Riel Brewing and Distilling – Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Just when you think you know about all the breweries in Phnom Penh, Cambodia surprises you.  Bullet and I went to a dog meet up here in Phnom Penh and Riel Brewing was pouring craft beer at the event.  I was fascinated to find another brewery here in Cambodia.  I did some more research on this brewery and this is what I found:

It all started in July 2013, when the founders were relaxing in their apartment in Toul Kork, Phnom Penh. In love with Phnom Penh and Cambodia, there was only one thing they missed – great beer!  The founders had brewed for many years in the past, but a lust for adventure had put an unfortunate end to that.
And so a plan was put in action. Returning to their home countries of America and Australia, they began building funds and putting together resources.

Returning to Phnom Penh in 2015, they set to work building their dream brewery. Finally able to bring the beer they missed so much, to the country that stole their hearts.  Their head brewer also happens to be a software engineer and so was able to custom-build our entire brewing and fermentation system. These systems allow for any style of beer you can imagine and all at the press of a button!  Well, maybe a few buttons.

While at the dog meet up, I tried their newly released Smash Cream Ale.  I’m really looking forward to trying a few more of their beers the next time I’m near their brewery in Toul Tom Poung in Phnom Penh.  Here are a few of the other beers they make:

• Toasted Coconut Brown Ale – This smooth brown ale was made with both dark and non-dark beer drinkers in mind. With its light roasted malt flavors blended perfectly with toasted coconut flesh for a fresh, mild, easy-drinking brown ale. Even if you’re not a fan of dark beers, you’ll love this one.
• India Pale Ale – For those familiar with IPAs you already know what this is all about: hops, big beer. We use varieties of hops from around the globe, and we use a lot of them! Along with a hefty malt bill to give a great body and smooth taste.
• Grapefruit Pale Ale – This refreshing pale ale is created using varieties of hops all the way from New Zealand. We add fresh grapefruit zest to give the perfect zesty compliment to the specially selected hop varieties. We then match this with a carefully chosen malt bill to give this ale it’s refreshing, easy drinking flavor that just begs for another sip!
• Summer Session Ale – A lighter beer than our other selections, this refreshing and smooth ale is crisp and clean tasting. It is a very drinkable beer while still being aromatic, with a fresh malt character. Perfect for a hot Cambodian summers eve!

Ever been to Cambodia?  What was your favorite brewery there?