Craft Beer Bali: How To Find A Great Beer In Bali
In the heat of a Balinese day, a Bintang is often all you need to cool down and feel refreshed.
But if you have a more discerning palate and want to examine the craft beer options here in Bali, you’ll be pleased to learn that the local beers are plentiful and tasty.
Craft beer has really come into its own in Bali in recent years and here’s our quick guide to the best beer brands.
The 10 Best Craft Beer Venues And Producers In Bali
Black Sand Brewery
This brewery opened in 2019 and it’s in Batu Bolong, Canggu. They offer a range of 8 different beers from a German-style Kolsch, to their own IPA and Summer Pale Ale.
We stock Black Sand’s Kolsch at FINNS and it’s one of our most popular craft offerings.
South & East Brewing
South and East have over 24 tap beers on hand all of which are locally made and their bar in Kerobokan is always packed with beer enthusiasts.
Watch out for the Ginger Beer which is far more alcoholic than you’d expect and their exciting Barrel Aged Stout.
Stark Craft Beer
Stark Beer is great and they were the first people to brew a premium craft beer on the island.
They use spring water from Batu Karu Mountain to ensure the quality of the end product.
Lola’s Tap Craft Beer
Lola’s carries 18 taps of craft delight and they are all brewed here in Bali. They stock Kura-Kura and Island Brewing’s Small Haze.
If you’re in Sanur and looking for a great beer or even a home-brewed cider that really hits the spot, you can’t go wrong.
Ape Club
This place in Uluwatu just opened in 2023 and they brew their own draft beers and serve them here too.
Check out the Sunset Ale, Bored Hazy and Club Nusa Blonde, they’re all great and there’s an IPA in the pipeline too! We can’t wait to try that.
Shotgun Social
Sanur’s Shotgun Social began as a family restaurant back in 2020 but swiftly transformed to meet its customers’ demands for great beer.
They have all the finest craft beer from around Bali and there’s even an amazing 1.3 liter Growler size to drink from! You can’t ask for more than that, particularly if you want to share.
Canard Taproom
This Legian-based bar is all about bringing beers up to date for the ladies on the island. It’s sleekly decorated and has its own microbrewery on site.
They even offer a tasting menu with all of their beers paired with foods for extra enjoyment.
We loved the Porter which was paired with a chicken liver pate spread on a toasted brioche! Yum
Kura Kura
The brewery is out in Plaga and they produce four different types of beer (an Easy Ale, a lager, an Island Ale and an IPA).
Every beer is guaranteed to contain only malt, hops, yeast and water, no additives are guaranteed.
You can try Kura Kura beers at FINNS Beach Club in Canggu. You don’t have to go where it’s brewed.
Islands Of Imagination
This is one of the biggest breweries here in Bali and we stock several of their beers here at FINNS.
Keep an eye out for their Summer Pale Ale which is ideal during the heat of the day.
Lion Brewery Co.
This North Bali-based brewery only opened its doors in 2022 and they’re a fully sustainable brewery!
Try the New England Session IPA wherever you find it, it’s awesome.
FAQs
Is Bintang Beer A Craft Beer?
No, Bintang is a mass-produced local beer. It’s made by the same company, PT Multi Bintang Indonesia Tbk, that produces Heineken in Indonesia.
It’s a pale lager with a golden hue that is meant to be served at a temperature of about 7 degrees. The name Bintang means “star” and that’s why there’s a red star on the cans.
There are now several other forms of Bintang including Bintang Radler, Bintang Zero (an alcohol-free version) and Bintang Crystal.
Other mass-produced beers that are popular in Bali include Bali Hai Beer, Prost Beer, Anker Beer and Draft Beer.
What Is The Most Popular Beer In Bali? What Is The Most Popular Beer In Indonesia?
Bintang Beer is the most popular beer in Bali and in Indonesia as a whole.
It’s a firm favourite at the bars and beach clubs around the island and this may have something to do with the high alcohol prices on the island – Bintang Beer is usually much cheaper than craft beer or imported beer.
If you want a Bali beer souvenir, then it’s very easy to find shirts with the Bintang star on the front, which are a huge hit with tourists.
However, there’s much more to the beer scene in Bali than Bintang and in recent years locals and expats alike have been turning to craft beers which have become more reasonable in price and quality as they gain in popularity.
How Much Is A Beer In A Bar In Bali?
It depends on the size of the beer, the brand and the place where you’re buying it. You can buy a small Bintang for 20,000 IDR or less in one of the minimarts dotted around the island.
But you would expect to pay around 50,000 IDR for a beer in a bar and maybe as much as 100,000 IDR for a large beer in a more exclusive venue.
Beer costs a little more in Indonesia compared to some other Southeast Asian nations as it’s an Islamic nation, but it’s still way cheaper than in most Western countries.
Does Bali Have Tap Beer?
Yes. You can find craft offerings and mass-produced offerings such as Bintang and Bali Hai on draft in many pubs and clubs on the island.
While some bars specialize in a huge range of tap beers, others will offer just a few popular beers.
However, this is still a market in its infancy and some brands disappear overnight as new ones join. Storm Beer recently closed down, sadly, for example.
Is San Miguel A Craft Beer?
No, San Miguel is a mass-produced beer from the Philippines as is Red Horse. They’re both common sights in Bali’s bars and mini-marts and on a hot day, they’re refreshing enough.
Where’s The Best Place To Enjoy A Beer In Bali?
FINNS Beach Club. It’s the world’s best beach club. It has a great range of craft beer including offerings from Kura Kura, Island Brewing and Black Sand Brewery.
There’s a happy hour every day from 8pm – 9pm if you want even more drinks for your money too!
Final Thoughts On Beer In Bali
There was a time when Stark Craft Beer was the only premium craft beer Bali had to offer.
Now, there are plenty of choices for the discerning drinker to enjoy and whether you want a dark wheat beer, a golden ale, a German lager, or an IPA, you will find it here in Bali.
If you’d like to try a range of great beers with the backdrop of one of the island’s best sunsets, why not come to FINNS and enjoy a cold one or two?
