Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Best Beer in Laos — Beerlao
In my personal experience, I had my first taste of Beerlao even before I got into the country while I was still on my Lao Airlines flight into Luang Prabang. That was the first of many Beerlao to come over the course of the next month that I spend in Laos.
As essentially the official beer of the country since the Laos government holds a 50% stake in the company, Beerlao is cheap and readily available.
In this blog post, you'll learn a bit more about the Beerlao brand as well as Lao Brewery Company who makes this and other varieties of beer. Brewery: Lao Brewery Company (LBC), established in 1973. Ownership: Initially a joint venture with foreign stakeholders, it is now majority-owned by the Lao government. Production: The brewery is located in the capital city of Vientiane, and it has expanded significantly to meet both domestic and export demands.
Beerlao Brands
In addition to their flagship beer, Lao Brewery Co, abbreviated LBC, has a lineup of six other beer varieties. In order of their release date, here is a list of all Beerlao beer brands along with their alcohol content.
Beerlao: introduced in 1973, this pilsner has a 5% ABV
Beerlao Dark: introduced in 2005, this strong pilsner has a 6% ABV
LaneXang Lager Beer: introduced in 2008, this pilsner has a 5% ABV
Beerlao Gold: introduced in 2010, this pilsner has a 5% ABV
Beerlao While: introduced in 2018, this white lager has a 5% ABV
Beerlao IPA Limited Edition: introduced in 2019, this India Pale Ale has a 5% ABV
Luang Prabang Beer introduced in 2021, this lager has a 4.5% ABV
LBC is associated with Carlsberg and locally produces beer from Denmark including Carlsberg, Tuborg Green, Somersby Apple Cider, and Somersby Blackberry. From France, LBC also brews 1664 Blanc.
As you might imagine, all of these brands can be bought throughout Laos.
How Much Does Beerlao Cost?
The price of Beerlao throughout Laos is 10,000 kip ($1 US) for a 640 ml (21.6 oz) bottle and 5,000 kip ($0.50 US) for a 330 ml (11.1 oz) bottle or can.
As you can see from the drink menu below, you are encouraged to buy the Beer Lao big bottle at this Laos restaurant in Phôngsali since regardless of size, all Beerlao prices are the same.
Beerlao Ingredients and Calories
Beerlao is renowned for its quality ingredients:
- Rice: Locally sourced, high-quality jasmine rice.
- Barley: Imported malted barley.
- Hops: Sourced from Europe.
- Water: Pure water from Laos, contributing to the beer’s unique taste.
Brewing Process:
Beerlao combines traditional brewing techniques with modern technology. The process includes:
Mashing: Mixing malted barley with hot water to convert starches into fermentable sugars.
Boiling: Adding hops to the wort and boiling to extract flavors and bitterness.
Fermentation: Adding yeast to the cooled wort to ferment the sugars into alcohol.
Conditioning: Aging the beer to develop its flavors before packaging.
Popularity and Cultural Significance
Domestic Popularity: Beerlao is the drink of choice in Laos, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
International Acclaim: Exported to over 20 countries, including the United States, Japan, and several European nations. It has received accolades and awards at international beer competitions.
Cultural Role: Beerlao is deeply embedded in Lao culture, frequently consumed at social gatherings, celebrations, and festivals. It is often enjoyed with traditional Lao cuisine, enhancing the dining experience.
Pairing with Food
Beerlao pairs well with a variety of Lao dishes:
Lao Sausage: The mild bitterness of Beerlao Lager complements the spicy and savory flavors of the sausage.
Laap (Larb): The crispness of Beerlao helps balance the herbaceous and spicy minced meat salad.
Sticky Rice: Beerlao’s refreshing qualities make it a great accompaniment to sticky rice and dipping sauces.
Is Beerlao Gluten Free?
No. Beerlao is not considered gluten-free. Like most traditional beers, Beerlao is brewed using barley malt, which contains gluten. Although the primary ingredient is rice, since the beer contains malted barley, Beerlao is not gluten free.
Where Can You Buy Beerlao?
You can of course buy Beerlao pretty much everywhere in Laos, but what about the rest of the world?
I was pleasantly surprised to find that Beerlao is sold locally in Tucson at an international supermarket called Lee Lee with a few additional locations in the Phoenix area. I would imagine that other large international grocery stores carry Beerlao in the United States.
The United States alcohol retailer Total Wine sells Beerlao cans and bottles in select locations. Depending on where you are located, you can have it shipped to you.
The American tavern chain World of Beer also has Beerlao available for purchase at some of its restaurants.
According to their website, Beerlao exports to the following 12 countries:
- Australia
- Cambodia
- China
- France
- Japan
- Korea
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- USA
- Vietnam
- Singapore
If you live outside of one of these countries, Beerlao is probably not easily available to you.
Lao Brewery Company Information
The Lao Brewery Company (LBC) is the premier brewing company in Laos, known for producing the country’s most popular beer, Beerlao. Established in 1973, LBC has grown to become a key player in the Southeast Asian beverage market. Lao Brewery Co., Ltd came into existence in 1973 under the name Lao Beer and Ice Factory. Ownership and investments changed over the years, but today the Lao Government owns 50% of the company while Carlsberg Breweries owns the other 50% according to their website.
The headquarters of Lao Brewing Company is in Vientiane. The second brewery was opened in May 2008 in the Champasack Province.
You will soon be able to do a Beerlao brewery tour, but as of the time of this writing, Lao Brewery's website says "coming soon".
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