After Vietnam's reunification, the local government had taken control of BGI Brewery which now became the Southern Brewery Company (as Ho Chi Minh was located in the South of Vietnam), and at the time was still largely dependent on "33" Beer for sales.

As the new government wanted to distance itself from any colonial associations, "33" Beer was renamed "333" Beer.

Yet, the government felt that a greater push towards nationalism and patriotism could only come from a completely local homegrown brand - this led to the creation of the Bia Saigon brand. This came hand in hand with the renaming of the Southern Brewery Company to the Saigon Beer Company, also known as SABECO.

The Bia Saigon Lager is the first flagship beer from SABECO and similar to the "333" Beer, is produced using malt barley.

Bia Saigon Lager, 4.3% ABV - Review 

Color: Dark gold

Aroma: A strong wheat scent, with malt coming in after. It's lightly bitter with notes of fresh hay.

Taste: A nice hefty body, with more tannins from black tea, delicate florals, marigold in particular. It's lightly sweet, but more malty on the palate, with a lightly bitter taste and gentle notes of honey oats.

Finish: Short and crisp. With some leftover notes of rice husk and rice crispies.

Our Thoughts

👍👍

Very well balanced, it isn't exceptionally flavorful but it is nonetheless a decent and nice easy drink. The flavors are fairly mild but easy as it isn't particularly bitter (which is great for begrudging beer drinkers). It's considerably brighter in profile and lighter, with not so much richness.

Kanpai!

@111hotpot