The CBD used to be a craft beer desert, where tumbleweeds rolled past the CCTV Headquarters and the idea of stumbling across an IPA was a mere fantasy. But Hotel Jen’s Beersmith, which opened here last year, has put an end to that. Now, even suits in Guomao can enjoy the bittersweet taste of craft beer and pub food while watching live music or sports.
Tanker Brew Club in Dawanglu has, well, joined the club. It now holds the record for Brewpub Closest to a Subway Stop (sorry, Legend), sitting on the doorstep of Dawanglu station, its glowing cinema-esque signage a beacon of light in the dreary buildingscape.
The ground floor houses tanks – empty for now, though in time they will hold Tanker’s craft brews, we’re told – while the first floor is split into a bar area and a room filled with a dozen tables and a projector screen. The design is homely, rocking more of a neighborhood pub feel, with concrete-washed walls and wood and black accents.
Image via Dominique Wong/That's Beijing
And the beer? There are 16 taps altogether, including one apple cider, and the majority are sourced from other Mainland breweries, though there are four in-house brews. Unfortunately, three of these are sold out during our visit (a good sign, perhaps), so we are left with Tanker’s own ‘Leisurely Year of Fate Weiss’ (RMB45). Sweet and smoky, the mild wheat beer is something you can indeed drink at leisure, though it lacks refinement.
Of the others we try, Urbräu’s Captain IPA (from Hebei, RMB50) is our favorite – perfectly hoppy and flavorful, while the Vanilla Coffee Stout (by Beijing’s NBeer, RMB55) is a strong pick-me-up. And if you’re feeling peckish there’s obligatory pub grub like fries and popcorn chicken.
Tanker is off to a good start. We appreciate the chill, non-judgy vibes and the fact that it offers another solid craft beer option for those living (or working) down south. Though considering the pub is yet to brew at full capacity, another visit is in order to see if there’s more left in the tank.
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