Coming from an Asian American household, I grew up with my relatives drinking Tsing Tao which is Chinese beer. It was floral and light. My parents sipped on this on family banquets as the preferred beer for these occasions. That was about 20 years ago. Today, there are a variety of craft beers that come from all over the United States but none has truly captured what Asian Beer should be. That is until recently when Michael Le and his group created Asian Brother’s Brewing Company. Asian Brothers Brewing Co. has created a line of up of truly Hmong, Laos, and Vietnamese beers that captured the essence of the boat people. The boat people were people from Southeast Asia searching for asylum from the government during the Vietnamese war from 1953 to 1974. The Boat people included natives from Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Additionally, the Iumien/Mien people. These groups of people represented the search for a better life and away from the traumatic past of the war. Michael Le tells a story with the beer that he provides to the community of Sacramento.
Beer
The beer at Asian Brothers Brewing Co. is what makes this place a unique experience. The current beers are definitely super good. Beer is something I try everywhere and anywhere I am. I am definitely a beer enthusiast and try all sorts of beers every time I travel to different countries and cities. The beer here does not disappoint; each was unique in their own way. Each beer has a story behind it as Asian Brothers Brewing Co. wanted to share the history of the Boat People to their customers.
Using beer as a platform, each beer has a story behind it. Michael Le happily talks about the beer with a passion. Hmong beer is definitely a winner; it sells out all the time. As with the Vietnamese beer, it pairs well with Vietnamese food and tasty. The same with Laos beer with the tropical flavors behind it. Asian Brothers Brewing Co. aims to ensure that the quality of each beer holds up to its names. Definitely come here when you are in Sacramento.
The Bull – Hmong Beer
The bull is a light pilsner that is made specifically for the dedication of Hmong families and history. It reminded me a full tasting beer and it complimented the food they served here.
54 – Saigon Street Beer
This is another light beer that pairs well with Vietnamese food. It’s a nice lager and light enough to enjoy with a range of different food. You can definitely taste the Saigon Street inspiration in this beer.
Nyiaj Kub Pale Ale – Hmong Beer
This Hmong beer is definitely a great pale ale. It finishes well with a sweet note and softly textured. Inspired by mango kush, this beer is dedicated to the November harvest which coincides with the Hmong New Year.
75 – Vietnamese Tropical IPA
The 75 is definitely my favorite as it was full in flavor with nice hints of fruits (and durian!). This beer is a tribute to U.S. exit of the Vietnamese War in 1975.
Lao Jungle – Lao Beer
The Lao Jungle is a rich IPA with strong hints of citrus and white peach. This beer is inspired by the backyards of the families in Laos which are jungles.
Coming Soon
With Asian Brothers Brewing Co. growing even more since it opened, the new beers that will soon be released are the Dark Weasel Stout and the ’68. The Dark Weasel Stout is inspired by coffee stouts and Kopi Luwak (Weasel Poop Coffee). Definitely, this beer is super unique and when it releases, this will most likely sell out fast. One important thing to note, the other, the ’68 is a honey blond that is dedicated to the Americanized Vietnamese. This is expected to have hints of orange and lychee.
What makes this place special?
One of the best aspects of this establishment is what they do for the community. Just about every night, the place fills with people for all different occasions. On the day I interviewed Michael Le, the place was filled with people celebrating a Thai wedding. There was dancing, singing, and, of course, drinking. People are awesome here and super friendly. On another night I visited, it was Hmong New Year and the place was packed with people celebrating the day by dancing and singing to live Hmong music. It was truly a great experience. There’s always something happening here, expect to be blown away with the culture here.
