Bionic Brew

Somewhat new to Shenzhen, but a self-proclaimed veteran of the International Craft Beer Scene, I was lucky enough to stop by Bionic Brew's "Pop-Up" Bar recently. It was about 4pm on a Tuesday, and for those of us who know, this is a much better time to sample new and exciting craft beers than 9pm on a Saturday. Amateur Hour.

It was my first time to Bionic Brew, which also has a "regular" bar in another part of town with more offerings on tap. At their Pop-Up (until June 1st), there were four taps, with two having Bionic beers and two having other regional Asian crafted beer. Initially I was hoping to try more of Bionic's offerings, but looking back, I think it was an even better experience to be able to try other choices which are sometimes hard to come by on draft in Shenzhen.

From Bionic there was a "Crickside" Kolsch and a "Sofro Wheat" Hefeweizen and from elsewhere, there was an IPA from Jing-A Brewery in Beijing and a collaboration Gose between Bionic and Pasteur Street Brewery in Vietnam. In addition, (and after a nice impromptu tap-change:), I got to taste "Monkey Fist" Imperial IPA from Nanjing's Slow Boat Brewery, which of the lot, I would have to label as my favorite.

The vibe of the Pop-Up is authentic, granted it was just me for most of the two hours I spent there as the rest of the city made their way home from work. The bartender, Sasa, was knowledgeable about the beers, the local beer scene, and even the extension of the other breweries which they had on tap. Paired with what I believe to be an iPod setlist playing American oldies from the 50's and 60's, how could I not enjoy rush hour while sipping sweet hop elixir?!!

I am looking forward to visiting the "regular" Bionic Brewery, located over the hills and through the woods in Baishizhou, where hopefully I can try out more of their own offerings. My first experience crossing paths with their "Electric" Craft Beer continues to renew my hope in the direction the scene is following here in Shenzhen, where different establishments are continuing to push traditional beer boundaries. I am grateful that my own after-work path took me to Bionic and would recommend the same to anyone looking for great craft beer in a welcoming environment in South China...