Hong Kong Craft Beer You Need To Try On Holiday

• Moonzen Brewery
• Young Master Ales
• Hong Kong Beer Co
• Black Kite Brewery
• Mak's Brewery
• Yardley Brothers
• Carbon Brews
• Gweilo Beer
• Hong Kong Craft Beer Festivals

Meet the brewers putting Hong Kong craft beer on the map ...

Husband-and-wife team Laszlo and Michele Raphael head up Moonzen from their small ‘nanobrewery' in Kowloon. The duo are passionate about purity in their brews and their dedication to their craft beer has seen them brew a slew of award winning beers.

Moonzen craft beers are 100 per cent natural, unpasteurised and living, meaning each bottle contains live yeast for a slow ferment in the bottle. As for the name, Moonzen stands for ‘door gods' in Chinese. The name was chosen because the Raphaels are inspired by Chinese folklore.

The brewery's year-round menu features five beers, consisting of ale, India pale ale, honey porter and a chocolate stout. Moonzen also does a specialty range of beers for select Hong Kong establishments, including stylish Wan Chai restaurant Sophia Loren House.

Brewed out of the industrial heart of Wong Chuk Hang, the masterminds behind the brand feel the brewery in this setting helps to evoke memories of Hong Kong's industrial past. These guys are passionate about providing Hong Kong craft beer lovers with the freshest beer possible.

Fresh = local. Using the highest-quality ingredients, Young Master Ales' brewers constantly push the envelope, coming up with unique brews that encourage people to change their perception of beer.

Try their range of ever-evolving ale projects, including the Captain's Bar Beer – an exclusive collaboration between Young Master and The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, this craft beer brewed with German malt and European style hops is available exclusively at its iconic namesake bar.

If you're after something strong with citrus notes, enjoy their 8% Imperial IPA that combines grapefruit and tropical fruit with a nostalgic bitterness, that'll serve you a timely reminder of the sophistication and complexity of Hong Kong beer brewing.

Dubbed the ‘Asian microbrewery pioneer', Hong Kong Beer Co started in 1995 and has gone through several iterations. Today, the company has an international team based in Hong Kong with a combined experience in the craft beer scene of more than 100 years.

These guys were the original players in the Hong Kong brewed beer scene, and while their machines might be bigger, the heart of the craft beer operation is still there. Their year-round beer catalogue has expanded over the years with brewed favourites including: Happy Valley, a golden ale; Hong Kong Beer, an amber lager; Dragon's Black, a pale ale; Big Wave Bay, an IPA; and Sevens, a hearty stout.

For these and other beers, Hong Kong Beer Co can be found in several establishments around the city. We recommend checking them out at The Globe in Central and The Madhouse Taproom in Mong Kok. Check Hong Kong Beer Co's Facebook page for a steady stream of New Beer Alerts like their Lantau Trail double IPA.

For a taste of authentic Hong Kong craft beer, Black Kite Brewery's core range is a thing of beauty.

From their zesty, bright Easy Glider Golden Ale to their signature Taxi Driver range of pale ale, a crisp, hoppy number that’s a perfect introduction to a craft brewing road less travelled. The brand's focus on quality is clear in every sip. Think vanilla-like aromas and well-balanced flavour that’s never too bitter. While they don't have a dedicated taproom, you'll find their beers feature on tap in some of the city's trendiest pubs and bars like Tipsy Tap in Tsim Sha Tsui, where you can grab a pint and pair it with chicken wings and other dishes.

Their commitment to a refreshing, drinkable beer has given them a growing following, proving that Hong Kong beer can go tap-for-tap with the world's best.

Tucked away in the urban jungle of Tsuen Wan, Mak's Brewery is a testament to the passionate, no-nonsense spirit of the Hong Kong craft beer movement.

Mak's has a bit of a cult following, and for good reason, their brews are known for a clean, consistent taste. Their core range is a treat, but the real fun starts with their seasonal creations. Look out for their take on a classic Pale Ale, which often features a delightful, low bitterness and pleasing notes of citrus.

They have an impressive catalogue of other beers, from classic lagers to punchy IPAs, so there's always something new to try. While they don't have a taproom, you can find their brews flowing at a host of bars and tap venues across Mong Kok and Sheung Wan.

It’s a great way to taste the passion and skill that goes into every keg. A true hero of the Hong Kong beer scene.

These guys are the mad scientists of the Hong Kong craft beer world, brewing beer with a wild streak from their home base in Kwai Chung.

Founded by two brothers from the UK, Yardley Brothers have built a reputation for pushing the envelope with their experimental and often unconventional brews. Their beers range from the pleasantly hazy "Hong Kong" IPA to sours infused with unique local flavours.

Their taproom is a truly excellent place to hang out, offering a massive range of their ales and other beers. You can grab a pint, a bowl of snacks, and settle in for a long afternoon. Their Machine Men American Pale Ale, brewed with Cascade hops, is a perfect showcase of their craft, delivering a crisp, hoppy punch that’s both refreshing and complex.

If you're looking for something that tastes unlike anything else in Hong Kong, Yardley Brothers is your venue.

When it comes to the Hong Kong craft beer scene, Carbon Brews is a brand that knows how to make a statement. Out of their impressive facility in Fo Tan, they are constantly brewing beer that is as innovative as it is delicious.

The company is built on a simple philosophy: using the best ingredients to create an exceptional product. You can find their fantastic range of ales, IPAs, and sours at their flagship venue in Central, which is known for its extensive tap list.

We recommend trying their classic Crazy Rick Lupulins Hazy Pale Ale, which has a tropical mango aroma and a juicy, refreshing taste without a hint of bitterness. They’re a prime example of the modern craft brewing business in Hong Kong, bringing a fresh, exciting energy to the world of beer.

Their beers are a sweet-smooth sip every time, proving they're a force to be reckoned with.

Gweilo Beer has become an international success story, but its heart remains firmly in Hong Kong. Founded by three expats, the brand started as a passion project and has grown into a major player in the global craft beer market.

Their core range is a solid foundation, with their Pale Ale being a must-try. It's a beautifully balanced beer that's not too hoppy, not too bitter, just a pleasant aroma and a smooth taste that’s perfect for a humid Hong Kong day.

You can find their beers in a wide variety of bars and venues all over the city, from Tai Kok Tsui to Causeway Bay. They also have an impressive taproom in the Kwai Chung area.

Gweilo has even expanded their business to the UK, but their focus on brewing beer with a local spirit has never wavered. They are a brand that truly represents the best of Hong Kong craft beer.

If you think the best things in life are a little hoppy, a little hazy, and always served fresh then Hong Kong’s craft beer festival scene is your kind of party.

This city plays host to a lineup of amazing beer festivals that are a frothy-headed celebration of all things brewed. These events are where many of the city’s top local breweries mentioned above roll out their finest products, from punchy IPAs to rich, velvety stouts. It's an ideal way to sample everything in one place, chat with the brewers themselves, and get a true taste of Hong Kong's innovative brewing scene.

Think live music, incredible street food, and—of course—a staggering selection of beers. Whether you’re a seasoned beer geek or just curious about what’s beyond the usual lager, these festivals are a high-octane education in ale. They're not just about drinking. They're about the culture, the creativity, and the community that makes Hong Kong's craft beer scene so vibrant. Grab a tasting glass and prepare for a very good time!