May 25th, 2011

The global demand trend amongst connoisseurs of beer for natural, “hand crafted” brews, has finally reached the shores of the Thai resort island of Phuket with the opening last year of the FULL MOON BREW WORK micro-brewery and restaurant. Located within a modern mall at the tourist town of Patong on Phuket, The FULL MOON BREW WORK is the first true micro-brewery to be established in Phuket- and also is distinguished by the founder’s theme of blending traditional German beer brewing techniques with local “Thai” ingredients to give a distinctive “Thai” taste to the craft beers.

The micro-brewery and restaurant are housed over two levels in a corner space of the Jungceylon mall complex in the bustling shopping and entertainment centre of Patong. The space is not large and provides an intimacy of scale that is lost in the more typical “beer barns” preferred by micro-brewers in most cities. This also means that the small batch “handcrafted” method of brewing is matched to a sustainable number of customers, and the beer served on tap is always freshly brewed on the premises. All the brewery processes are on full view to patrons of the restaurant and bar- with the gleaming copper stills and stainless steel tanks housed in a glassed off area adjacent to the main entrance.

The restaurant and bar area are served by a small bar in one corner, with both indoor and some outdoor tables next to the  large pond that runs through the centre of the mall- complete with timber Chinese junk. There is a lounge area upstairs which will be used for musical performances by a resident pianists.

The Thai founder/ brewmaster of FULL MOON BREW WORK has a background in the liquor industry, and underwent training in craft brewing techniques at an institute in Berlin.  What differentiates the craft beers at FULL MOON is the blending of locally sourced Thai ingredients with the traditional ingredients of malts and hops that are imported from Australia and Belgium. By adding local ingredients such as Thai GABA rice, Thai black sticky rice, and the peel of Thai tangerines, distinctive “Thai” flavours are achieved. The current selection of beers brewed at FULL MOON are three popular styles.

“PHUKET LAGER” is a pale golden beer in the refreshing German lager style, blending Australian crystal malt with Thai Gaba rice. The result is a light-bodied beer with a slight hint of hops, and a delicate sweet and malty aroma.

“DARK ALE” which is in the style of an English bitter ale, with added Thai black sticky rice to provide some extra body. The color is an amber red, with a foamy head. Ingredients include Australian crystal malt, caramel malt, chocolate malt- resulting in a medium bodied beer with caramel top notes and an after taste of dark chocolate and a hint of coffee.

The “ORIENTAL WHEAT” is similar to the classic Belgium “weiss” (wheat) beers- with a cloudy, pale color. Brewed from a combination of crystal malt, wheat and oatmeal with the added flavours of Thai tangerine orange peel and coriander to provide a subtle spiced citrus flavour.

In addition to the craft beers, the bar is also serving CRAFT COCKTAILS using fresh fruits. A good selection of premium spirits and some wines are also offered.

The food menu has been created to pair with the craft beers- some popular dishes include- Thai-style marinated crispy fried chicken wings; green leaf salad and lime oil dressing with flame grilled chicken; fish & chips with light beer batter; and half slab of ribs- flame grilled with Texas honey- served with vegetables and chips.

FULL MOON BREW WORK have a popular Happy Hour promotion – where pints of beer are sold at 100 baht.

The distinctive, natural craft beers of FULL MOON BREW WORK offer a refreshing alternative to the “mainstream” mass produced beers that have always been the beer of choice for tourists visiting Phuket. Now there is an option for those who prefer some subtlety to their beer tastes- and enjoy food dishes that have been thoughtfully created to pair with the flavours of the craft beers.

FULL MOON BREW WORK

Address: Jungceylone Shopping Center, 193 Unit #2110, 2210 Raj-u-thit 200 Pee Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand 83150
Tel: +66.76. 366 752
Website: www.fullmoonbrewwork.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/fullmoonbrewwork

Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday 11:00am – 12:00 midnight
Sundays 1:00pm – 12:00 midnight
Happy Hour: 4:00pm – 7:00pm    Pints of beer @ Baht100 each