Tired of Tsingtao and Yangjing? But don’t feel like springing 25rmb for a good beer? This is a common dilemma for Beijing Beer lovers, that of being stuck between beer that doesn’t quite cut it for flavor and an empty wallet. Luckily southern China, specifically Guangdong, has come to the rescue. A brand by the name of Blue Diamond, popular in the south, finally has a foothold here in Beijing. In the past year, this little brand has gone from being found sporadically at random corner shops, to being available throughout the city.

The label offers a standard Blue Diamond beverage, but also gives us a nice cheap stout alternative. The stout isn’t really a stout in the sense of what you’d find in Europe, but it does have flavor and some kick to it. A professed lover of British Beers, David Friesen is a long time Beijinger and the United Nations of Beer China Delegate. He has done his best to try what China has to offer and also taken the time to weigh in on this beer. He enjoys the beer by China standards and describes it as “a sort of malty, coffee tasting mild stout with a thin consistency.” At 4.7% ABV the beer is also a little stronger, so you get the best of both worlds. You can find the beers at some normal grocers these days including Carrefour for 3.8rmb a can.

DETAILS

What: Blue Diamond Stout Beer

Where: Carrefour

How Much: ￥3.8