Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
brewed beers, all at the lower end of the price spectrum, include Cheers and Beer Thai.
More variation in Thai beer brands is likely in the coming years as manufacturers
scramble to command market share by offering a variety of flavours and prices.
To the surprise of many foreigners, most Thais drink their beer with ice. Before you
rule this supposed blasphemy out completely, there are a few reasons why the Thais actu-
ally prefer beer on the rocks. Thai beer does not possess the most sophisticated bouquet in
the world and is best drunk as cold as possible. The weather in Thailand is often ex-
tremely hot, so it makes sense to maintain your beer at maximum chill. And lastly, do-
mestic brews are generally quite high in alcohol and the ice helps to dilute this, preventing
dehydration and one of those infamous Beer Chang hangovers the next day. Taking these
theories to the extreme, some places serve
bee·a wún,
or 'jelly beer' - beer that has been
semi-frozen until it reaches a deliciously slushy and refreshing consistency.
SPIRITS
Thai rice whisky has a sharp, sweet taste - not unlike rum - with an alcohol content of
35%. The most famous brand for many years was Mekong (pronounced
mâa kŏng
), but
currently the most popular brand is the slightly more expensive Sang Som (actually a
rum). Both come in 750mL bottles called
glom
, or in 375mL flask-shaped bottles called
baan
.
There are also more expensive barley-based whiskies produced in Thailand, which ap-
peal to the can't-afford-Johnnie-Walker-yet set. Brands include Blue Eagle, 100 Pipers
and Spey Royal, each with a 40% alcohol content.
Thais normally buy whisky by the bottle and drink it with ice, plenty of soda water and
a splash of Coke. If you don't finish your bottle, simply tell your waiter, who will write
your name and the date on the bottle and keep it for your next visit.
