Discover Bali's Growing Craft Beer Scene: Top Local Brews You Must Try
Spending a month in Ubud isn’t just about yoga retreats and exploring the rice terraces; Bali's craft beer scene has been quietly growing, and it's definitely worth mentioning. Though I didn’t get to explore every brewery on the island, the few craft beers I came across stood out for their local flair and quality, which made me reflect on our attempt to include Indonesian beers in our Craft Beer Sticker Book. Unfortunately, we weren't able to feature them back then, but seeing these brews now gaining traction was a reminder of how quickly the scene can evolve.
One of the notable beers I found was Kura Kura, in particular their Island Ale. It’s a light, refreshing ale that's perfect for the tropical heat of Bali. The name "Kura Kura" means turtle in Indonesian, and the beer reflects the island's relaxed vibe, making it a great option for a laid-back afternoon. The branding is minimalistic, fitting well with the island's atmosphere.
Another standout is the Lion Brewery Pale Ale. It’s a crisp and sessionable pale ale with a bold lion logo that embodies strength and energy. If i’m honest I believe they are a Singapore based brewery but they are all over Bali. Island Brewing was by far my favourite beers. The Small Hazy is a hazy ale that’s all about taking it easy. With its unfiltered look and smooth taste, the tagline, “Time Well Spent,” really captures what this brew is all about.
Black Sand Brewery had a couple of offerings that caught my eye: their Kolsch and IPA. The IPA, with a 6.3% ABV, has a punchy hop flavor that stands out, while the Kolsch is lighter at 4.2%, offering a subtle taste that’s ideal for anyone looking for something less intense. Their labels would have made great stickers in our book with vibrant, intricate designs, reflecting the rich culture and colors of Bali. Lastly, Island of Imagination is a brand that offers some interesting flavors like Honey Kolsch and Mangoco. Each can is super colourful, really creative and the beers were very tasty,