From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to the far-flung Pacific, microbreweries are booming in unexpected places. Here are eight islands around the globe creating a buzz among beer lovers.
Tea and Smoked Plum Brews in Taiwan
Taiwan’s beer scene is blossoming, with Taihu Brewing leading the charge. The brewery hosts several chic taprooms around Taipei, including one housed in a repurposed Airstream trailer. Beer aficionados flock to taste innovative brews featuring local flavors such as barley tea, smoked plum, and passion fruit. Another standout, Taiwan Head Brewers, also creates unique drinks including its malty Green Rain Tea Ale and zesty Winter Melon Ale, available in various bars throughout the capital.
Just an hour southeast of the city, Jim & Dad’s Brewing Company serves as a popular gathering place. Relax at communal tables while enjoying views of the surrounding rice fields with a barley wine or Kumquat Pale Ale made from locally sourced fruit.
Mango Blondes and Citrus Saisons on Oahu
The purity of Hawaii’s water and access to tropical fruits contribute to exceptional local beer. Honolulu Beerworks serves a honey-citrus saison known as Pia Mahi’ai, a crowd favorite. Relax in the eco-friendly tasting room while savoring smoky ahi (tuna) dip under a gentle ceiling fan. Nearby Beer Lab HI offers an industrial vibe with robust stouts and triple IPAs.
On the east coast, the waterfront at Kona Brewing Company resembles a traditional Hawaiian canoe house, setting the perfect ambiance for enjoying mango-based Kanaha Blonde Ale and Pineapple IPA, among other frothy delights.
Village Tipples and Tapas in Mallorca
Set amidst almond groves, honey-hued villages, and pine-covered mountains, Mallorca’s breweries are irresistible. Located at the base of the Serra de Tramuntana range, Forastera brewery invites visitors to unwind on a cozy couch and sample unique options like Another F***ing IPA and various crisp ales.
Approximately 10km south, Cerveza Nau offers two distinct brews—Rubia Bohemia (a pilsner) and Dama Blanca (a champagne-like wheat beer)—available only on Sundays. Enjoy the shaded beer garden, mingle with brewers, and indulge in cheese, olives, and sobrassada (pork and paprika sausage). Just 12km east, Toutatis brews delightful Belgian-style beers, including La Blanche, a wheat beer infused with jasmine, orange peel, and coriander.
Crazy Hops and Kelp on Vancouver Island
Famed as Canada’s craft beer capital, Vancouver Island boasts numerous microbreweries crafting hoppy West Coast ales. In Victoria, Driftwood Brewery showcases standout options like Fat Tug IPA and various barrel-aged selections in its humble growler room. Outskirts of the city, Category 12 creates inventive brews like Hiatus, a cucumber-lemon farmhouse ale, alongside a plethora of IPAs in its bright and inviting tasting room. At Tofino Brewing Company, you can taste Kelp Stout, a unique beer crafted from locally-harvested seaweed, along with Spruce Tree Ale made from wild spruce tips.
Coconut Stouts and Coffee Ales in Puerto Rico
Known primarily for rum, Puerto Rico also boasts a vibrant beer scene. South of San Juan, FOK Brewing Co attracts visitors with its minimalist warehouse taproom and a range that includes coffee-infused Black IPA and passion fruit Pachanga, complemented by food-truck bites and occasional live music.
On the island’s west side, locals gather at Del Barril, known for its Cocotero— a toasted coconut stout— and head-turning Demolición ale. Enjoy the lively atmosphere complete with salsa music and enticing barbecue aromas wafting from the adjacent eatery.
Farm Bars and Mead Makers in Tasmania
Tasmania is home to over 20 craft breweries along the Tasmanian Beer Trail. Begin at T-Bone Brewing Co in Hobart for a diverse selection of ales and seasonal specials like Watermelon Wheat. Head next to Two Metre Tall, located on a working farm in the Derwent Valley, where a husband-and-wife duo brews Belgian-style fruit beers and wild ales using homegrown ingredients. Finally, visit Seven Sheds in Railton— a small brewery specializing in Kentish ale and honey-infused mead, perfect for enjoying outdoors while overlooking the hop garden.
Prickly Pear and Hazelnut Beers in Sicily
Sicily isn’t merely about sparkling seas and volcanic landscapes; it’s also a hub for adventurous beer lovers. The island has seen the rise of about 40 microbreweries producing unique ales. For instance, Trimmutura, a brewery in Palermo, features locally-grown prickly pear in its Miscela blond ale, offering a refreshing and slightly sour experience.
In eastern Catania, Timilia Brewery brews a Red Ale enhanced with Sicilian blood oranges, creating a spicy and delightful pair with local cheeses. Epica adds local hazelnuts to its brown ale named Pan, providing a toasty taste. Several breweries lack taprooms, so consider visiting local pizzerias or the inviting Birra e Baste beer bar in Palermo to try their offerings.
Skyscraping Suds and Uncommon Infusions in Singapore
While many know Singapore for its famous Tiger Brewery, the island nation features an array of unique brewing experiences. For ambiance, head to RedDot Brewhouse for a spirulina-infused green lager in a charming colonial bungalow. Alternatively, don’t miss Level 33, where you can sip on a selection of IPAs, lagers, stouts, and more, all served with a stunning view 33 floors above the bustling city.
