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This weekend, swap your regular Chang and Singha plans for a competitive crafted pint event from one of northern Thailand's independent breweries. The North Beer Challenge rears its frothy head at Nim City Community Mall on May 1-2 with an equal pouring of competition and community celebration. While it’s a good chance for independent brewers across the north to showcase what they've been working on, you can spend your time mingling with fellow drinkers, talking to producers and taking on knowledge about the craft beer scene.
The brewers will be judged on taste scored across a few key areas like aroma, appearance, flavour, mouthfeel and the overall impression of the beer. The competition follows the Beer Judge Certification Program standard – BJCP for short – an internationally recognised qualification used in craft beer competitions worldwide.
All judges either hold the certification themselves or are well-respected within the industry, meaning the evaluation process is as serious as the beers being entered. Competitors are assessed on both technical skill and creativity, with the top prize being a commercial brewing deal – meaning the winning beer is produced as an actual product you can buy.
For drinkers, this is a rare opportunity to get in early on discovering a brewer before they make it big. The craft beer scene in northern Thailand has been quietly growing and the North Beer Challenge exists specifically to give it more visibility. Street food vendors will also be on hand throughout the weekend because everyone knows the only thing that makes a cold pint better is something to eat alongside it.
May 1-2. Free entry. Nim City Community Mall. 5pm-11pm