Full Moon Brew works. Phuket, Thailand

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1977122_501711096679707_8169861733284995761_n12670821_501711160013034_4269909206493254413_nWhen we envisage a sub-tropical island getaway, craft beer and/or craft breweries don’t even enter the mind. Why even tease ourselves with the thought, right? Especially in Thailand – a country so drowned in boring lagers and commercial European imports that after a week you’re opting for a Singapore sling or even a bloody sand bucket! No more!! Friends, enter Full Moon Brew works. An immaculate, well maintained, perfectly positioned and seriously cool new craft beer brewery right in the heart of Patong Beach, Phuket. Now, as far as selection goes we weren’t about to start getting picky. After all, beggars can’t be choosers. So to be offered a range consisting a Lager, Witbier, Pale Ale and a Dark Ale (well, technically it was an ESB) we were stoked! We started with the Lager which was nothing overly exciting – take your Singha, Tiger and Chang and craftify it, that’s about it. However, things started to get interesting when we tried the Witbier. It was very aromatic, packed with orange peel and herbs and backed up with banana, tang and spices on the palate. The real surprise came next with their flagship beer ‘Chalawan’ Pale Ale. Slightly complex in aroma, a hefty malt backing, slightly smoky but the use of American hops gives it its appeal. Fruity and biscuity with a medium body, assertive bitterness and a super clean finish. We finished on their Dark Ale which was really more of an English ESB, but a delicious one at that. Traditional toasty/nutty malts, caramel and slightly buttery with a hint of ash and a mild bitterness to boot. Still surprisingly sessional on this 35 degree day. If the tap beers don’t excite your taste buds (which we highly doubt) then check out their fridge which is stocked with bottles of Anderson Valley, Rogue, Hitachino, Rochefort, Duvel, Brew Dog and Cooper’s along with a small selection of ciders which are all available to take away. To find this diamond in the rough was a sign from God, or Buddha, whatever your belief….just don’t be coming in the next couple of weeks because we may have just cleaned them out of every IPA they had. Cheers, we’re off to buy a few cheap singlets and some faulty DVD’s! 🙂