Phuket, Thailand -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/28/2011 -- Beer drinking enthusiasts will to be pleased to learn that the first ever microbrewery has opened in Patong, Phuket.

The Full Moon Brewery serves traditional European Ales and is located next to the Jungceylon boat in Patong. There is also an upstairs lounge with a resident pianist and singer, where drinkers can relax whilst they sample the beers on offer.

Thirty-year-old founder and brew master, Sukij Thipatima, has been in the alcoholic beverage industry throughout his career, working for Smirnoff and Heineken. Just over two years ago he was asked to design a signature cocktail for Thailand by the Tourism Authority of Thailand; his creation was called the Siam Sunray. He has also attended a brewing course in Berlin.

Sukij feels he can bring something different to appeal to beer enthusiasts and regular drinkers.

“We want to bring something different to Patong. Yes people come and they want to go to Bangla to see the girls, but there are also people and couples that want to relax away from the hustle and bustle and have a good beer and listen to some stylish music,” Sukij commented.

Although Sang Jan, the last microbrewery in Phuket, went out of business, Sujik feels that the concept was all wrong.

“It was just too big, they tried to sit 1,000 people every night, which was just unfeasible. The music and entertainment was not set up to cater to tourists and foreigners. They played Caribow, Thai Country music. What are they going to do with that?” he said.

“Beers like Singha, just try to replicate the German and European taste, but I add Thai ingredients to give a distinctive Thai taste,” said K Sukij.

There are three ales currently on tap at the Full Moon Brewery in Patong:

Full Moon Brew Phuket; a pale ale lager made from Gaba rice, which has a rich and light taste.

Full Moon Dark Ale; similar to a British bitter and a favourite of Sukij, made using black sticky rice to give it a full body.

Full Moon Brew Oriental; a sweet ale, made with Thai tangerine peel.

Prices at the Full Moon Brewery are reasonable, with pints going for one hundred and forty baht or one hundred baht during happy hour, 4pm to 7pm.

Article source: http://blog.phuketoceanvillas.com/first-microbrewery-opens-in-patong-phuket-thailand/

Rebecca Smith
Phuket Ocean Villas
http://www.phuketoceanvillas.com

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