The craft beer phenomenon has taken the world by storm, and beyond the beer, the breweries themselves have become just as popular. Dedicated travel guides have popped up to inform international travelers who are self-proclaimed beer enthusiasts about where the best breweries (with pubs) are located, and people plan entire trips around the concept. Taiwan is not removed from this global demand, and as the island state’s local concierge we have compiled a list of three must visit craft breweries to wet your beak within.
3 Must Visit Craft Breweries with Tap Rooms in Taiwan (and how to get there)
Zhang Men Breweries
Multiple locations, Taiwan
We know, the last thing you think of when envisioning a quaint craft brewery is large franchise, but please don’t fault Zhang Men for their success. Their small batch philosophy is what led to big business soon after they established their first independent brewery in the Xizhi District of New Taipei City back in 2014. Here in 2019 (and beyond) their colorful (literally and figuratively) craft beer selection is unmatched in Taiwan. The original Xizhi brewery at Datong Road in the Xizhi District is open to visit, but you can find a Zhang Men Tap Bistro (a brewery with light menu) or a Tap Restaurant (brewery with a full menu) in the following locations:
- No.10, Ln. 4, Yongkang St., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106
- No.189-3, Sec. 6, Minquan E. Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei City 114
- No.16, Songgao Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City 110
- No.39, Sec. 1, Fuxing S. Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei City 105
- No.10, Wenhua St., East Dist., Hsinchu City 300
- No.490, Sec. 2, Taiwan Blvd., West Dist., Taichung City 403
- No.627, Sec. 4, Wenxin Rd., Beitun Dist., Taichung City 406
- No.257, Dongfeng Rd., North Dist., Tainan City 704
- No.17, Penglai Rd., Gushan Dist., Kaohsiung City 804
- No. 427, Minzu 1st Rd., Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung City 807
As you can see, no matter where in Taiwan you’re staying there is a Zhang Men brew pub near you, but a local guide can point you in the right direction when it comes to best times of day to enjoy or avoid crowds, and nearby amenities to check out before or after your leg of this brewery tour.
Taihu Brewing
Multiple locations (including an Airstream!), Taiwan
Taihu’s uncompromising mission statement is all you need to know before deciding whether or not it’s worth adding this brewery (with tap rooms) to your tour:
“No bullshit beer for people who want the good stuff” (Taihu Brewing)
Yes, indeed, Taihu has one of the funnest (and B.S. free) craft brewery offerings on the island. It all starts with the beer, and whether your preferences are smoked, soured, barrel aged, steeped, or born from clean classic pils, there is no denying the difference in the taste and texture that comes from superior raw materials and “elegant core brews”, as they so aptly put it. Of course, delivery is key to a great experience, and you won’t find a more eclectic collection of tap rooms to accompany the brewery, including their outdoor pub (Chuoyinshi Landmark), their expansive research and development facility with full beer menu (Chuoyinshi Taichung), and fan favorite Airstream mobile-tap-room. View all current locations here:
- Chuoyinshi Da’an at No. 34, Alley 27, Ren’ai Rd. Sec 4, Da’an Dist. Taipei
- Chuoyinshi Landmark at No. 68, Sec. 5, Zhongxiao E. Rd, Xinyi Dist., Taipei
- Chuoyinshi Taichung at No. 22 Zhongxing 1st Lane, West Dist.,Taichung
- Driftwood at No. 46 Kunming Street, Wanhua Dist., Taipei
- Tail Airstream (follow Taihu on Instagram for current Airstream location)
Again, each location is so diverse that we encourage you to visit them all, and why not pull it off in one glorious hops-filled day? Given that you certainly can’t drive yourself to these breweries, let a designated local guide take care of your craft brewery tour.
Redpoint Brewing Company
No. 132, Sec. 2, Fuxing South Road, Taipei
This brewery is for those seeking the western comforts that come from brew pubs on the other side of the pond. Redpoint was founded by a pair of Americans who have lived in Asia and Taiwan for over two decades (collectively), which equates an American style craft beer and food menu that translates extremely well in Taiwan. Whether you consider yourself an aficionado of lager, IPA, stout, pale ale, pilsner, wheat, or all of the above Redpoint has what you want and is known for pumping out some of the best on tap in Taiwan. The crowd at the Taipei Tap Room on Fuxing South Road is just as friendly and comforting as the menu – you’ll feel right at home no matter where you’re from.
Admittedly, we’ve just scratched the surface of craft breweries in Taiwan, and while you must absolutely add some combination of the above three brands on your brewery tour, there are some other hidden gems that only locals know about. Tap into a local resource by book the tour and connect to a local guide who can build your custom brewery tour, whether you’re an IPA or Pilsner. In addition, your guide may be able to organize a more in-depth tour of brewing facilities along the way, where allowed by the craft beer brand. Have questions? Reach out to us on Facebook and send us a message with your request.
