Taiwan Beer

Jun 21st, 2008
by Wattsy.

If you were after a beer in Taiwan prior to the late 1990s you had only one choice and that was Taiwan Beer, a brand made by Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor who was state run and had a 99% market share thanks to strict importing laws. Today things are different with imported beer being allowed to be sold in the country although Taiwan Beer still has a very healthy market share. We are not sure if you can find this one outside Taiwan, they did attempt to export it to China once but Chinese copyright law makers who say you cannot name a product after a region of China stopped the plan from going ahead. It was a strange move strange considering China’s Tsing Tao is named after a town in China. Taiwan Beer has been brewed since 1945 with around 35 million liters brewed each month, the beer has won several international beer awards in recent years. If you have seen this one outside Taiwan hit up our comment form below.

Posted in: Asia.
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  • ' rel='nofollow K. Mitchell

    Yesterday I bought a six of Taiwan Beer “blue” (what’s the difference between them?), though they had both styles, at the Ranch 99 market in the Clairemont Mesa area of San Diego, CA, USA. For those who don’t know, Ranch 99 is an Asian specialty food grocery chain. This beer is extremely smooth and easy drinking, kind of like some Japanese beers I’ve had, and I love the product design — that’s why I bought it. Love the weblog.

  • ' rel='nofollow Dan

    I was a student in Taiwan in the early 80′s. At that time, you could also buy Heineken, Schmidt’s of Philadelphia . (A military transaction allowed the importation)..I recall some hellacious hangovers from Taiwan Beer..

    I have heard you can get it in New York’s Chinatown.

  • ' rel='nofollow Josh

    Taiwan beer is god awful. Most foreigners who live in Taiwan spend their time trying to avoid this beer. Due to Taiwan’s high tax on imported beer, however, this still remains difficult.

  • ' rel='nofollow Dan

    I’m a fan of Gold Label Taiwan beer. I live in New York and have kept an eye out for it, but so far no luck. I’m going to do a thorough search in Flushing, Queen and China town this summer, though.

  • ' rel='nofollow Kuo

    @Dan, any luck with the search in New York? I too am keen to buy some here… I wish they sell Taiwan beer in pubs & bars on tap. I’ve only so far seen one Taiwan beer tap in my life and that is at Taoyuan Airport — but they don’t actually let you buy the beer! You can only get it if you purchase something in the shop.

    Not a very forward-thinking marketing strategy if you ask me….

  • ' rel='nofollow Fio

    Taiwan Beer will be coming to NYC soon. Keep an eye out.

  • ' rel='nofollow Duval

    I have heard that Taiwan Beer regular (in the cool blue cans) and Taiwan Gold Medal Lager will be available on the east coast very soon.

    I can’t wait, those are some of the most cleanest refreshing tasting beers I have ever tasted, but I could only buy while visiting California and pack in my suitcase.

  • ' rel='nofollow Sean

    Hey NYC’ers, looks like Taiwan Beer is here. I saw it at the Whole Foods Beer room on Houston St. and they serve it at a cool little Taiwanese joint on Orchard St just below Houston.

    Brings back memories indeed.

  • ' rel='nofollow mixedpalate

    Taiwan Beer is a symbol of street food culture in Taiwan and most of people from there who are 21+ grew up with it.
    Finally in New York, I came across it at Xiao Ye and talked to the manager. Apparently Taiwan Beer was relaunched just a few months ago and has worked hard on the distribution. Support Taiwan Beer by asking the deli around you to carry it!

  • ' rel='nofollow million tastebuds

    Xiao Ye is closed now but if you live around Williamsburg, you can find it in Khim’s supermarket on Driggs Ave between n. 10th & 11th st

  • ' rel='nofollow Crazyjack07

    The whole foods on Houston carries them. I can’t believe I been missing out! time to pack a cart! Ppl def should give a try if you’re having chinese food