Kronenbrauhaus

Kronen Brauhaus - "Thailand's Oldest Existing Microbrewery" ...since just 1995. I have to wonder why Thailand's first crash-course in microbrewing started in isolated Isan instead of a more touristed local like Bangkok or Phuket. Hidden in the basement of the ultra-luxurious 5-star Sofitel Raja Orchid Hotel, perhaps this brewpub was created with the exclusive clienteles' tastes (and wallets) in mind. I certainly didn't have enough Baht to spend a long night drinking there.

The interior is a bizzare Thai interpretation of a German brewhall. Weird farm kitsch (pigs, shotguns, tractors, etc.) and tent canopies adorn several tables. Polished beer casks sit in the middle of a large multicomplex that includes several other themed bars. Thai families eat next to the usual foreign businessmen/Thai girlfriend couples. *sigh* The menu has a mix of German, Thai and Chinese cusine: nothing under 200 Baht. I go for some "German" breaded pork with peas 'n' carrots. It's filling and a little ...chewy.

As with Chiang Mai, this brewery proudly flaunts the fact that its beers are brewed according to the "German Purity Law". What's with all the German brewers in Thailand? I drink through three 0.3 Liter glasses of the Helles, Dunkel and a seasonal Oktoberfest Bock. They're sweet, smooth, syrupy and got kick but leave a bad metallic aftertaste. It's decent beer that unfortunately still favors Thai beer style. The Bock gets the best ratings. Almost like a fruity wine.

The band sticks strictly to English-language light rock and funk. They do requests. Before long they play Thailand's unofficial anthem, The Cranberries' "Zombie". Aaaghh! This song is unavoidable in this country and normally I leave the bar when I hear it. The band however throws in an...accordian solo!! I'm so shocked I raise my mug and cheer wildly!