By Cath Isabedra 

Lion Brewery Co’s story is one of revival and innovation. Established in 2018 by friends from Singapore and London, the brewery revived a historic brand known for its IPAs in the 1800s. This unique combination of heritage and contemporary brewing techniques has been central to their identity.  

“We re-established a heritage brewery known for shipping IPAs around the globe throughout the 1800s,” says Will Julius, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Lion Brewery. Drawing inspiration from this rich history, they have created a brand that resonates with seasoned beer aficionados and newcomers to the craft beer scene. 

The brewery’s commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every aspect of their operations. They have managed to honor the legacy of the original Lion Brewery while introducing modern brewing practices that cater to today’s discerning consumers. This blend of old and new has allowed them to stand out in a crowded market, where authenticity and innovation are highly valued. 

The art of sessionable beers: Crafting accessibility 

In Asia, there is a growing trend towards beers that are easy to drink over extended periods, known as session beers. These beers typically have lower alcohol content (usually around 3-5% ABV) while maintaining rich flavours. Consumers appreciate the ability to enjoy multiple beers in one sitting without experiencing overwhelming intoxication. This aligns well with social drinking cultures in many Asian countries, where meals and gatherings can last several hours. 

Many Asian consumers are increasingly health-conscious, seeking beverages that align with their lifestyle choices. Sessionable beers, with their lower alcohol content and often natural ingredients, cater to this demographic.  

At the heart of Lion Brewery Co’s success lies a brewing philosophy focused on creating accessible, sessionable beers without sacrificing flavour or quality. “People love to drink delicious, easy-going beers,” Julius explains, “and they don’t necessarily want to be knocked off their feet with an 8% ABV Double or Triple IPA.” This commitment to producing enjoyable beers suitable for various occasions has set Lion Brewery Co apart in a market dominated by bland lagers, bridging the gap between craft and commercial beers. 

He adds, “We draw inspiration from our community’s feedback and the dynamic craft beer scene worldwide, keeping our approach both innovative and responsive.”  

They emphasise that their core range of beers must always answer a fundamental question: are they flavourful, sessionable, and allow for easy drinking?  

Fusion of cultures: Innovation to the next level 

Incorporating local flavours into craft beers in Asia, particularly in Singapore, is vital for creating a distinctive identity that resonates with local and international consumers. By utilising indigenous ingredients such as pandan, lemongrass, and durian, breweries celebrate Singapore’s rich culinary heritage, offering a unique taste experience that differentiates their products in a crowded market.  

Furthermore, using local flavours promotes sustainability and supports the local economy. Sourcing ingredients locally reduces the environmental impact associated with transportation, aligning with growing consumer preferences for eco-friendly products. It also stimulates economic activity by supporting local farmers and suppliers, fostering a resilient supply chain. This sustainable approach encourages innovation within the craft beer industry. Breweries can experiment with new recipes and contribute to a vibrant, dynamic market that reflects the locality’s culinary excellence and innovative spirit. 

Lion Brewery Co’s beer recipes are a testament to their innovative spirit and deep appreciation for local cultural influences. By incorporating regional flavors and ingredients, the brewery crafts unique beer profiles tailored to both local and international audiences.  

Julius, shares, “The inspiration for our beer recipes and brewing techniques comes from a blend of pursuing an experimental ethos, and infusing local cultural influences. We often incorporate regional flavours and ingredients, which inspire unique beer profiles tailored to our local and international audiences.”  

Creating new beer concepts begins with collaborative brainstorming sessions involving both brewers and the internal team. These sessions are integral to generating innovative ideas and are always followed by crucial feedback from consumers. Once a concept is formulated, small-scale batches are brewed at Club Street, at the Lion Brewery Co Taproom. This state-of-the-art brewpub allows precise adjustments and refinements to the recipe based on real-world feedback. 

The iterative process ensures that each beer meets the highest standards of flavour and quality. By integrating consumer feedback into the development process, Lion Brewery Co ensures that the final product resonates with its target audience.  

Julius adds, “Our brewing team manages all the sourcing of ingredients, and in this current day and age, you need to be a bit flexible given global events about where you can take your supply from; but in a nutshell, our process follows these steps. Firstly, does this current batch of crops meet our high standards of quality and sustainability? Then, it’s a combination of cost, lead time, and other logistical challenges because in Singapore, we need to import brewing ingredients due to the climate. Having said that, we prioritise suppliers in the region to ensure freshness and reduce the environmental impact of shipping the ingredients over great distances.” 

After multiple rounds of refinement, when the beer meets the desired criteria, it is ready for release to the world. This process enables them to craft exceptional beers that are both innovative and consumer-approved. 

Brewing with a conscience 

“Sustainability is something that matters to us.”  

Lion Brewery transitioned from plastic to paper labels in Singapore and uses plant-based materials for their labels in the UK. Despite the constraints of their heritage building location, they strive for energy efficiency and partner with organisations to recycle brewing waste. Additionally, their reforestation and carbon offset initiatives, such as planting trees for every keg purchased in Singapore, demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility. 

They are, likewise, deeply embedded in the local community and the broader craft beer industry. Their taproom in Singapore’s CBD serves as a hub for community events and a platform for promoting craft beer. They actively participate in beer festivals and collaborations with other breweries and artisans, contributing to the vibrant craft beer culture in Singapore. A notable collaboration with Deadman Brewery and Yakima Chief Hops resulted in the Superdelic Pilsner, a beer that showcases their innovative spirit and willingness to experiment with new hop varieties. 

Looking to the future, Lion Brewery Co is particularly excited about the growing demand for sessionable, lower-ABV beers. These beers not only promote a healthier relationship with alcohol but also align with the brewery’s speciality. As they continue to innovate, they remain committed to their core values, ensuring that each new beer is flavourful and accessible. 

What’s the secret to Lion Brewery’s success? 

“I think what really sets us apart is the fact we operate in six countries globally, and some of the markets are more “mature” for craft beer than others; the UK, for instance. So, we are able to spot trends in more established markets and launch them before they have reached Singapore’s shores,” Julius highlights. “The other crucial aspect of this is the freedom we give the brewing team; they are encouraged to experiment with new styles and ingredients constantly, as this is part of the beauty of craft beer; and sometimes this ‘panning’ process in the brewery turns up gold!” 

Advice for aspiring brewers 

For those aspiring to follow in Lion Brewery’s footsteps, the advice is clear: “Don’t try to be all things to all people.” Julius encourages aspiring brewers to discover what they are most passionate about in beer and build their brand around that unique aspect. By finding their niche and committing fully to it, new brewers can set themselves apart in a crowded market and achieve success. 

Lion Brewery Co’s journey from a passionate startup to a respected name in Singapore’s craft beer scene is a testament to their dedication to quality, innovation, and community. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, they continue to elevate the craft beer experience for enthusiasts around the world. 

This article first came out in our “Sip the Spirit of Asia” issue.