Beijing Booze: Slow Boat Maizidian First Look, El Nido Sour Beer Tasting, Whisky Nights at Puxuan

Thirsty? Wet your whistle with Booze News, our wrap-up of the week's best bar deals, parties, drink concoctions, industry gossip, and more.

Slow Boat announce the launch of their third space

After being stuck in coronavirus purgatory for the past three months, Slow Boat is finally ready to launch their third venue in Maizidian! Lying just east of the Japanese food hub that is Ichiban Street and 200m west of Zaoying subway station, the new 450sqm, one-floor, 20-tap brewpub can seat 150 people and features a range of bar, table, and booth seating. The design retains their signature style of industrial, open concrete and white tile walls with heavyset woodgrain tables, a look that has remained ever since the launch of their first Dongsi-adjacent taproom nine years ago. Meanwhile, the street-facing windows let in ample light day or night. Head to the launch on Wednesday, May 20 from 5pm onwards. They strongly recommend booking given that they're still restricted to 50 percent capacity. For now, read more about the launch here, and take a look at what to expect below:

Slow Boat Brewpub Maizidian
1/F, 78 Maizidian, Chaoyang District
朝阳区麦子店78号1层

El Nido sour beer tasting

Yes, you're reading this right: foreigners are allowed back into El Nido! Happy days. And what better way to celebrate than with a lip-puckering sour beer showdown this Saturday, 2pm onwards. The event, now in its second edition, sees Cascade Brewing face off against Magical Species, AKA Odd Breed, in a battle to see who’s got the most pungent pours and acidic libations. With eight beers on offer ranging from ABV 5-10 percent, the night is sure to get a little messy. RMB 468 on the day.

All-you-can-drink wine Wednesday at Top Tapas

On Wednesdays, Top Tapas at the Intercontinental Sanlitun has partnered with the Sanlitun Sommelier Wine Club for unlimited wine between 6-10pm for RMB 298.

Cosmopolitan night at Atmosphere

Alternatively, ladies will want to head to Beijing's highest bar on Thursdays for free cosmopolitans between 6-8pm, providing the perfect excuse to wind down and take in the city lights.

Japanese whisky night at Puxuan

Puxuan launches a special whisky promotion night on Friday and Saturday, 6pm onwards (until Jun 30). Let the week's stress melt away with pours of some of the finest Japanese whisky, with every other glass on the house.

50 percent off wine at Bistro 108

Over at Bistro 108, meanwhile, they're offering some of their finest French wines for 50 percent off on Tuesdays. Sip on Château Laroque Grand Cru Saint-Emilion (RMB 434 down from RMB 868) or Moillard Chablis, Bourgogne (RMB 249 down from RMB 498) out on the terrace and live by their words: "Care about what you drink, not about the price." They also have several other daily deals, which you can browse here.

READ: Gallery Weekend Beijing to Paint 798 Art District Red (and Other Colors), May 22-31

Images courtesy of Slow Boat, Jenny Pace (via Unsplash) Cascade Brewing, Andres Haro Deminguez (via Unsplash)