United Nations of Beer

Beijing Okhotsk Beer

by David Friesen
(Beer Delegate, China)

Beijing Okhotsk Beer

Beijing has plenty of decent bars, many of which serve plenty of decent beers. From the local Tsingtao and Yanjing beers to foreign brands like Guinness, Heineken and Tiger, there is plenty to choose from.

However, what Beijing has been missing, nay crying out for, is a microbrewery. No self-respecting town of beer is complete without at least one microbrewery. Okay, so there was already one microbrewery in Beijing, but that's from German Paulaner Brauhaus and so doesn’t really count! However, nothing made me happier than hearing that Beijing finally had a proper microbrewery in the form of Beijing Okhotsk Beer. Originally a Japanese company, this microbrewery is distinctly Asian in feel (despite the slightly Russian-sounding name!).

I was nervous though, because I have been to many places here in Beijing that have more than failed to live up to expectations. And I so wanted this place to be good, for the sake of my beer sanity.

The initial signs were not good, though. Located in the middle of a housing estate far from other bars, Beijing Okhotsk Beer was seemingly out of place already.

But once I navigated the maze that is the housing complex Phoenix City, I started to see why they had moved here. The place was big and the huge metal microbrewery tanks were on prominent show behind the bar. With a large open-plan design of simple light wood furniture, the feeling of space and attention to detail was excellent.

However, all the nice decorations in the world don’t mean anything if the beer is crap. Upon receiving the menu, I saw that things were highly focused, with four brews available on draft: Pilsner, Weisen, Mild Stout and Ale. Beers were available in 300ml, 500ml and massive 1000ml steins. Wanting to try all the beers before getting too wasted, I went for the set menu offer of all four Beijing Okhotsk beers at 300ml, plus some snacks to go with them.


I could go into details about all four beers, how they tasted etc, but it probably wouldn’t do it justice. Every single one of the beers was damn near perfect – exactly how beer should taste. The sort of beer you get hopelessly drunk on, not because you are trying to, but because you just want more of the same taste over and over again.

Of the four, the ale and the Pilsner were probably the best, but the other two were also outstanding. Beijing Okhotsk Beer was not just the best beer I had ever had in China, but was some of the best beer I had ever – period. As good if not better than any microbrewery or brewpub I had been to in England or elsewhere in Europe. I was literally in beer heaven.

I thought perhaps I was just delusional due to a lack of excellent beer here, so my standards were lowered. But I have since taken back many friends from all over the world to the place, and they all were astounded by the quality as well.

Despite its poor location, Beijing Okhotsk Beer has gained a large and loyal following already amongst beer lovers in Beijing. Combine this with their all you can drink on a random beer type for 50rmb (US$7) on Tuesdays, good service and tasty food and you have a truly world-class beer establishment.

All I can say is: truly great beer has finally come to Beijing!