An Introduction To Asia’s First Infusion Beer Lab, Alchemist Beer Lab

Not content to blend in with the rest, Little Island Brewing Co. took a huge innovative step this year. They have just opened Asia’s first and only “infusion beer lab”, Alchemist Beer Lab in downtown South Beach. Never have I thought I would want to grab a pint of Obama with a Hopdog. Don’t get me wrong. Those are just two out of eight of their unique (and, near crazy) infusion beers, alongside 8 other wines, ciders and, of course, ales, lagers and stout from Little Island Brewing Co.

But, whats a good pint without some hearty bar food to go with?

The easiest option? The Chacuterie platter (S$18/28), which features their Smoked Duck Liver Parfait (S$18). Sweet and creamy, it’s a makes quite a pair with a pint of their Motueka hops (New Zealand) infused Hopzilla (S$12/15). Rather different from their earlier Hopdog, a cascade hops infused lager, where the profile here is fresh, minty, with a hint of lemon citrus. An easy pint to start with, especially with a decadent platter of cured meats and the must-have Sticky Thai Chicken Wings (S$9 for 3 pieces).

Those who love their ciders will adore 50 Shades of Pink (S$12/15), a cider infused with pink guava. This refreshingly light tipple is an easy favourite and goes down well with a side of their Slow Cooked Pork Cheeks (S$16).

It is not to say, something a little heavier like the Obama (S$12/15) won’t do well with the heavier dishes either. With Little Island Brewing Co’s “that old black magic” nitro dry Irish stout as a base, they have dumped in a whole bunch of toasted marshmallows, vanilla and mint leaves. What you get is a decadently sweet mouthful (not words I use to describe stouts in general)! Call it a gateway stout, because soon enough, the table soon flooded with orders for Obama or “that old black magic” (S$12/15) as the night went on.

Call me basic, but I can’t help but yearn for something fried while having a beer. That’s where the Duck Fat Chips (S$12) come in. Chunky potato wedges flavoured with chipotle salt and served with a preserved lemon aioli. Skip the lemon aioli and just enjoy the crisp yet fluffy potato, and, perhaps, with sips of the pineapple infused Ugly Sister Golden (S$12/15) ale.

The best way to round off a night of drinks has always been a satisfying bite into a burger or kebab – you know, drunk food. Alchemist settles it right there and then with the best dish off the menu, the Smoked Wagyu Brisket Tortilla (s$16). I decided to go back to the basics for this, with a pint of their “that old black magic”. Ah, what a perfect pair they make.

In all honesty, I was not expecting such a well thought out menu from Alchemist Beer Lab. They are, first and foremost, an “infusion beer lab” and I did not want to be distracted. Still, Executive Chef John Edwards did a splendid job. The dishes complimented the taps, and vice versa.  As I left, the only regret I have is not slyly packing those beautiful cups into my bag. Alchemist Beer Lab, you need to start selling those glasses.

Jessica Chan

Jessica is a young lady of many obsessions. She gets herself into everything ranging from the latest in the monochrome fashion world (she only wears black, and sometimes, white) to convincing the masses that Community is the best TV series ever made.

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