Young Master Ale: Hong Kong's Very Own Microbrewery by the Sea

First order of business...

HAPPY 2014, everyone!

Excuse the brief hiatus on this blog! Hope you all had an amazing winter break and are ready for bigger, better things to come. To start the year off right, I paid a visit to (currently) Hong Kong's only microbrewery, Young Master Ale. They are brand-spanking-new and just started distributing their beers last December, and have now opened up their space (with a stunning view of the water) in Ap Lei Chau to the public for tours and tastings. 

For an introduction to their beers (including the yummy, refreshing Cha Cha Soba Ale!) and a low-down on the brewing process, read after the jump! Otherwise, find them on tap at The Roundhouse!

Young Master Ale's brewery is located in an industrial warehouse, right on the waters' edge. Their tanks are custom-made, and they pride themselves in producing natural and and fresh beers. They do not filter, pasteurize, or add artificial stabilizers or chemicals, and use naturally produced carbon dioxide during fermentation (meaning they do not, *gasp, artificially carbonate their beers!). 

Here are the tasting notes to some of the beers we tasted! 

Cha Cha Soba Ale

This was my favourite of the lot. Young Master uses organic buckwheat and finished the brewing process with an infusion of match. It's earthy, dry, and most definitely refreshing!

ABV: 4.5%

IBUs: 20

Availability: Year round

#001

The "#001" is a session IPA that is made to be drinkable. For me, it was a bit too hoppy and bitter to make a good session beer, but is most definitely still worth a try.

ABV: 5.5%

IBUs: 40

Availability: Limited

The Rye Old Fashioned

A very interesting spicy, malty rye ale that hints of toasted oak from its maturation process. Will need to try with one 'Old Fashioned-style' with citrus peel and bitters next time!

ABV: 6.5%

IBUs: 30

Availability: Seasonal

Hong Kong Black

This one won first place in Hong Kong's homebrew competition! It is a blend of 6 malt types to impart rich notes of caramel, chocolate and coffee. Perfect for Hong Kong's [mild] winters and paired with hearty meals.

ABV: 6.5%

IBUs: 35

Availability: Seasonal

Young Master Ale is now open to the public for visits and tours! Email info@youngmasterales.com for more information and reservations. You can find them here:

Units 407-9,

Oceanic Industrial Centre,

2 Lee Lok Street,

Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong