Simon Pendergast Talks Beer, Bourbon, and Salvador Dali

Gregarious Australian Simon Pendergast is the Beijing face of drinks distributor Dxcel. We asked him about his favorite beers, Dxcel’s growing collection of spirits, and which Beijing bar scenesters just might be budding art aficionados.

On Dxcel’s beers
“Our best-selling beers are Brooklyn Lager, Rogue Dead Guy Ale and Estrella Damm Lager. Estrella Damm is my favorite of our selection – it’s a crisp-tasting session beer.”

“Our latest beer, BrewDog, is from Scotland’s largest independent brewery. They put a contemporary spin on classic-style beers made from fresh natural ingredients – no preservatives, additives or pasteurization. Look out for BrewDog’s 5am Saint Amber Ale, Trashy Blonde Ale, 77 Lager, Punk IPA and Hardcore IPA.”

On going beyond beer
“We’ve just released Fighting Cock from Kentucky. It’s a 6-year-old bourbon that is 51 percent ABV and so smooth. So far, it’s available at Bang! Bang!, Grinders, Revolution, Home Plate, The Bookworm, Amilal, Fubar and Flamme. I’m a bourbon drinker and I rate it very highly. We’ve also just launched Blackheart Rum – a sexier, higher-proof alternative to your ordinary rums.”

“What are we looking at next? High West from Utah is an awesome whiskey – we want to have it in the Dxcel portfolio. Blue Star is a beer we aim to have on draft in China.
The other products I’ve got my eye on are confidential …”

On art and Beijing bars
“Which artist would I most like to take for a drink in Beijing? Salvador Dali. We’d start at Nali Patio, hit Agua, Carmen and Migas, and then I’d let him take over – I’m sure he’d quickly work out where the action is.”

“The Beijing bar personality I’d reckon might be a gifted artist would be Lee Mitchell from The Brick. He seems creative, looks a bit arty, fashion-conscious, loves late nights and seems to have no interest in talking about sport with me.”

“Which bar guy would be most likely to have portraits of themselves hung around their home? I’d say Chad Lager from Fubar – his cartoon-character looks and unique presence captured on canvas would be special. Chad wouldn’t want to hang it up, but his wife Fiona would overrule him and get it up there.

Photo by Sui