Around the world in 80 (or so) beers

Tiger, Corona, Heineken, Beck's; these are decent lagers for an after-work refresher. But what happens when you're dying for a pint of the Irish nectar? Or a jug of German craftsmanship? As journalists we feel like we're not doing our profession justice unless we make every effort, strain every muscle, to treat our taste buds to as wide a variety of suds as we can. Sometimes, we even remember to write about them.

Here's a quick guide for beer lovers in Singapore eager to sample beers from around the world. 

Durty Nelly’s.

Ireland 

As in most places in the world, there are quite a few Irish pubs in Singapore, so getting your pint of Guinness straight from the tap isn’t a problem. Check out the Irish pubs owned by Gaelic Inns -- Muddy Murphy’s (442 Orchard Road, #B1-01, Orchard Hotel Shopping Centre), Durty Nelly’s (6 Raffles Boulevard, #01-01/02/03, Marina Square), Scruffy Murphy’s (1000 East Coast Parkway, B7 Marina Cove) and The Penny Black (26/27 Boat Quay), which is actually an English pub but it serves the same brews. Try also Mulligan's, with an outlet each at Clarke Quay and Resorts World Sentosa, Dubliner (165 Penang Road, #01-00 Winsland House II), Molly Malone’s Irish Pub (56 Circular Road) and Obama’s Irish Pub (54 Tras Street). (No, we’re not making that up.) These public houses also serve the smooth Irish ale, Kilkenny.

Scruffy Murphy's.

England

Muddy Murphy’s, The Penny Black and Durty Nelly’s serve the English beer Old Speckled Hen on tap and it’s proven to be a hit among punters. These bars, plus Scruffy Murphy’s, also serve Strongbow cider, which goes down particularly well on a hot and humid day. Ice Cold Beer (9 Emerald Hill Road) serves London Pride on tap and Boddingtons in bottle form. Also, Bedrock Bar & Grill (96 Somerset Road, #01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites) has just started selling Hobgoblin. 

Bedrock Bar & Grill.

Australia

If you want the complete Aussie experience, look no further than Prince of Wales (101 Dunlop Street). There’s Australian draught beer from the Grand Ridge Brewery, Gippsland Gold Pale Ale and Brewer’s Pilsner. There are several other Aussie beers available by the bottle, such as XXXX Lager and VB. If you’re looking for some James Boag, Bedrock Bar & Grill serves it. Acid Bar at Peranakan Place serves Pure Blonde bottled beer too. And, if you fancy a more suburban experience, pop into Hanamco (Blk 5, Changi Village Road, #01-2045), which serves VB on tap.

Paulaner Brauhaus.

Germany

You don’t need to go very far to get some German flavor in Singapore. Paulaner Bräuhaus (9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-01 Time2@Millenia Walk) has been bringing Singaporeans authentic Bavarian flavour for 11 years now and you’ll understand just why once you try the beer. Paulaner beer is freshly brewed on site and once you have a taste of it, you’ll certainly be back for more. Erdinger is another widely available German beer in Singapore and you can get it on tap from Muddy Murphy’s, The Penny Black, Durty Nelly’s and Alley Bar (2 Emerald Hill Road).

KPO.

Other European Countries

Belgian beer Hoegaarden is a popular drink in Singapore and you’ll be able to find it in most bars. Ice Cold Beer is one good place to have it, in its massive glasses. Italian beer Menabrea is available from COVA Pasticceria-Confetteria (290 Orchard Road, #01-02A Paragon). Kronenbourg 1664, the French beer, is available at KPO (1 Killiney Road) and Wala Wala Café & Bar (31 Lorong Mambong).

Jade of India.

Asian beers

Popular Indian beer Kingfisher is available in several Indian restaurants including Jaggi’s (34/36 Race Course Road) and Jade of India (172 Race Course Road, #01-01/05 Soho @ Farrer). Another Indian beer, Cobra, is available at Ice Cold Beer. Japanese beer Asahi is widely available at bars -- and even some coffee shops -- and Thai beer Chang has also gained in popularity recently.

Special Mention: Ice Cold Beer vs Brauhaus

Ice Cold Beer is known for its wide variety of beer and the happy hour deals are very attractive too, making it a great place to sample various beers. But if you want to get away from the madding crowd and enjoy your beer in peace, try Brauhaus (101 Thomson Road, #B1-13/14 United Square), which has several unique beers from all over the world.