Some long-time beer drinkers in the city feel that mainstream beverages such as Carlsberg, Heineken and San Miguel remain predominant outside of a few select outlets, and that's something they would certainly like to see changed.
Despite the buzz, Hongkongers drink only four litres each a year of wine and 21.9 litres of beer.
More ales, microbrews and a greater selection from the United States all rank high on the list of desirables that are hard to find at most venues.
'Although there's more variety than 20 years ago, Carlsberg and San Miguel still have a lock on the market,' says long-time Hong Kong beer drinker Peter Guy.
However, as Hong Kong's beer drinkers become more adventurous, bars are responding by offering a wider variety of brews. Importers are in on the game, too.
'There's an improvement compared to 25 years ago,' says Peter Riha, the CEO of Solar Max in Ap Lei Chau. Based in the city since 1985, the Austrian importer services more than 450 venues, offering beer from all over the world, including exotic locales such as Turkey, Nepal and Egypt. 'There are also bars that are willing to try something different,' he says. That's enabling him to bring in new products, such as The Kingdom Beer from Cambodia and two Nepalese beers.
