanks in no small part to their hefty investment of RMB 1.6 million to tap into the infinite golden resource. Staying true to their German muses, Brewonly’s brewing philosophy is to use 100 percent imported malts, along with a strict following of the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law which was established in 1516), along with a 28-day fermentation process.

The Brewonly team says they have worked hard to brew pints that are lighter – and healthier – than your run-of-the-mill bar, cutting down on achy mornings that many a beer lover often contends with. The team chalks that up to using higher quality ingredients including enzyme-rich yeast, vitamin B, and minerals. All that, along with their German-style brewery, Reinheitsgebot-adhering beers, and positively affordable prices should help Brewonly build their reputation as they become more prominent in the Beijing beer scene.

So far, Brewonly’s portfolio consists of five beers:

• Wheat beer (3.7 percent ABV): A refreshing brew that uses a light-flavored yeast, providing the beer with an even lighter golden color and a hazy body.
• IPA (5.9 percent ABV): Brewonly's amber-colored IPA is aromatic and fruity with a refreshingly bitter finish. The trick is striking a balance between the hops and malts.
• Peppercorn Ale (5.3 percent ABV): This beer is uniquely Chinese thanks to a helping of Sichuan peppercorns, and is sure to satisfy hot pot lovers.
• German-style stout (4.2 percent ABV): Brewed with roasted malts and an extra helping of hops, this beer has a complex aroma and features deep notes of caramel, chocolate, and coffee.  
• German-style pilsner (3.2 percent ABV): Hop and yeast aromas abound in this lighter brew, adding up to a lower alcohol content and a very easy drinker.

If you're unable to venture all the way to Anhui, you can find Brewonly at Dongzhimen's Dongshi’er family style restaurant as well as various other venues around town.

Only your vote can help push your favorite burger through to be crowned Beijing's Best Burger. Read up on Slow Boat and Great Leap, this year's two finalists, and then scan the QR code above to have your say!

Images courtesy of Brewonly