Step foot into a bar, beach club, or convenience store and you’ll spot some Indonesian beers waiting for your tastebuds to submerge in. The diverse array of delectable beverages is thanks to the country’s rich brewing heritage that offers a unique and refreshing experience worth exploring.
Indonesian beers all have a refreshing experience for its indulgers to grasp whilst out by the beach in Bali, inside a bar in Jakarta, or simply at home with friends. Let’s explore the country’s liquid landscape with our list of Indonesian beers to try.
Indonesian Beers to Try
Bintang
Back in the day, when the Dutch still ruled Indonesia, a pilsner-style beer with a golden hue and a slightly bitter taste was instigated by the Dutch brewery, Heineken, in 1929. Since then, Bintang has been a go-to beer for locals and foreigners alike. Bintang is sourced from malted barley, hops, and water - much similar to its original recipe - weighing 4.7 percent of alcohol. Variations include Bintang, Bintang Crystal, and Bintang Pilsner.
Instagram: @birbintangindonesia
Bali Hai
Bali’s tropical essence is sumptuously incorporated into Bali Hai beer’s lightness and citrusy notes. The beer contains 5 percent alcohol concocted by European malt and a dash of several aromatics. The beer’s Munich lager is refreshing, making it pair with the island’s vivacious yet laid-back atmosphere, either by the beach or the uphill areas.
Instagram: @balihaibeerid
Singaraja
Still originating from Bali is Singaraja beer. Named after the island’s northern part of Singaraja in Buleleng Regency and established in 1975, this beer’s brewery method follows traditional methods and uses natural ingredients that give off a light and refreshing feel with a slightly bitter taste with hints of floral, spicy, fruity, and pine. The Munich Malt and Double Hops used therefore respectively provide a unique and balanced taste to this low-carb beer of 4.8 percent alcohol. The Balinese adore the clear liquid with a golden colour hue beer - so do the tourists, especially on a hot day.
Instagram: @birsingaraja_official
Anker
Another true testament to Indonesia’s brewing heritage is Anker. Since 1942, this rich and flavorful lager boasts a deep amber colour, a malty aroma, and a slightly bitter finish. Indulging Anker beer awakens nostalgia and authenticity in its drinkers. Beer enthusiasts worldwide can get a taste of Indonesia’s brewing traditions with this gem.
Instagram: @ankerbir.id
Kura Kura
The latest addition to Bali’s beer scene is the introduction of locally-made craft beers. Kura Kura is one of the pioneers of this phenomenon with its distinguished method of using any preservatives or additives. Kura Kura has a low ABV despite using natural products such as malt, hops, yeast, and water as the raw materials.
Instagram: @kurakurabeer
Prost
Prost beer came into the Indonesian brewery scene relatively later than the others. Its brewery involves raw materials, adhering to traditional German methods to concoct a distinctive hoppy aroma. Strong and refreshing, Prost beer quickly gained popularity in Indonesia for its high-quality, affordable beverage. Prost Beer also produces a variety of other beers, such as Prost Lager, Prost Pilsener, Prost Alster, Prost Spezi, and Prost Dark.
Instagram: @prostbeer