American Craft Beer: An Expat's Guide to Tasting and Appreciating the Best Brews

I grew up drinking Tiger Beer and Bia Saigon. Light, crisp, refreshing — basically what you want when it is 35 degrees Celsius and 90% humidity in Singapore or Vietnam. So when I moved to California and someone handed me a West Coast IPA, I took one sip and my face did something involuntary. It was like someone had put a grapefruit in a blender with a pine tree and carbonated the result. :P

But here is the thing — it grew on me. And now, a few years into my American life, I have to admit that the craft beer scene here is one of the genuinely wonderful surprises about living in the US. Especially in California.

A Little History (Because It Helps)

The American beer story is actually pretty interesting once you dig into it. European immigrants — especially from Germany and Belgium — brought their brewing traditions over, which shaped the early landscape. Then Prohibition in the 1920s basically destroyed the entire industry. Most small breweries never recovered.

The craft beer movement started coming back in the 1970s, with pioneers like Anchor Brewing in San Francisco and New Albion Brewery paving the way. From my perspective as someone who arrived decades later, I think it is remarkable how far things have come — there are now thousands of craft breweries across the country.

The Sad Loss of Anchor Brewing

I have to mention this here because it is part of the history. Anchor Brewing, established in 1896 in San Francisco, is considered America's first craft brewery. Their Anchor Steam Beer was iconic. Sadly, Anchor Brewing closed its doors in August 2023 after 127 years. I am glad I got to visit before they shut down. It felt like the end of an era — because it literally was.

What Even Is "Craft Beer"?

In simple terms, craft beer comes from small, independent breweries that focus on quality and experimentation rather than mass production. The styles you will encounter most often include:

• IPA (India Pale Ale) — the hoppy one that punches you in the taste buds. West Coast IPAs are especially bold. This is probably what you will be offered first at any California brewery.
• Pale Ale — IPA's mellower cousin
• Stout and Porter — dark, rich, sometimes with coffee or chocolate notes
• Saison — a Belgian-style farmhouse ale that is lighter and more refreshing

I think the variety is what makes it fun. Coming from a beer culture where you basically choose between "beer" and "slightly different beer," the range here was overwhelming at first, but in the best way.

The California Scene (My Home Turf)

Living in the Bay Area, I am spoiled for choice. Here are some standouts I have personally visited or had recommended to me by locals:

Northern California:

• Sierra Nevada in Chico — one of the OGs, founded in 1980. Their Pale Ale is practically a gateway drug for craft beer newbies.
• Russian River Brewing in Santa Rosa — their Pliny the Elder IPA has a cult following. People literally line up for the annual Pliny the Younger release.
• Lagunitas Brewing in Petaluma — great beer, great vibe, and they have a cool outdoor space with live music.

Southern California:

• Stone Brewing in San Diego — bold, unapologetic beers. Their Arrogant Bastard Ale is exactly what it sounds like. I visited their garden patio on a weekend trip and the whole vibe felt like a craft beer theme park.

Tips for Actually Enjoying Craft Beer

For fellow expats who are used to lighter Asian beers (no judgment — I still love a cold Tiger), here is what helped me:

• Start mild: Pale ales and wheat beers are more approachable than jumping straight into a double IPA
• Try flights: Most breweries and bars offer tasting flights — four or five small pours so you can sample without committing to a full pint of something you might hate
• Pay attention to the glass: I thought this was pretentious at first, but different glasses actually do affect the experience. Tulip glasses for Belgian styles, pint glasses for ales — there is a method to the madness
• Go slow: Craft beers tend to have higher alcohol content than what we are used to. A few of those 8% IPAs and you will be speaking Vietnamese to confused bartenders (from my experience, this is not ideal)

Getting Out There

• Brewery visits: Most California breweries offer tours and tastings. It is a genuinely fun weekend activity, even if you are not a huge beer person yet.
• Beer festivals: Events like the California Craft Beer Summit in Sacramento or the San Diego International Beer Festival are great for sampling widely.
• Craft beer bars: Toronado in San Francisco is legendary. The staff can be... let us say "direct" in their recommendations, but they know their beer. A quick Google Maps search will reveal plenty of options near you.

I think the craft beer scene is one of those things about America that you do not fully appreciate until you lean into it. It is not just about the beer — it is about the community, the local pride, and the sheer creativity these brewers put into their work. As someone who spent 15 years in Singapore's hawker culture, I see a similar passion here, just expressed through hops instead of chili crab.

What is your go-to craft beer, or are you still firmly in the Tiger/Asahi/Chang camp? No wrong answers here :)

Cheers,

Chandler