Brewery: Boon Rawd (Singha)

Origin: Bangkok, Thailand

The Story of Singha

Like many other Asian countries, beer wasn't immediately native to the country and up until 1933, only imported beers was available (and not very accessible at that).

This all changed when a man named Praya Bhirom Bhakdi got the first Thai beer brewery up and running in 1933. It was called the Boon Rawd Brewery, which till today produces the nationally popular Singha Beer (which locals affectionately call "Sing").

| Read: We Try Thailand's Three Most Popular Beers With Local Friends!

It was said that the entrepreneur was first introduced to beer in 1929, when he had attended a meeting with a German business partner. As the story goes, the first mouthful of beer was enough to convince Bhakdi of the merits of beer as a beverage and the huge opportunity that existed in Thailand. This inspired Bhakdi to make the pilgrimage to Europe to learn the ropes and bring back to Thailand the expertise needed to getting a brewery up and running - he's now often thought of as the Godfather of Thai Beer, and Sing remains one of the most (if not the most) popular Thai beer.

Singha (or "Sing", which is how locals actually call it) is the grand-daddy of Thai beers as we've mentioned. It kick started what was previously a non-existent industry in Thailand. Its roots are touted to be European which served as the basis to Boon Rawd's brewery, producing a 100% barley malt beer that is designed to have a rich body and creamy, malty flavors. Of the Big Three, it is the most pricey (by a bit).

The name Singha comes from the Sanskrit word "Singh" which translates to "Lion", hence the golden lion emblem representing the brand. In several South Asian folklores, from Hindu to Indonesian and Thai, the Singha is a powerful mythological creature that represents benevolence and protection.

The Singha is a mythological creature that symbolises protection and benevolence, which you'll not only find on Singha's beers but also all around South Asia.

Above the conspicuous golden lion, you'll also see on every beer and can a royal warrant, called the Garuda. When it first popped on the scene in the 1930's, it was so enjoyed that it became officially endorsed by the Thai King Rama VIII, which is why you'll see a royal Garuda at the top of ever can or bottle. It signifies the high esteem in which the brand is accorded recognition of its quality. Boon Rawd is the only Thai brewery to hold the Garuda.

Singha's desire to maintain this quality has meant that all Singha beers are brewed in Thailand for quality control and is not produced anywhere else, whether by Boon Rawd or a contract manufacturer. This is as Boon Rawd claims that the 100% artesian water used can only be found at its brewery - you might think this is marketing fluff, but hopheads will quote you many instances where a brewery changes location and somehow loses its taste. In fact, Boon Rawd at one point had attempted to use breweries in Europe but ultimately decided that its lagers were best made in Thailand.

So as they say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!". Aside from 100% barley malt, that artesian water, it also uses three kinds of European hops.

Singha has a rich, malty flavor and a creamy texture that is reputable for being incredibly lux - and for that reason, it remains the local favorite in Thailand.

| Read: [Reviewed] Singha Pale Lager, Boon Rawd (Singha), 5% ABV

Having dominated the scene for a hot minute, Boon Rawd decided to expand into a lighter and more affordable alternative, probably in response to the growing competition from Chang. Boon Rawd's response was a debut of Leo (referring to the Snow Leopard which it uses as a mascot) in 1999, just four years after Chang's debut.

It is cheaper than Singha but still remains pricier than Chang and is mostly a rift off of Singha's reputation but as mentioned, was designed to give Chang some competition and fill the more price sensitive segment. The strategy mostly worked and Leo is now one of the Big Three Thai beers alongside its more muscular brother Singha. 

| Read: [Reviewed] Leo Lager Beer, Boon Rawd (Singha), 5% ABV

Nonetheless Leo remains a very light alternative to Singha and is generally targeted towards the more price conscious. It is known for its bright, citrusy and sweet grainy taste, and lighter-bodied profile, spotting next to no bitterness whatsoever. 

To that end, Singha continues to dominate the Thai beer scene, with two of the Big Three beers belonging to the historic brewery that proudly dons the Royal Garuda till this day.

If you're in Thailand, give 'em a try!

As they say in Thailand,

Chon Gâew! ("Bump Glasses", pronounced as Ch-own Kale!)

@111hotpot