33 Export Label was probably the first "real" beer in Vietnam, by which I mean one with a standard recipe and proper distribution vis-a-vis homebrews.

As such the name "33" itself was derived from the original 33-centilitre bottle that it came in when it was first distributed in the 1900s.

This was the beer that was for most of the last century been the staple of Vietnam, and was also quite a hit with the Americans during the Vietnam War.

Yet, as the local government took back Saigon, they felt it best to expunge one of the country's most popular beverages from its colonial origins and so renamed it as "333" beer instead.

While the original "33" rice beer back in the 1900s came from the French who took inspiration from the Germans, it has since gone on to undergo several iterations as the brand changed hands. It is today a Lager beer made using barley instead. 

333 Beer, 5.3% ABV - Review

Color: Dark Gold  

Aroma: Yeasty, with a touch of light honey, fresh citrus, with a gentle bittersweetness. 

Taste: Medium-bodied, with a light maltiness of honey, oats, lots of cereal. It is of medium richness - not overly bright nor too sticky rich, a very good richness indeed. A very gentle bitterness, accompanied by caramel and light tropical fruit. A delightful creaminess and a smooth body to go.

Finish: Slightly savoury on the finish with a light hoppy bitterness.

Our Thoughts

👍👍👍

This was very enjoyable - a great mouthfeel and balance. It isn't particularly complex but its notes are neither too bright nor too dark, which is what exudes that nice balance. The level of richness is outstanding, this is like a denser version of the standard Bia Saigon Lager with that added touch of fruit, more caramel and a light bitterness to counterweight the sweetness.

Kanpai!

@111hotpot