October 2019 update: We have since published our Kuala Lumpur Craft Beer City Guide. Do check it out!
Beer Asia will regularly share updates about craft beer developments in Malaysia and other countries in Southeast Asia.
This update is part of our July 2019 update, covering the challenges facing craft in the country, a new Belgian offering in the market and last but not least, Modern Madness’ unique take on local flavours in their ‘locally brewed’ beer.
The Challenges of Craft Beer In Malaysia
Malaysian craft beer local heroes Taps Beer Bar recently wrote a great article on the craft beer cause in Kuala Lumpur and beyond.
They shared that the key challenge facing craft beer lovers in Malaysia: restrictive, monopolistic brewing laws that only allow Carlsberg & Heineken to brew domestically.
However, as they note, craft beer has become increasingly accessible in Malaysia. We love Taps Beer Bars’ passion for craft beer in Kuala Lumpur and beyond.
Belgian Beer in Kuala Lumpur!
We were psyched to hear about a (relatively) new addition to Kuala Lumpur’s slowly-but-surely growing craft beer scene: Delirium Café Kuala Lumpur.
While a Belgian craft beer bar opening in many other countries around Asia isn’t big news, Malaysia is desperately starved of variety when it comes to beer: strict brewing regulations, high taxes, import laws, and many other challenges.
We hope Delirium’s twelve Belgian taps – a power-move by anyone’s reckoning – give other bars around Klang Valley the courage & confidence to start giving their customer’s better beer options.
Modern Madness: Durian & Bak Kut Teh Beers!
While brewing laws have limited the growth of good beer in Malaysia, we had the good fortune to try local hero Modern Madness‘ Session IPA & Bak Kut Teh beer (yep, it really tastes like the dish!).
We haven’t had the fortune to sample Modern Madness’ durian beer yet, so let us know in the comments if you have tried it!
While Modern Madness technically can’t brew locally due to the brewing laws we previously mentioned, we understand that they getting around this regulatory restriction by importing ‘base’ beers and then infusing their Malaysian flavours locally.
The Great Beer currently has a Modern Madness tap takeover, so get on down if you live in KL or Selangor and love craft beer. You can also read a bit more about Modern
