Craft beer’s day in Guangzhou has arrived. It started humbly, four and a half years ago at a small pint shop in Wuyangcun called The Strand, where locally-made suds were dished out to quality beer-deprived expats. (Guangzhou's earliest foreign-owned and -operated craft beer destination was one of the first, if not the first, breweries to gain a devout following).
In the past year, an untold number of craft breweries, tap rooms and bottle shops have opened to quench the never-ending thirst of the city’s small-batch beer enthusiasts. One of Guangzhou’s newest craft locations is Rozz-Tox, located near the north end of Wuyangcun’s Chunfeng Lu, a stone’s throw from The Strand.
While technically not a new bar – Rozz-Tox was previously located on the fourth floor of celebrated Haizhu art space Loft345 – the Wuyangcun location is new, as is the addition of Rozz-Tox’s own craft beer label, Good Manners.
Six of the bar’s 24 taps are currently earmarked for the brand's signature brews, although only five were in stock during our recent visit.
The England IPA (5.6ABV, RMB65 per 470-milliliter glass) was our choice bevvy, starting with a mild honey-like sweetness that’s followed by a subtle, hoppy kick to the palate. Those that do not enjoy the sharpness often associated with IPAs may find this beer accessible; with 40IBU (International Bitterness Units) the England IPA is what we’ve dubbed ‘approachably hoppy.’
If you desire a slightly stronger concoction, opt for the American IPA (5.8ABV, RMB60), which boasts an IBU of 68. Each mouthful offers a heavy-hitting dose of bitters followed by a sophisticated herbal twist.
The Hoppy Lager (5.2ABV, RMB55) is a delightfully flavorful number, offering the curious tippler a crisp and elegant take on oft-maligned lager (you know, because lagers are ‘boring’ and ‘watery’). At 32IBU, this beverage is a great introductory beer for patrons working up to Rozz-Tox’s bitterer offerings.
Cloudy and fragrant, the Belgian Wheat (5.3ABV, RMB55) is fruity and aromatic. With a pleasant, sweet mouthfeel, we recommend this sud to those of you who cringed while reading about the aforementioned drinks.
Eighteen other craft beers and ciders (and Asahi, randomly) round out Rozz-Tox's selection. Of the rest, we'd like to plug the standout Suan Ge Pi, brewed by Beijing-based brewery Jing-A. Sour, fruity and unapologetically tart, this drink is a must-try for Middle Kingdom craft aficionados.
Food is currently not available at Rozz-Tox, but staff assured us that edibles will debut in the new lunar year.
Unlike its up-to-date beer selection, the interior of Rozz-Tox harbors an undeniable retro feel. Old televisions dating back to the primitive era of the 80s or 90s play abstract videos, and pop art and a risque photo adorn the establishment’s humble white walls.
Turntables and a modest vinyl collection rest at the back of the beerhouse, waiting for Friday and Saturday evening DJ performances. According to Rozz-Tox ownership, patrons can also bring their own vinyl to spin on ‘special occasions.’
The artsy, underground vibe that formerly thrived at Loft345 lives on in Rozz-Tox's new shop. By coupling it with a notable assortment of craft beer, this bar seems destined to become a classic.
Price: RMB55-85 per pint
Who's going: DJs, artsy types, beer buffs
Good for: dope beats, hoppy elixirs
Nearest metro: Wuyangcun (Exit A), 5 minutes
[Images via Matthew Bossons, rozztox.com]
0 User Comments