Taipei Travel

I do not know whether the brewery has tours for visitors. If so, that would be a plus. But the reason I go to the brewery is to buy beer. It's a brewery. What other reason is a good one? This is a government-run enterprise, so do not be surprised that the interior decorator hired to doll up the store and the plaza out front was assigned the task by a boss in the accounting department. Gotta count those beans. Anyhow, I am a fan of Taiwan Beer, and have been for decades, since before the time the state monopoly dropped the monopoly part of the name and imports came flooding in. The brewery had to face competition from different styles of beer, and did pretty well. Now, in addition to the old standby (Taiwan Beer), another lager has joined the line up (Gold Medal Taiwan Beer). The Gold is ok, and stands up very well to the likes of Heineken and Peroni regular, but I still prefer "Classic" Taiwan Beer. This is a very nice beer. If you like Pabst, this is the beer for you when you visit the island. Yes, I am American. The plant also puts out a very popular draft beer named "18 Day Draft Beer" that is welcome everywhere and is really refreshing on a hot day. Taiwan has a lot of hot days, so being refreshed often is a good thing. People who like wheat beers will, I think, be happy with the Taiwan version. I don't know much about wheat beers, and to each his or her own, but this Taiwan product is sturdy and sweetish in a non-cloying way.

I stopped at the Taipei Brewery for a quick beer as it is surprisingly difficult to find places in Taiwan that serve Taiwan beer from the tap. They do offer tours but it looked like a hassle for a non-Taiwanese to organize one. The patio seating area is pleasant for a drink or two however no food is available except for packaged snacks. A good selection of bottled products are also available for consumption on the premises.

Taiwan Beer is made at the Taipei Brewery of malted barley, hops, yeast and water -- and home-gown ponlai rice. The ponlai rice gives Taiwan beer its unique flavor. Taiwan Beer will take a good chill, essential in a warm climate. The beer has a healthy head and is a rich golden amber in hue. Taiwan Beer comes in two varieties -- Classic, the original recipe, and Gold Medal. Taiwan Beer has won a number of international trophies. The Gold Medal is known as "Jin Pai." By the way, about 80 percent of beer sold in Taiwan is Taiwan Beer. There was a craze for mainland Chinese beer for a while, but it soon blew itself out.

Im not sure if I went to the wrong part. All I found was an old shop with many different types of beers in it to buy. Which I didn't because I think they were the same prices as 7-11. Staff were not interested in helping or serving customers

If you need a package store this is the place for you. It's a brewery. Period. Wait bunch of old creepy guys out front drinking. Couple of spots around back to include an Irish pub.