Da Nang is not just a tourist paradise with long white sandy beaches, the romantic Han River dividing the city, or the lush Son Tra Peninsula acting as a green gem. The city is also quietly emerging as one of the most vibrant cradles of the craft beer movement in Vietnam. When the burning sun of Central Vietnam pours down, it triggers a deep craving for a cold, refreshing drink. Instead of standard industrial beers downed with ice that dilutes the flavor, why not try local craft beers brewed right here? Here is an in-depth journey through three unique craft beers that capture the soul and heartbeat of Da Nang, available at PickUp.
If you have ever stood on the Chessboard Peak of Son Tra Peninsula, breathing in the crisp forest air and looking down at the vast blue ocean, you will understand the inspiration behind Son Tra Haze. This is a classic New England IPA (NEIPA)—a style dominating the global craft beer scene thanks to its explosive fruit profile and smooth, pillowy mouthfeel.
Unlike traditional bitter IPAs, Son Tra Haze catches your eye with a natural, hazy golden look, resembling a fresh tropical fruit juice. This cloudiness is not a filtering defect; it is a deliberate result of keeping live yeast, wheat proteins, and heavy hop oils suspended in the liquid during fermentation.
Aromatically, thanks to generous dry-hopping (adding dry hops directly during the cold conditioning phase), Son Tra Haze yields intense notes of ripe mangoes, fresh passion fruits, and orange blossoms. On your first sip, you will experience a velvety, medium-to-full body derived from oats and wheat malts. The soft malt sweetness balances the mild bitterness, finishing with a smooth, lingering fruitiness. It is the perfect beer to enjoy on a beach lounger along My Khe beach as the afternoon breeze rolls in.
While Son Tra Haze is a gentle ocean breeze, Dragon IPA is a roaring fire representing the West Coast IPA style—bold, hop-forward, and complex. Named after the legendary Dragon Bridge, this beer is a rewarding challenge for seasoned craft beer drinkers who appreciate deep bitterness and a sturdy body.
Dragon IPA boasts an impressive bitterness of 60 IBU and a robust alcohol level, delivering a warm and stimulating sensation. It pours a crystal-clear amber with a dense, off-white head. The magic lies in the blend of classic American hops like Columbus and Chinook, which release woody aromas of pine resin, cedar, and pink grapefruit zest.
Upon tasting, the sharp bitterness of the hops hits your palate immediately. However, it never feels harsh or metallic. The brewer has carefully integrated specialty caramel malts to create a sweet, bready foundation that balances the hop bite. The finish is remarkably dry and clean, leaving a fresh grapefruit oil aroma. Sipping a cold Dragon IPA on a weekend night while watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire is the ultimate Da Nang experience.
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Bia nhà
A modern NEIPA pouring a beautiful, hazy golden-yellow with an incredibly smooth mouthfeel. It is packed with an intense burst of juicy, tropical fruit aromas and a pleasantly low bitterness. Crafted locally by Bia nhà beer, this is a refreshing, hop-forward masterpiece perfect for any craft beer lover.
Hazy IPA
A muted golden hue, typical of New England. Aromas of pineapple, mandarin, and nuts. A rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. An explosive finish of tropical fruits with lemon, guava, and grapefruit.
In contrast to the intense Dragon IPA, The River IPA brings a calm, relaxing feel, mimicking the gentle waters of the Han River flowing under the glittering city lights. This Session IPA is crafted with a lower ABV (around 4.2% - 4.5%), allowing you to enjoy multiple glasses during long conversations without getting intoxicated quickly.
The River IPA pours a bright straw-gold with a fluffy white head. Its aroma profile is clean and fresh, displaying notes of fresh-cut grass, pineapples, and lime zest. Light-bodied with lively carbonation, it offers instant hydration. The bitterness is light and fleeting, yielding to a clean malt finish. It is the perfect beer to enjoy along the breezy Bach Dang street sidewalk accompanied by simple local snacks like salted peanuts or grilled dried squid.
An easy-drinking IPA featuring beloved New World hops. The beer has a golden hue and a sweet aroma of citrus and tropical fruits. It's light and intensely fruity with a long finish.
IPA
IPAs have always been considered among the most difficult craft beers to drink, but Rooster Beers has broken that stereotype.
Using the renowned Mosaic hops from the United States, this is a fragrant beer with rich fruity aromas and a robust tropical hop flavor. It has low bitterness and a golden color with a characteristic haze. Aromas of mango and nuts, with a strong fruity and citrus finish.
Heart of Darkness
An easy-drinking IPA featuring beloved New World hops. The beer has a golden hue and a sweet aroma of citrus and tropical fruits. It's light and intensely fruity with a long finish.
Golden Ale
A golden craft ale beautifully enriched with the natural sweetness of local honey, presenting a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel. Crafted by Steersman Brewery, Flying Bees Honey Ale masterfully balances a gentle floral sweetness with a crisp, refreshing hop finish. Light yet deeply flavorful, it is a delightful, easy-drinking brew perfect for raising a glass on any casual occasion.
Lambic
A unique and invigorating craft ale infused with the sharp, warming zest of fresh ginger. Co-crafted by Sivilai (Saigon), NEWTON (GINGER) masterfully balances a subtle malt sweetness with a lively, spicy kick and a crisp, clean finish. Highly refreshing and aromatic, it is the perfect adventurous brew for those looking to stimulate their palate with something bold and distinct.
Lambic
A vibrant fruit ale bursting with the rich, sun-ripened aroma and juicy sweetness of fresh tropical mangoes. Co-crafted by Sivilai (Saigon), ACSIMET (MANGO ALE) delivers a smooth, light-bodied mouthfeel with a beautifully balanced, crisp finish. It is a refreshing, hop-forward and fruit-infused masterpiece perfect for cooling down on a warm day.
