Chicago's Best: Asian Beer Brands

If you're looking to buy Chinese beer in Chicago, you're in luck! Chicago is home to a variety of options for those seeking to purchase Asian and Chinese beer brands. One notable spot is BiXi Beer, a modern brewpub in Logan Square that offers Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine alongside house-brewed beer infused with Asian flavors. Additionally, China's top beer brands, such as Tsingtao, Snow Beer, and Yanjing, have a significant market presence in the United States, so you may be able to find them at local liquor stores or specialty Asian markets in Chicago.

Asian-inspired brewpubs in Chicago

Chicago is a great city to explore craft breweries and taprooms. One of the Asian-inspired brewpubs in the city is Bixi Beer, a modern two-story brewpub and restaurant in Logan Square. Bixi Beer offers Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine, along with in-house brewed beer infused with Asian flavours. The menu includes items like belt noodle soup, Italian beef bao with Sichuan giardiniera, and egg rolls. The restaurant also has a patio and a second-floor bar.

Another Asian-inspired food and beverage option in Chicago is the Owen & Engine Residency, which offers food and drinks on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Chinese beer brands and their history

If you're looking to buy Chinese beer brands in Chicago, you might want to know more about the beer and its history. Here's a brief overview of some popular Chinese beer brands and their stories:

Tsingtao Brewery

Tsingtao Brewery is China's second-largest brewery and the sixth-largest in the world. Founded in 1903 as an Anglo-German business in Qingdao (formerly spelled Tsingtao), the brewery has a long and complex history. The first beer was served on December 22, 1904, and the brand has since become synonymous with quality and a good time. After several changes in ownership, the brewery was turned into a Chinese brewery under the supervision of the Nationalist government in Nanjing after World War II. However, after the Communist victory in 1949, the new government confiscated all the shares, and the business became state-owned. The company was privatised in the 1990s, and Tsingtao Beer became the first Chinese firm listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Today, Tsingtao Brewery offers a range of beers, including their flagship Tsingtao Beer, a well-hopped standard pale lager, as well as Tsingtao Dark Beer and Tsingtao Spirulina Green Beer.

Snow Beer

Snow Beer, produced by China Resources Breweries, is currently the most popular beer in China and the world. Based in Beijing, Snow was created in the early 1990s and quickly rose to the top by partnering with other beer giants like Heineken, Busch, and Budweiser. It is one of the cheapest options in China, making it widely accessible. However, it is more challenging to find outside of the country, especially in the United States.

Yanjing Beer

Yanjing Brewery is the third-largest in China and has become the official state-sponsored beer in Beijing. Founded in 1980, Yanjing is one of the world's most extensive beer production operations. Their beer is a light lager that is easy to drink and affordable, making it a top choice for Chinese consumers for over forty years.

Harbin Beer

Harbin Brewery, located in Harbin, is the oldest brewery in China. Founded by Polish settler Jan Wroblewski in the late 19th century, Harbin is now under the Anheuser-Busch umbrella, increasing its popularity and availability worldwide. Harbin Beer offers a pale lager flavour that blends European and Chinese ingredients, creating a unique taste.

Wusu Beer

Wusu Beer is the most popular beer to originate from Xinjiang. It stands out from other Chinese beers with its iconic red packaging, and its strong flavour makes it excellent for mixing with soju. Wusu offers excellent value and is widely available in supermarkets and corner stores in China, but it may be more challenging to find in the United States.

China Pabst Blue Ribbon

China Pabst Blue Ribbon (CBR) is an interesting collaboration between Pabst Blue Ribbon and a Chinese brewery. Unlike in the United States, where Pabst Blue Ribbon has a cult following, CBR is positioned as a luxury beer in China and is one of the most expensive options available.

While these are some of the major Chinese beer brands, there are hundreds of others to explore, each with its unique history and flavour profile. In Chicago, you can find some of these beers at Asian supermarkets or online through specialised retailers.

Chinese beer brands popular in the US

Chinese beer brands have been gaining popularity in the US, with some even becoming household names. Here are some of the most well-known and beloved Chinese beer brands that have made their way into the American market:

Tsingtao

Arguably the most recognisable Chinese beer brand outside of China, Tsingtao has a rich history that dates back to 1903. Founded by German settlers in the coastal city of Qingdao, the brewery introduced beer to the wider Chinese market and is known for its great-tasting, high-quality brews. Tsingtao is China's second-largest brewery and the fifth most popular beer brand globally. It offers a wide range of options, from lagers to stouts and IPAs, and can be easily found on websites like Bevmo and Total Wine, as well as in local Asian supermarkets.

Snow

Snow is not just China's most popular beer but also the world's top-selling beer! Created in Beijing as early as 1993, Snow Beer has partnered with other giants in the industry, including Heineken, Busch, and Budweiser. While it is one of the cheapest options in China, it can be more challenging to find in the US. However, you may be able to locate it in your local Asian supermarket or online.

Yanjing

Yanjing is the third-largest brewery in China and the official state-sponsored beer in Beijing. Established in 1980, it has become a beloved brand with a light lager that is easy to drink and affordable. Yanjing is widely available in the US through websites like Total Wine, Drizly, and BeerMenus.

Harbin

Harbin Brewery, located in Harbin, is China's oldest brewery. Founded by a Polish settler, Jan Wroblewski, in 1900, Harbin produces traditional European-style lagers and is renowned for its unique "ice beer." The brand is now under the Anheuser-Busch umbrella, increasing its global availability. You can find Harbin Beer online and in select stores, such as Bevmo and Instacart.

Wusu

Wusu Beer is the most popular beer originating from Xinjiang, known for its iconic red packaging. It is a light lager with a surprisingly strong flavour, perfect for mixing with soju. While it may be more challenging to find in certain regions, you can try local Asian markets or purchase it online through platforms like Taobao.

Laoshan

Laoshan Beer is another excellent option from Qingdao. It is a subsidiary of Tsingtao but uses Laoshan Mountain's spring water, giving it a unique twist. Laoshan offers a higher alcohol percentage than most other Chinese beers and can be sourced from online websites like FairpriceSG and Buy-Foods.

Chicago-based stores selling Chinese beer

If you're looking to buy Chinese beer in Chicago, there are a few options to choose from. Here are some stores that sell Chinese beer brands:

BiXi Beer

BiXi Beer is a modern brewpub located in Logan Square, Chicago. They offer a unique drinking and dining experience with Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine, as well as in-house brewed beer infused with Asian flavors. It's a great option if you're looking for a dining experience along with your beer purchase.

Local Specialty Stores

Chicago is likely to have specialty stores that cater to Asian or Chinese products, including beverages. Exploring neighborhoods known for their Asian communities, such as Chinatown, could lead you to stores with a variety of Chinese beer options. These stores often have a wide selection of imported goods and may offer a more comprehensive range of Chinese beer brands.

Online Retailers

If you're unable to find Chinese beer at physical stores in Chicago, online retailers provide another convenient option. Websites such as Oriental Mart offer a range of Asian beers, including popular Chinese brands like Tsingtao and craft beers like Tiger Lager. Online retailers often have a broader selection and can deliver directly to your doorstep, making it a viable alternative if you can't find your desired Chinese beer locally.

Supermarkets and Liquor Stores

Supermarkets and liquor stores in Chicago may also carry Chinese beer brands, particularly those that stock international products. While the selection may be more limited compared to specialty stores, you can still find well-known Chinese beers like Tsingtao, which has a significant market presence and is widely exported.

Bars and Restaurants

Bars and restaurants in Chicago that specialize in Asian cuisine or have a diverse beer selection may also offer Chinese beer options. Exploring establishments that showcase different cultural cuisines and beverages could lead you to discover Chinese beers that pair well with your meal.

In summary, when looking to purchase Chinese beer in Chicago, your best options include visiting BiXi Beer in Logan Square, exploring specialty stores in Asian communities, checking online retailers, trying supermarkets and liquor stores, and finally, scanning the menus of bars and restaurants known for their diverse beer selections.

Chinese beer brands and their ABV

Chicago is home to BiXi Beer, a modern brewpub offering Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine, as well as in-house beer infused with Asian flavours.

• Cheerday Beer (3.1% ABV): A dry, light, and refreshing beer with a vibrant citrus character. It is brewed by Hangzhou Qiandaohu Brewery and is one of China's biggest beers.
• Yanjing Beer U8 (2.5% ABV): A light, easy-drinking beer with a balanced barley and dryness profile. It is produced by Beijing Yanjing Brewery and is the official beer served at state banquets in the Great Hall of People.
• Pearl River Draft Beer (3.6% ABV): A medium-bodied beer with a sweet malt flavour and a hint of citrus. It is brewed by Guangzhou Zhujiang Brewery, one of China's three major beer brands.
• Laote Beer (3.6% ABV): A well-balanced, low ABV rice lager with a hint of jasmine rice and a slightly longer finish. It is produced by Qingdao Laote Brewery Co., Ltd.
• Snow Beer (4% ABV): A straightforward, slightly richer-textured beer with a malt and citric character. It is China's best-selling beer, produced by CR Snow.
• Tsingtao Beer (4.7% ABV): A well-hopped standard pale lager with a fluffy texture and a citrusy dryness. It is China's second-largest brewery and the country's most exported beer.
• Laoshan Imported Premium Beer (4.7% ABV): A slightly denser, sweeter, and drier lager with a touch of hop character and pleasant rice and barley notes. It is also produced by the Tsingtao Brewery.
• Harbin Imported Premium Lager (5% ABV): A complex, layered, and well-balanced lager with a strong maltiness, floral hop character, and hints of coffee in the finish. It is brewed by Harbin Brewery, China's fourth-largest and oldest brewery.

Frequently asked questions