Beer Chang

Chang is produced and bottled by ThaiBev, the Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, and I was very surprised to find out it was the biggest selling beer in Thailand, as I always remember Singha as being far better know and better distributed.  I know I drank Beer Chang in stead of Singha, but mainly because it was considerably cheaper!

Chang means Elephant in Thai, and the brand is easily recognized with the two elephants pictured on the label. The bottle featured in the picture is on a balcony on Ko Phi Phi, overlooking some monkey laden patch of jungle. I think many people’s fond memories of Chang are more an association with a Thai holiday or adventure, than a true appreciation of the beer itself.

The beer, like other South East Asian beers, is reasonably light and suited to being serves icy cold in the tropical heat. I thought Chang was a little darker than most and also a bit stronger in taste. A good variation from the very predictable beers of the region. It pours well, with a decent head that seams to hold for a while. At 5% alcohol content it is a bit stronger that others also.

It works well with Thai food, diluting the chili burn nicely! But it is also quite enjoyable without food, with a noticeable light malt flavour. A bit of a hoppy aftertaste, but nothing that cannot be knocked out with another beer (again, best if it is cooold)!

I liked Chang in Thailand, but have not been even tempted to buy a bottle or case in Australia. Just don’t remember it that fondly, unlike a few others like Bintag and Kingfisher.

Opinion - pretty solid beer – “a work horse”

rating – 6.5/10

As I am going to Bali in a couple of weeks, I am looking forward to doing an up-to-date review of one of my favourite South East Asian brews – Bintag! looking forward to it, and coming soon!!