Recently in Japan there has been a boom in domesticallymade and international craft beers. There are also local breweries in Cambodia, like Angkor. This time around I visited the popular HIMAWARI MICROBREWERY.

Himawari Hotel opened in 2005 along to Sap River, and started their brewery in 2012. 4 types of beer are made by their US trained Singaporean beer meister – Apsara Gold, Gem & Jade, OatS and CentenniALE.

Customers are made up 50/50 of locals and visitors to the hotel – those staying can enjoy 2 types of the beer straight from their mini bar (Apsara Gold, Gem & Jade). Some restaurants in Phnom Penh also order and stock HIMAWARI beers. When former U.S. president Obama visited Cambodia he made a special order for honey beer. They accept custom requests for original flavors – for parties and the like.

Each of the 4 beers has their own individual features. Apsara Gold (5% alc.) is popular with Asian drinkers as it is light and refreshing. Gem & Jade (also 5% alc.) is a German inspired option; bold and full flavored. CentenniALE (6.5% alc.) is invigorating like American beers, and has a similar pleasant after taste to Japanese beers. OatS (6.5% alc.) is a stout like Guinness, bitter and with a strong richness to enjoy.

There is one tank for each variety of beer – one batch is 200 liters. From preparation to completion, it takes about 1 month.

Apsara Gold won a bronze award at the International Beer Competition and Gem & Jade has won a silver prize an Asian Beer Awards.

The malt is sourced from Germany. Hops are imported from America, New Zealand and Australia. Using these top quality ingredients results in a unique and real tasting beer.

The beers are available from the main restaurant and an area at the back of the lobby. 30% off for HIMAWARI Beer on Happy hour, every evening from 4pm to 8pm.

In the beginning the beer was brewed by a Singaporean beer meister, but he has since handed the reins over to 2 Cambodian assistants.

In commemoration of 5 years since establishment, in June they are releasing Cashew Apple Craft Beer (40% cashew apple juice, 60% Aspara Gold).

HIMAWARI MICROBREWERY   

Tel: 016-871-766/756           

Open: 12:00-22:30 Every day

Add: HIMAWARI Hotel Apartments, No.313, Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh