OCT-Loft visitors find a warm welcome in the deliciously refined beers of NBeer Pub. The area’s only brew house fits well among the galleries, thanks to co-founder and brand designer Xiaobiar. In the sleek interior, silver pipes converge into an attractive tree that branches up to the ceiling and out to the kegs beyond.
On two terraces, there’s room for parties or some entrees and snacks on your own – the potato wedges (RMB38) and meat platter (RMB168) are especially good. But, really, it’s all about the beer: 26 on tap, 14 from NBeer’s Chengdu brewery and the rest from compatriot brewers across 80 cities.
Beijing Homebrew Society founding member Yinhai launched the brand after first and second place medals in a 2012 brewing challenge. Five years of experimentation has paid off in mature brews and pubs in Beijing, Zhangzhou and now Shenzhen. You can even grab a case of cans for home – only the gose (RMB39 a can) is available now, but it’s an excellent place to begin.
We were skeptical of sea salt-infused sour beer, but it won a gold at the 2017 Brussels Beer Challenge and it won us over. We delighted in the lemon brightness, like a shandy but with none of the sweetness. Other beers in our flight (RMB118/six, RMB88 before 6pm) reveal a consistent game. Award-winning Ligui Black IPA (RMB50) is rich and full flavored.
It might be the best dark beer we’ve tasted.
Sweet and sour Raspberry Beijinger Weisse (RMB45) sparkles with fruity notes and a tart edge that lets you keep drinking more.
Brace yourself for the NBeer & Mica Wine Barrel Thyme Belgium Strong (RMB59). It’s a potent 9.8% ABV, aged half a year to become a smoky potion, almost like a dark amber whiskey. When they start canning more brews (as soon as March) and delivering them to homes (maybe through familiar apps), they should pick this one.
Chinese brewers can produce some of the very finest beers. Enlighten yourself with a trip to NBeer Pub, maybe after a show at B10 or as a destination of its own.
Price: RMB40-65 a beer
Who’s going: OCT-Loft adventurers, beer buffs
Good for: excellent drafts, artistic environs
Nearest metro: Qiaocheng North (Exit B), 11 minutes
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