Beer may be the libation of choice in Vietnam, but choices are limited to the cheap, and flavorless variety. While the country’s tastes have become increasingly westernized over the past few years and “beer clubs” are popping up all over Saigon, the world of IPAs, stouts and hoppy delights have yet to take off. If 2 Americans have their way, this may soon change.
Alex Violette of Boulder, Colorado’s Upslope Brewing Company is Vietnam-bound to partner with fellow American expat, John Reid, to found their own brewery in Saigon - the Pasteur Street Brewing Company, according to the Daily Camera.
"We go over there and we're not just selling our brand, we have to sell an entire style of beer," said Violette. "There will be a lot of focus on education, promoting craft beer in general, the use of higher-quality ingredients and traditional processes."
But it’s not all about changing Vietnam’s beer culture. The duo plans to use local ingredients and export their products to the U.S.
"Just using all the exotic ingredients we can find is going to be the most fun for me as a brewer," said Violette. "To use herbs and spices that you can't find in the U.S. The fruits are very impressive as well — stuff that I've never heard of."
Their plan is to spend the first few weeks on some test batches before moving into a larger brewhouse where they will begin full-scale production.
We look forward to the day that we can enjoy a beer that’s not paired with a block of ice and is proudly made in Vietnam.
