As highlighted in a feature in Post Magazine last month, the craft beer revolution that has gripped other parts of the world is tentatively, belatedly, spilling over into Hong Kong.
Judging by the annual Beertopia festival (whose founder, Jonathan So Shing-bong, told us there are now some 400 types of beer available in Hong Kong), a nascent micro-brewing sector, new importers and distributors, and the host of bars, restaurants and bottle shops now stocking lesser-known craft brews from around the world, beer culture seems to be taking hold in this city.
Accordingly, nine of the city's beer movers and shakers have combined forces to form a new body: the Craft Beer Association of Hong Kong, or CBAHK. The association held its launch party last Saturday at The Globe bar in SoHo, attracting 150 craft-beer enthusiasts. Its goals are to "promote and protect" craft beer in Hong Kong, which involves introducing it to more outlets and ensuring it is handled and transported properly from brewery to fridge or tap.
The founders (who include So) hope to unite importers, distributors, retailers, brewers and consumers via mailing lists and regular events. By operating a membership system, they aim to rally interest and expand a ready market. Membership costs HK$100 a year for individuals, HK$500 for companies.
CBAHK chairman and director of The Globe Toby Cooper compared the craft-beer sector with an overheated wine market in Hong Kong, pointing out that the former offers much easier access and has greater appeal among younger drinkers. He has a point - a pint of beer might cost you upwards of HK$75 in this city, but compared with a bottle of Chateau Lafite, that's a drop in a big keg.