BREWPUB Brewerkz A Complete Review of Singapore’s Oldest Craft Brewery

1_ブリューパブ
This article can be read in about 24 minutes.
この記事を書いた人
rihobeer

I work as an IT professional, but my passion lies in the world of craft beer. I hold a Japanese Beer Judge qualification and participated as a rookie judge in the 2024 JGBA. After contributing to the beer scene in Tokyo, I relocated to Seattle, where I’ll be based until the end of 2027, immersing myself in the vibrant beer culture here.

Writing beer reviews and energizing events is my way of spreading the love for craft beer. With a mission to "make beer more accessible," I’m actively looking for opportunities to contribute to the beer industry and get involved in related projects.

While my posts are primarily in Japanese, I plan to increase content in English in the future to connect with a broader audience.

If there’s anything I can help with, please feel free to reach out! I’m open to connections via social media or email(riho.dare at gmail.com), and I look forward to collaborating with fellow beer enthusiasts around the world. Cheers!

rihobeerをフォローする

I visited Brewerkz, Singapore’s oldest brewery! Founded in 1997, this long-established craft brewery offers a wide range of beers from authentic West Coast IPAs to nitro stouts. It’s a valuable spot to experience the atmosphere of an overseas taproom and Singapore’s craft beer culture. As a writer living in America, I’ll introduce you to the unique charm that can only be experienced locally.

What You’ll Learn in This Article

  • The history and characteristics of Singapore’s oldest brewery, “Brewerkz”
  • Recommended craft beers (West Coast IPA, Nitro Stout)
  • How to access both Singapore locations (Riverside and Orchard)
  • Singapore’s craft beer scene (price range and characteristics)
  • How to enjoy overseas brewpubs

This was my first time visiting an overseas brewery, and I was super excited!

Riho’s Instagram

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Riho(@lobeerve)

What Is a Brewpub?

【Beginner’s Guide: Brewpub】
A brewpub is a facility that combines brewing equipment with a restaurant. Unlike ordinary bars or restaurants, the distinctive feature is that they serve beer they make themselves. It’s comparable to a bakery where you can eat freshly baked bread on the spot. It’s a precious place where you can enjoy fresh and unique beers directly from the maker.

A brewpub is a pub where you can enjoy house-brewed craft beer on-site. The appeal of brewpubs lies in being able to taste freshly made beer and having the brewery and pub integrated into one space. They often offer unique beers using local ingredients and seasonal limited editions, which are irresistible to beer enthusiasts. Furthermore, many brewpubs offer brewery tours, making them well worth a visit.

Please check out my other brewpub visit records as well!

1_ブリューパブ アーカイブ - りほのクラフトビールブログ - レビュー 口コミ
ブリューパブ巡りの記録です。

Brewpub Information: “Brewerkz”

About Brewerkz

Item Details
Company Brewerkz
Location 30 Merchant Road, Riverside Point, Singapore 058282
Brewery Official Website brewerkz.com
Beer Cruise No official information was found, but it is located near the river cruise stop at Riverside Point.
Brewery Official Social Media Facebook, Instagram
Established 1997
Beer Brewing Start Year 1997
Main Beer Lineup Golden Ale, India Pale Ale, Bohemian Pilsner, Oatmeal Stout, Afterburner II Pacific Pale Ale, Circuit Breaker New England IPA, 4AM Double IPA
Brewing Philosophy Brewerkz uses premium English malts and carefully selected hops to provide beers characterized by a balanced biscuit-like malt flavor and smooth bitterness. They also develop trendy styles of beer that capitalize on Singapore’s local environment.

Awards

Year Competition Award Beer Name
2019 Asia Beer Awards Silver Award Golden Ale
2019 Australian International Beer Awards Silver Medal Golden Ale

Brewerkz is Singapore’s longest-running craft brewery. It all began in 1997, with the company starting as a brewpub. After years of expansion and brand growth, Brewerkz now operates restaurants, runs a brewery, brews its own craft beers, and caters to large outdoor events.

Brewerkz is a member of the Easy and Light Group, which owns Crystal Wines, distributes Fiji Water, and operates a portfolio of Mexican and Japanese restaurants.

Source: Brewerkz Official Website

Brewerkz Opening Hours

There are multiple locations with different tap lists, so be careful. The Orchard location is close to the resort hotel area, making it convenient for tourists. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Shangri-La Hotel.

Orchard (Resort Hotel Area)

Saturday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Monday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Riverside Location

Saturday12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Monday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Brewerkz Official Website & Social Media

Brewerkz Singapore - Champion Mid-Sized Brewery of Asia, Asia Beer Championship 2022
Singapore's Longest-Running Craft Brewery Experience
Brewerkz Singapore (@brewerkzsg) • Instagram photos and videos
4,418 Followers, 67 Following, 1,407 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Brewerkz Singapore (@brewerkzsg)
Brewerkz
Brewerkz - 「いいね!」11,393件 · 15人が話題にしています · 39,423人がチェックインしました - Founded in 1997, Brewerkz is recognised as Singapore's lo...
Brewerkz - Singapore, Central Singapore - Untappd
Explore Brewerkz from Singapore, Central Singapore on Untappd. Find ratings, reviews, and where to find beers from this ...

How to Get to Brewerkz

The first location is close to the downtown area. They even had cask beer here! Unfortunately, I couldn’t try it, but I’m looking forward to it next time. There are many restaurants around, making it a lively and fun area.

【Beginner’s Guide: Cask Beer】
Cask beer is a traditional British brewing and serving method where beer naturally ferments and matures in a wooden or metal container called a “cask.” Unlike regular beer, no artificial carbonation is added, and it’s served at cellar temperature (around 12°C/54°F) as a “living” beer. It has complex aromas similar to wine and a smooth mouthfeel, offering a valuable beer style that provides the experience of authentic British pub culture.

Cask beer is traditionally brewed beer that uses natural fermentation and matures within the cask. In Japan, you can try it at Highbury in Shinjuku!

The second location is close to hotels. This area has many tourists, with hotels and bars all around. It’s a convenient location for tourists visiting Singapore. Try Singapore’s craft beer at the hotel-adjacent branch. Brewerkz locations are popular with tourists and very accessible.

Brewerkz Atmosphere

Card payments are accepted at Brewerkz. Whether cards are accepted at overseas establishments is always a concern, isn’t it? The taproom has a pub-like, bright atmosphere. It’s accessible to everyone, making it the perfect place to enjoy craft beer in Singapore. Experience delicious craft beer at Brewerkz’s taproom, where card payments are accepted.

The interior is spacious, allowing ample seating. Since I visited on a weekday, it was relatively uncrowded and comfortable. Brewerkz’s interior features modern decor with a relaxing atmosphere. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about craft beer. There are counter seats where you can watch beer being poured from the taps. The menu offers a variety of craft beers, with a lineup that both beginners and experts can enjoy. Particularly recommended are their house-made IPA and seasonal stout. If you’re enjoying craft beer in Singapore, be sure to visit Brewerkz.

Interior photo of Brewerkz - Table seating and spacious environment
A spacious interior where you can relax and enjoy your beer
Interior photo of Brewerkz - Modern interior and stylish lighting
The impressive modern interior of Brewerkz
Interior photo of Brewerkz - Multiple taps lined up at the counter

                                                                

“Brewerkz” Craft Beer

Let me introduce the craft beers I actually tried.

Craft Beer Tap List (Available Beers), Prices, Types

I had already researched on Untappd that high-ABV IPAs were popular, so I targeted those!

I had my first beer at the Riverside location and the rest at the Orchard location. I was surprised that Singapore’s craft beers were slightly more expensive than Japanese craft beers, ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 yen per glass. Alcohol is expensive in Singapore; a 350ml can of 7% chu-hai (alcoholic beverage) costs about 700 yen at 7-Eleven. This shows how Singapore’s craft beer scene differs from Japan’s.

Brewerkz beer menu - Diverse lineup of craft beers
Brewerkz’s diverse beer menu

Craft Beer Reviews

West Coast IPA (10% ABV)

West Coast IPA - Glass with amber liquid and creamy white foam
A powerful West Coast IPA with 10% ABV
Flavor ElementIntensity (1-5)Characteristics
Bitterness4/5Strong bitterness with resinous character
Sweetness3/5Malt sweetness and alcohol presence
Acidity1/5Almost undetectable
Body4/5Strong mouthfeel appropriate for the ABV
Aroma Intensity4/5Citrus and pine aromas, tea-like flavors as temperature rises

A 10% ABV WCIPA! It appeared cloudy, but as it warmed up from chill haze, it became clear. This craft beer was truly delicious. It had a somewhat Knee Deep-like resinous bitterness, and as the temperature rose, tea-like flavors intensified. The freshness of the young beer harmonized well with the alcohol, creating a very pleasant taste. It had a weight appropriate to its strength, offering a substantial drinking experience.

【Beginner’s Guide: West Coast IPA】
West Coast IPA is an IPA style that developed primarily in California, USA. Its characteristics include distinct bitterness, dry finish, and refreshing aromas of pine and citrus. Compared to typical Japanese beers, it might seem quite bitter, but the exquisite balance between that bitterness and aroma makes it popular even as an introduction to craft beer. The alcohol content is typically around 6-7%, but this Brewerkz version at 10% is particularly strong.

This was the most delicious one!

★★★★☆
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 – Exquisite balance of aroma, bitterness, and alcohol

Pale Ale

Pale Ale - Glass with golden clear liquid and white foam
A refreshing Pale Ale
Flavor ElementIntensity (1-5)Characteristics
Bitterness2/5Mild, refreshing bitterness
Sweetness2/5Slight biscuit-like sweetness
Acidity1/5Almost undetectable
Body2/5Light and easy to drink
Aroma Intensity3/5Floral and fruity aroma

The Pale Ale was also very good. It was refreshingly drinkable, with a natural beer-like flavor and carefully crafted alcohol that was irresistible. This craft beer is recommended for those looking for a delicious Pale Ale.

★★★★☆
Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 – Characterized by well-balanced drinkability

Nitro Stout

Nitro Stout - Jet black liquid with smooth creamy foam
A Nitro Stout characterized by its creamy foam
Flavor ElementIntensity (1-5)Characteristics
Bitterness3/5Coffee and chocolate-like bitterness
Sweetness3/5Caramel-like sweetness
Acidity1/5Almost undetectable
Body4/5Creamy, smooth mouthfeel
Aroma Intensity3/5Coffee and dark chocolate aroma

【Beginner’s Guide: Nitro Stout】
Nitro Stout is a stout beer that is poured using nitrogen instead of carbon dioxide. This method creates fine, creamy foam and a smooth, silky mouthfeel. Guinness is a well-known example. A visual characteristic is the “surge” phenomenon where foam cascades downward immediately after pouring. The flavor, like typical stouts, features coffee and chocolate notes from roasted malt.

I also tried the Nitro Stout! It features a sweet aroma and gentle mouthfeel. It was true to the basics and very good. This craft beer is one that allows you to fully enjoy the charm of a Nitro Stout.

★★★★☆
Overall Rating: 3.8/5.0 – Appealing smooth mouthfeel

Overall Impression of “Brewerkz”

This was my first visit to an overseas brewpub! I had a great time. When visiting Singapore, please make sure to check it out. Although the price per glass is on the higher side, you can casually experience Singapore’s craft beer. It’s a recommended spot for craft beer enthusiasts visiting from abroad. Be sure to try a Singapore brewpub!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Brewerkz in Singapore have Japanese menus?
A: At the time of my visit, I didn’t notice any Japanese menus. However, the staff’s English is easy to understand, and there are menus with pictures, so don’t worry.
Q: What is the most popular beer at Brewerkz?
A: According to Untappd ratings and local staff, the West Coast IPA and Golden Ale are popular. The West Coast IPA, in particular, is well-balanced and easy to drink despite its high alcohol content.
Q: Is the food good too?
A: Yes, they offer a rich menu centered around Western cuisine, designed to pair well with beer. Fried foods and burgers, in particular, are recommended menu items that go well with beer.
Q: How does it compare to other brewpubs in Singapore?
A: Brewerkz is Singapore’s oldest brewpub, with history and achievements. For Japanese tourists in particular, its good location and accessibility from tourist areas are major attractions. Singapore has other brewpubs like Level33 and Red Dot Brewery, but Brewerkz is especially recommended for first-timers.

🍻 American Craft Beer Exploration Journal

The author, currently living in Seattle, is publishing records of travels exploring the craft beer scenes in the United States and Canada. From popular breweries in Los Angeles to hidden gems in Portland and unique taprooms in Vancouver, we’re sharing brewery visit reports from across North America. Content that delves deep into North American beer culture, including limited beers only available locally and conversations with brewers, can be viewed from this category page.

How did you enjoy my experience with Singapore’s craft beer? If you’ve visited overseas brewpubs, please let me know about your experience in the comments!

コメント

Copied title and URL