They said life would never be the same again after terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center almost 20 years ago, and it wasn’t. To cite just a few examples, by now we’re all used to increased surveillance, heightened militarization, tighter security checks, and the radical changes to commercial aviation that followed 9/11, but as time passes it becomes easier to forget just how seismic that day was for modern-day society. Everything changed, and what followed was a long, painful period of adjustment to the “new normal.”
Although far, far more devastating than 9/11 in many ways—particularly in direct loss of human life—the COVID-19 pandemic is another global event that will change everything. Life won’t be the same after we come out of this. We will adjust, eventually, and eventually some positives will emerge from this present-day scourge.
This probably isn’t the introduction you expected for a list of Singapore craft beer delivery options. But if we’re searching for rays of light at the moment, mining for positivity of any kind, one small yet significant (at least for the craft beer world) development wrought by the pandemic was the opportunity, born of necessity, for breweries, beer bars, and bottle shops around the world to launch, tweak, and/or refine their delivery platforms. Even as some venues reduce or suspend their services as demand drops, the experience is invaluable because, again, things will never be the same again.
This period of change includes how we’ll shop, particularly in Southeast Asia. According to a Facebook Business study released in June 2020 in partnership with Bain & Company, at least 80-percent of consumers who’ve made more packaged grocery purchases online since April plan to continue doing so even after things settle down. At the same time, the number of new sellers at online retailer Lazada has more than doubled; in short, eCommerce has exploded and it’s never going away.
As I write this in early August, a month after Singapore properly exited its tedious Circuit Breaker period, few people are “craft beer panic-buying” like they were in April and May (yours truly included). Throughout this pandemic I’ve used Thirsty’s IPA section to get a loose pulse of the delivery demand, and what I’ve seen is that while new shipments there often sold out within a week or so a few months ago, all but a few specific beers have stayed put for some time since late June. This isn’t exact science and just one example, but I bet this is most craft beer retailers’ experience.
As I’ve said before, though, there will always be times that call for Singapore craft beer delivery—that much will never change—so here are the breweries, brewpubs, bottle shops, and beer bars offering it. Support your local(s).
Craft Breweries & Brewpubs
Alive Brewing: Along with Wild Brew, Sunbird Brewing Co, and Civilization Brewing Co, Alive Brewing is one of four craft breweries that launched during that lovely period of time we’ll fondly remember as Circuit Breaker 2020. We genuinely applaud the chutzpah of all four parties. More importantly, we’re big fans of Alive’s debut offerings, particularly the hazy False Sense of Security session IPA and Little Xtra XPA. Get ‘em direct by the bottle, six-, or 12-pack with free delivery on $85+ orders, or $6 otherwise.
Binjai Brew: NTU’s one-time bad boys of craft brewing (at least in the eyes of school officials) are fully legal these days and offering several mix-and-match options of the brewery’s somewhat eclectic three-beer core range, along with seasonals. Order at least a six pack for free delivery in one to three days; anything less and it’s $8 for next-day delivery.
Brewerkz: Singapore’s longest-running brewpub has offered home delivery for some time, but in recent-ish times expanded its webshop to include seasonals and specials. Everything is sold in six packs and/or cartons, while a select few core beers can also be had in five-liter mini kegs. Since early April, Brewerkz finally ironed out its prehistoric delivery terms—only free for orders of at least $300 and otherwise $30 for shipment in two working days—to offer complimentary delivery on $100+ orders and $15 for everything under.
Brewlander: After brewing much of its beer in Cambodia since its 2017 debut, Brewlander is bringing it back to Singapore with its own brewery in late 2020. Big changes are indeed on the horizon, including a pivot to canning, a barrel-aging program, and the eventual return of the popular Courage Double IPA. For now grab singles, six packs, and cartons of Brewlander’s six core beers, seasonals, and Fringe Project releases. It’s free same-day delivery on weekdays for $69+ orders placed by 1pm; if you miss the cut it’ll be there the following day.
Crossroads Brewing: Speaking of contract breweries, Crossroads Brewing offers some of the better bulk values in town with cases of its four core beers and two ciders at just $96. Several beers from Hong Kong Beer Company are here, too, along with a handful of rums and gins. Order by 12pm for same-day $15 delivery, or it’s otherwise $10 for next-day service.
C R U S T: C R U S T, the brewery that brews with leftover breads from local F&B venues, has home delivery of all of its flagships and collaborations, the latter of which have included ales brewed with Tiong Bahru Bakery, The 1925 Brewing Co, and Edible Garden City. Spend at least $70.30 (essentially any 12 pack) for free delivery, or it’s $15.
LeVeL33: While some know LeVeL33 as the so-called “highest urban craft brewery” in the world, this CBD brewpub is of course most famous for its riveting feature story here on Beer Travelist. LeVeL33’s delivery menu features burgers, snacks, bottled wines, and its own beers, including fancy 750ml bottles of LeVeL33 Brut Beer 2018 (brewed with Champagne Barons de Rothschild yeast) and mixed packs with other Singapore craft breweries. Delivery is free for $80+ orders and for destinations within a 500-meter radius of Marina Bay Financial Centre; otherwise it’s $15.
Lion Brewery Co: Originally founded in London in 1836 at a time when IPA became all the rage, Lion Brewery Co resurrected the brand in 2018 with footprints in both London and Singapore. The webshop has all kinds of shit—mixed packs of the three core beers, 20-liter kegs, ice buckets, stubby holders, a “pub in a box,” you name it. There’s free next-day delivery for $90+ orders, and a 10-percent discount on your first order if you subscribe to the mailing list.
Little Creatures Brewing Singapore: This franchise of the Fremantle-based brewery has everything from pizzas and burgers to four of the mothership’s bottled core beers available for delivery. Alternately, drop a WhatsApp message to 9058 4867 to order in 1.25-liter bombers whatever the brewpub has fresh on tap ($29.90+). Get that order in by 2pm for same-day delivery by 7pm.
Little Island Brew Co: Public opinion on Little Island Brew likely falls into two categories: those who love its “convenient” location at Changi Village on Singapore’s far eastern shore and those who curse it. We wish delivery was the solution for those of us in the latter group, but unfortunately it’s only for those who are diehard fans of the food—none of the consistently solid beers are available. Oh well.
Off Day Beer: Just about everything you need to know about Off Day Beer is covered in our story on the Jurong craft brewery. Off Day launched with four core beers, and has since released several seasonals—whatever is available at the moment is usually offered in 16 packs, sometimes less if it’s on the fancy end. There’s merch, too, and free same-day delivery on $99+ orders.
Paulaner Bräuhaus: The local branch of this German-style restaurant and brewpub chain has what looks to be just about its entire menu available for delivery. It includes the bottled lager, weissbier, and dunkel by the six and 20 pack. There’s a $60 threshold for delivery; fees vary.
Pink Blossoms Brewing: We’ve got the story on this Ubi craft brewery that “celebrates beautiful things in life”—particularly heavily hopped ales—for your reading pleasure here. As for delivery, Pink Blossoms has six packs, cartons, and 64oz. growlers made from Kryptonite, the latter of which can be ordered with or without beer in them. The minimum order for delivery is $95.
RedDot BrewHouse: Singapore’s oldest locally owned craft brewery has mix-and-match 12-packs of its bottled six-beer core range, including our favorite, Sauvignon Ale, as well as that notorious Monster Green Lager, which is the color of Ecto Slime. Delivery is free for $59+ orders or otherwise there’s a $30 fee, so, yeah… plan to spend at least 59 bucks. All orders are processed in two or three working days.
Rye & Pint Brewery: Our friends and one-time collaborators has its solid six-beer core range, which includes the Poppin’ Haze IPA and Star Gazin’ Session IPA, available by the six pack, case, and mixed case. Totes, hats, and tees are up, too. It’s free delivery for $80+ orders or $15 otherwise.
Sunbird Brewing Co: Like a few other others, owner Clive Tan—who previously brewed at the Heineken Asia Pacific-owned Archipelago Brewery—launched Sunbird Brewing in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. And like the others, we love the bravery. The brewery’s four cores and seasonals are available by the bottle, six-, and 24-pack; delivery fees vary.
The 1925 Brewing Co: We were a little disappointed when The 1925 gave up its lovely location in an old Jalan Besar shophouse in favor of Joo Chiat, but such is life. The brewpub offers its core range, along with the occasional seasonal or limited-edition brew, by the bottle or in six- or 24-packs. Shipping is free on $150+ orders, $8 for everything down to $50, and $15 for less than $50. If you’re after The 1925’s food for delivery it’s here.
Trouble Brewing: All six of Trouble’s core beers are available by the six- or 24-pack, starting at $30 for the former and just $77 for the latter; no cartons are more than $85. Several liquors, hard seltzers, and bottled cocktails are offered, too. Spend at least $60 for free same-day delivery on orders placed before 5pm.
Wild Brew: This conservation-minded craft brewery that partners with Singapore’s Nature Society launched with a 5.4% pale ale it describes as a “US West Coast / Aussie-style pale ale that meets Singaporean sensibility.” That’s quite a mouthful, but the appealing mix of Galaxy, Mosaic, and Motueka helps the beer go down a treat. Get it delivered by the bottle in six-, 12-, or 24-packs; delivery fees vary.
Young Master Brewery: The first overseas outlet from Hong Kong’s Young Master Ales now offers delivery on merch and cases of some of the brewery’s core beers. Vouchers good for discounted boozing at The Guild—Young Master’s bistro on Keong Saik Road—are available, too. Delivery is free for $160+ orders and otherwise $30.
Singapore Craft Beer Delivery: Bottle Shops
Artisan Selections: This online retailer specializes in Australian foods and beverages. The beer section is of particular interest for our purposes—at the moment six packs and cartons from Aussie craft brewers Barossa Valley Brewery and Goodieson Brewery are available. Some beers are paired with chocolate, too. Everything ships directly from Australia, so you’ll have to cover booze taxes and duties; everything is priced in Australian dollars.
Beer Force: Formerly the brick-and-mortar Holland Village branch of Thirsty (below), the rebranded Beer Force stocks craft beers from more than 60 local and international breweries, including Beer Travelist favorites like Garage Project and Rocky Ridge Brewing Co, and American cult brewer Jester King Brewery. Check the website for monthly specials. Free same-day delivery is offered for those who spend at least $100 by 4pm; it’s $10 for everyone else.
Craft Beer Singapore: A longtime go-to option for bulk purchases—we wish the rewards program would come back—this is the wholesale service from Eastern Craft Trading, the import/distribution company also behind JiBiru Japanese Craft Beer Bar, Malthouse, and The Good Beer Company. Selection varies, but everything is sold by the case and at least a few options from Hitachino Nest, BrewDog, Fourpure Brewing Co, and Gweilo Beer are usually available. Shipping is free for $100 orders and up and otherwise $10. It’s worth noting that a wider variety of beers from these and other breweries in Eastern Craft’s portfolio are now also available by the bottle via FairPrice.
Craft Beer SG: In one corner we have aforementioned Craft Beer Singapore, which lives at craftbeer.sg and offers, well, just read the blurb above this one. In the other corner we have, uh, Craft Beer Singapore, which lives at craftbeersg.com, not does not deal in wholesale (i.e. cases), but does sell BrewDog, Hitachino Nest, and other beers imported and distributed by Eastern Craft Trading. Confused? I think that’s partly the point, though these two sites are definitely not managed by the same company (For the record, the former came first, not that it matters.) This CBS has a full booze range—wines, liquors, macro lagers—to complement its extensive craft beer selection. Delivery is free for $60+ orders.
Elixir Code: You know you’re living some version of the high life when you can have bottles from Serbian craft breweries Kabinet Brewery and Visibaba Brew delivered to your door at less than $10 a pop. That’s exactly what Elixir Code offers at the moment, along with Moldovian wines, Slovenian liquors, and—way closer to home—Singaporean meads. It’s free delivery for $100+ orders.
Great Beer Experiment: Originally launched in Bukit Timah’s nice-while-it-lasted Pasarbella, The Great Beer Experiment relocated to Wheelock Place but now seems to have moved strictly online. Along with Druggists, this is another venue under The Drinking Partners umbrella, so expect beers from the likes of Boon, Magic Rock Brewing, Brouwerij de Molen, and local cats Rye & Pint. The webshop has free same-day delivery on all $100+ orders ($20 otherwise).
Hop Shop: Hop Shop is a small basement boutique in kind-of-amazing Bukit Timah Plaza that holds its weight quite well. Here you’ll find one of Singapore’s better range of craft beers, as well as a good variety of wines and liquors. Modest five-percent discounts on six items or more and 10-percent on at least 24 items applies; every little bit counts these days. Get free delivery on $100+ or pay $10 on everything less.
Juju Brews: Juju is the first import/distribution operation dedicated to Korean craft beers. For its August 2020 debut it unveiled an interesting range of styles across seven breweries, including Playground Brewery, Gorilla Brewing Co, and Amazing Brewing Co. With Magpie Brewing Co also soon touching down via a different distributor, Korea’s growing craft beer movement seems ready to make a long-term mark on the Lion City. Delivery is free for $99+ orders (order by 2pm for same-day service) and $15 otherwise.
Premium Reserve: Largely specializing in top-shelf whiskies, vodkas, and other spirits, Premium Reserve is now also the exclusive importer and distributor of beers from Hong Kong’s Moonzen Brewery. At least eight of the brewery’s beers are available by the bottle or in six- to 24-packs. Delivery is free for $70+ orders and $4.90 otherwise.
Subscribeers: This subscription service offers “$100 worth” of beers from local craft breweries for $88 a month, including delivery. At the time of publication Subscribeers drew its monthly collection from a pool that featured 21 breweries, including several listed elsewhere here. Breweries and bottle shops in other parts of the world have offered a subscription service for awhile now—including, for one, the good people of London’s Hop Burns & Black—but aside from Brewlander (above) Subscribeers is the only one doing it here at the moment. This is perfect for those into mystery packs and looking for an easy way to keep up with what’s brewing in Singapore.
Temple Cellars: UE Square isn’t the first place to which most people would think to flock for anything beyond utilitarian needs, but Temple Cellars is an anomaly in these parts with its modern space decked out in tall communal tables and two-seater couches. We’re most concerned with delivery here, however, and the shop offers it for free in one hour on orders of at least $199; there are five other very specific delivery options here. Temple Cellars bests Thirsty, below, for Best Overall Selection honors, though there are fewer bulk discounted options compared to its closest competitor. It does have a better variety of wines and liquors, however, and is periodically doing exclusive air-freighted beers these days.
Thirsty Beer Shop: Thirsty’s delivery offer can’t be beat—free same-day service for $49+ orders placed before 2pm or the next day if you miss the deadline. (It’s $10 for orders less than $49.) Thirsty’s specialty is American craft breweries, with a particular focus on Coronado Brewing Co, Green Flash Brewing Co, Kona Brewing Co, and Lost Coast Brewery. Shopping here is a cinch, and discounts of at least 10-percent apply for bulk buys, which is helpful since Thirsty has a great selection of cases.
TSA Wines: Wines aren’t the only thing that “taste so awesome” here. Though the overall craft beer selection is somewhat limited, Brasserie Dupont, North Coast Brewing Co, and St. Bernadus are among the most notable breweries still available. Discounts are offered on bulk purchases of at least 24 bottles/cans. It’s free shipping for $100+ orders.
Craft Beer Bars
Almost Famous: To just order beer from the CHIJMES taproom “conceptualized with minimalism in mind,” hit the menu for a solid selection of bottles, cans, and 330ml draft beer pours and follow the instructions to pre-order by WhatsApp. There’s a 15-percent discount on any four bottles/cans and 20-percent on any eight; island-wide beer delivery is $10 per order. Via Chope there’s also a more limited range of packaged craft beer to go with eats that include chili crab fries, sriracha wings, and tom yum gyoza. The latter option is only available Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm – 8pm, however, and some of Singapore’s further flung zip codes are left out (folks out there are likely used to the snub).
Druggists: Jalan Besar’s landmark beer bar delivers burgers, curry, chili crab fries, and other such delectables to pair with the booze. Poured fresh from up to 23 taps, draft beers come sealed in 500ml cups or one-liter bottles, and there are single and mixed packs of bottles and cans, too. Delivery is free for $65+ orders and $12 otherwise.
Freehouse: Everything available on draft at this 16-tap beer bar can be had at home in 640ml bombers at $25 a pop (or a few bucks more for fancier options). Check for promotions as discounts are regularly offered on select bombers. Pop some tacos, nachos, burgers, or fries into your order along with a few beers and you’ll be on your way to hitting the $99 threshold for free island-wide delivery ($10 otherwise).
Good Luck Beerhouse: This Haji Lane mainstay has gotten a wee creative with its delivery options. For example, local value cards sold in $120, $550, and $1,000 (!) denominations are essentially discounted deposits on future boozing. A cool grand buys 100 beers (so $10/per), $550 is good for 50 beers ($11/per), and so on. There are also shirts, shirt-value card combos, and sealed 640ml bombers at $25 a pop; the draft menu here leans heavily local. Orders of at least $120 score free one-hour delivery, while others get stuck with a $12 fee.
In Bad Co: Singles and mystery packs (4, 8, or 12 beers) of everything in stock is available Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 8pm. At the time of publication inventory ran about 50 beers deep and included some limited 750ml bottles from SweetWater Brewery’s Woodlands Circle series at $68/pop.
Malthouse: This neighborhoody hangout cuts deliveries daily at 5pm and doesn’t offer any of them on Fridays, so check the website for exact hours. When it is available, delivery includes the full food menu—pizzas, steak, tacos, bar bites—and a limited range of bottles and cans from the likes of BrewDog, Hitachino Nest, Gweilo Beer, and Fourpure Brewing Co. Delivery fees are from $8 – $20, depending on your location.
Nickeldime Drafthouse: As far as we can tell this 19-tapper in Novena doesn’t deliver beer but does offer pizzas, burgers, wine bottles, and more. Spend at least $150 to get free island-wide delivery, or it’s otherwise $8 ($50 min. order).
Sixteen Ounces Craft Beer Bistro: Check the food menu and beer list from this convivial bistro at Upper Bukit Timah’s Rail Mall, then spend at least $100 for free delivery. It’s otherwise $6 for everyone not in Tuas, Sentosa, Jurong Island, or more than 25km away—those folks are stuck with a $12 fee. Check for small discounts on mixed packs, growler/can combos, and other beer bundles, and note that you’ll have to order at least two 750ml bombers if you want draft beer.
TAP: Already offering the best drink-in deal in Singapore with $10 pints of everything on tap, TAP now has delivery of stainless steel 64oz. growlers filled with your choice of whatever is on tap for $60, which again is likely the best such deal in town. There are also rice bowls, pastas, quesadillas, and of course TAP umbrellas; bonus points to whomever can discern the visual difference between the burgers. Island-wide delivery is $7.25.
The World is Flat: Changi Airport isn’t exactly humming with passengers at the moment, so it’s a good time to support everyone’s favorite airport craft beer bar by ordering its decadent sandwiches, a few sides of fries, and some sweets for delivery. Delivery is free for $50+ orders or otherwise $9, and staff asks for a two-hour notice if possible.
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Lead photo credit diyben / Shutterstock.com. All pricing and services accurate as of August 2020.
This was compiled to the sounds of Jazz Classics Blue Note Edition.
