What's Up in Beer: The Most Comprehensive Mid-Autumn Drinking Guide is Here!

Mid-Autumn is surely one of China's busiest festivals, and given that you have to devour so many mooncakes just to stay on top of things, it's only right that you find some beers to wash them all down with. The beer vendors know this, so they've been working extra hard to make new beers, countless deals, and even fit in an anniversary or two. Sadly, I feel that the three-day festival just won't be enough time to take it all in … there are just too many good beers to try. Sigh, that's is life. Anyways, sexy beer photos alert!

First up, Arrow Factory is rolling out a three-day buy-one-get-one-free deal on a selection of beers at both of their locations, for the entirety of the holiday, Thursday to Saturday. The beers on offer include a sessionable Manman Lai Session IPA, which is a citrusy and hoppy session IPA with a relatively low 4.3 percent ABV; and newly upgraded batch of Flying V American Wheat (4.9 percent ABV), an enjoyablely light and soft brew with a hoppy punch. If you haven't checked it out already, they've also started dishing up their new menu in Liangmaqiao, which includes a dope new Reuben sandwich. Full buy-one-get-one deals below:

• Sep 15: Flying V American Wheat at Hutong Taproom; Manman Lai Session I.P.A. at Liangma River;
• Sep 16: Manman Lai Session IPA at Hutong Taproom; Farmhouse Ale at Liangma River;
• Sep 17: Farmhouse Ale at the Hutong Taproom; American Wheat at Liangma River.

Staying at Arrow, their Black in Black Stout will be out this weekend at both locations. This smooth stout has been brewed using their own roasted barley and flaked barley has an ABV of around 6 percent, a hoppy and smooth finish, and has all the tasty fittings: dark malts, chocolate, and coffee. Yummy.

Jing-A has teamed up with Hatchery for their new pop-up: The Canteen. The concept provides a selection of healthy choices, including fresh salads (priced by weight, RMB 12 for 100 grams), artisanal sandwiches (RMB 30), cold-brewed teas, and coffee (RMB 20), 11.30am-2.30pm on working days, reopening again after the holiday between September 18-30. And most importantly, beerheads, you can also enjoy all Jing-A beers on tap during this time with a 10 kuai discount.

The Jing-A Taproom also turns two-years-old this September 16 (congrats!) and it wouldn't be much of birthday without a celebration, which is why they're holding a “Terrible Twos” bonanza from 5pm-1am. What this entails is basically a whole bunch of deals rotating every hour, on beer, cocktails, and food. See the poster above for full details.

On to Great Leap now, where Rye Pale Ale #12 is returning to taps as the first of Great Leap Brewing's autumn seasonal brews. Brewed with a rye malt, Rye Pale Ale #12 (5.5 percent ABV) has tropical and citrus aromas, and subtle spicy notes with a medium body and a smooth and easy finish. I’m sure this one will help you make the transition from summer into fall scot-free.

At Nbeer Pub on September 15, enjoy a selection of 15 bottled beers for the special price of RMB 16. Secretly show the picture above to your bartender at either location and give them a knowing look for your big discount.

Phew, and that’s not even all, as the Shanghai-based Reberg Brewery has just landed in Beijing, where they're launching a citywide deal on their beers. For an extra RMB 9, you can get a second pint of Reberg IPA at any of the following venues until September 25: DDC, Nbeer Pub (both locations), White Tiger Village, Heping Brewpub, Peiping Machine, North Capital, Drunk Begining, River Homebrewing, Home Plate, Jianghu Bar, Heaven Supermarket, and Zone.

And finally, last but most certainly not least, the Slow Boat Brewpub in Sanlitun will officially be open as of this Monday. They'll open at 11am with 11 beers on tap (including Captain’s Pale Ale, Monkey’s Fist IPA, and Sea Anchor Imperial Vanilla Stout), three bottled varieties, and a cider. And remember, their Third Annual Autumn Beer Week will also take place across town from September 23 to 30.

We at the Beijinger wish you a very pleasant and tispy Mid-Autumn Festival! Cheers!

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
Instagram: @flyingfigure

Photos courtesy of the venues, Tracy Wang