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Light, Sessionable Beers Perfect for Singapore’s Holiday Feasting Season
When December rolls around in Singapore, we’re not exactly curling up by the fireplace with a mulled wine. We’re usually sweating over a BBQ pit, squeezing around a potluck table loaded with carbs, or balancing a plate of roast turkey and bee hoon goreng. It’s a season of endless gatherings — and if you’re drinking, you need beers that won’t knock you out before the ham makes its second appearance. Enter: light, sessionable craft beers. Easy-drinking. Food-friendly. Perfect for all-day feasting with family you love (and those you… tolerate). Below, we break down why session beers shine during the holidays plus some fresh picks you can bring to your next party. Why Sessionable Beers Work So Well for the Holidays 1. You can drink them all afternoon without crashing Holiday gatherings here tend to stretch from “just dropping by” to “why is it 11pm and where did all the kueh go?”. Beers in the 3–5% range (or even lower) let you stay upright, festive and social for longer. 2. They play well with everything on the table From roast chicken to sambal stingray to honey-baked ham, session beers rarely overpower. They’re refreshing palate cleansers in between the heavier bites. 3. Perfect for Singapore’s heat Sure, December in Singapore feels slightly cooler but let’s be real, it’s still summer with surprise heat waves waiting to ambush you. You want something light, crisp and insanely crushable. What Counts as a Sessionable Beer? Traditionally, anything under ~5% ABV with high drinkability. This includes: Pale ales that are citrusy and breezy Hoppy lagers for crisp refreshment Light hazies with soft juiciness Wheat beers with a gentle spice Low-ABV sours for a bright, tangy lift Non-alcoholic beers that mimic the real thing without the regret The best part: session beers don’t mean boring beers. Many breweries are getting creative with low-ABV brewing without sacrificing flavour. Our Favourite Sessionable Picks for Holiday Feasting 1. Crisp & Refreshing (Perfect for BBQs, Seafood, and Potluck Chaos) Ideal when the table is packed with chilli crab, prawns, grilled veg, or anything with a bit of spice. Cerveza Lager (4.0% ABV) - A super-crisp Mexican-style lager with bright lime zest and a pinch of sea salt. Caleta Mediterranean Lager (3.4% ABV) - Delicate citrus, lemongrass and gentle spice layered over a crisp, light, bright-gold lager body with a smooth white foam. Santa Clara Lager (4.8% ABV) - Light malt sweetness, floral Tettnanger hops and a clean grassy bitterness over a pale, straw-yellow lager body. 2. Light & Hazy (For Friends Who Want Juicy Flavour Without the Knockout Punch) Hazy IPAs don’t have to be heavy; many breweries now do low-ABV versions with big hop aroma. Pale Armadillo (3.8% ABV) - Citrus, tropical fruit and juicy hop notes over a crisp, highly sessionable pale ale base. Triangles (4.8% ABV) - Juicy pineapple and mango hop aromatics over a soft, hazy, easy-drinking session IPA base. 3. Tangy, Fruity Sours (A Crowd-Pleaser Even for “Non-Beer People”) Sours cut through rich holiday food beautifully and always get people talking. Cha Thai Yuzu (4.0% ABV) - Creamy Thai tea, warm spice and bright yuzu tang in a bold, aromatic fruited sour. A GULP exclusive! Cloudy Lemonade Sour (4.2% ABV) - Zesty lemon, bright acidity and a soft, lingering sweetness in a light, crushable session sour. Soorveza (4.0% ABV) - A gose with lime juice and zest. Vegan-friendly 4. Low-Alcohol & Non-Alcoholic Options (For the Designated Drivers, Parents, and Sensible Ones) A good NA beer helps everyone feel included, especially when they taste just like the real thing. Cult AF Pale Ale (0.5% ABV) - Candy, Zesty, Tropical. Journey Juice AF Pale Ale (0.5% ABV) - A Sabro Pale with Mango, Chilli & Lime. Final Sip: Keep It Light, Keep It Fun The holidays are meant for connection — not for someone passing out on your sofa at 6pm. Light, sessionable beers are the perfect way to keep the vibe going while staying clear-headed enough to enjoy every plate, every conversation, and every unexpected Secret Santa reveal. So stock your fridge, grab a few of the picks above, and get ready for an easy-drinking, feast-friendly holiday season. Cheers! 🍻
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Guide to Buying Craft Beer in Singapore: Where to Order Online or In-Store, and What to Look For
If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of a fridge full of craft beers, wondering which one to pick - you’re not alone. Singapore’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, with more breweries, bars, and online retailers than ever. But with so many choices, how do you make sure you’re getting great beer and not just an expensive can that’s lost its fizz (literally)? Here’s your ultimate guide to buying craft beer in Singapore, whether online or in-store, and what to look out for so you can enjoy every sip the way the brewer intended. 1. Freshness Matters Especially in Singapore’s Heat Craft beer isn’t made to sit around for months on a shelf. Unlike mass-produced beers, craft brews are unpasteurised and packed with delicate hop oils and flavours that can fade fast. With Singapore’s hot, humid weather, any lapse in cold storage or temperature control can degrade beer fast. Here are key points to watch: Storage at retailer/warehouse: Is the beer stored in refrigerated environments (4-12°C) rather than at ambient room temp? IPAs & Pale Ales benefit more from lower temps. Transport & Delivery: Even if beer is chilled in the store, if it is transported in unrefrigerated vans/exposed to the sun, then sits in hot hallways before reaching you — flavour will suffer. Packaged beer should ideally be kept under ~12°C (or colder if hoppy style) throughout. Same-day delivery + cold packing: Minimises time beer is exposed to sub-optimal conditions. If the seller offers same-day delivery AND maintains cold storage both in warehouse + transport, that’s a big plus. This is where GULP stands out - our beers are kept cold from brewery to doorstep, so you’re not getting something that’s been sitting warm in a storeroom for weeks. In Singapore’s heat and humidity, that makes a noticeable difference; cold delivery is quality preservation. Fresh beer tastes crisp, aromatic, and alive - exactly as the brewer intended. 2. Where to Buy Craft Beer in Singapore There’s no shortage of places to grab a good craft beer in Singapore; it just depends on how and where you like to shop. A. Online Craft Beer Stores Online stores have made it ridiculously easy to discover new brews without leaving home. Look for stores that: Store beers cold – warm storage speeds up oxidation, dulling hop aroma and flavour long before the “best before” date. Rotate their stock frequently – ensures you’re getting beer that’s been recently brewed, not something that’s been sitting around losing its edge. Offer curated bundles or “fresh drops” weekly – a good sign that they work directly with breweries and restock often, so you’re always getting the freshest selection. B. Specialty Bottle Shops & Taprooms If you prefer browsing in person, check out local bottle shops and taprooms like: Elixir Code (Alexandra) Shawn's Beer Nest (Upper Thomson) Otherside (Chinatown) Orh Gao Taproom (Serene Centre) Smith Street Taps (Chinatown Complex) GULP Bottleshop & Taproom (Robertson Quay) - oh, that's us! 😎 Drop by to chat with our friendly team. We’re always happy to recommend beers based on your taste. Grab a pint, discover new favourites, or pick up a few cans to take home (fresh and cold, of course). C. Supermarkets & Convenience Stores Supermarkets like Cold Storage and FairPrice Finest now stock a few craft options, but freshness can be hit-or-miss since most aren’t stored cold. These are fine for casual picks, but if you care about quality, stick to dedicated craft retailers. 3. What to Look For When Choosing Craft Beer It’s easy to get lost in the world of colourful cans and catchy names, but here’s what actually matters: Beer Style: Start with lighter, less intense styles if you’re new to craft beer. You can introduce a hoppy IPA, a roasty stout or even a funky wild ale later. ABV: Check the beer’s alcohol by volume and IBU (bitterness) on the label to match your desired strength and bitterness level. Lower ABV means lighter and easier drinking, higher IBU means more bitterness. Date Information: Look for a “Packaged On” or “Best Before” date to ensure freshness, especially for highly perishable styles like New England IPAs. Storage Conditions: Ensure the beer has been stored cold, as temperature fluctuations can degrade its quality. Food Pairings: Think about what you’ll be eating. Lighter beers complement salads and fish, while rich stouts and IPAs pair well with grilled meats and aged cheeses. Final Notes Buying craft beer in Singapore isn’t just about what’s trendy but about freshness, flavour, and knowing where your beer comes from. Whether you’re stocking up for a BBQ, gifting a fellow beer lover, or just unwinding after work, take the time to buy fresh and buy smart. Here at GULP, you’ll find new beers landing every week, handpicked for variety and quality, and always delivered fresh and cold right to your door.
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The Beginner’s Guide to Craft Beer
Our resident beer expert, Deb, helps you a bunch of tips to choose some great craft beers!
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GULP Bottleshop and Webshop is LIVE!
We've expanded into the unit next door to the taproom, allowing us to expand our range of craft beers, wines, spirits and more from small independent producers. Shop online and we will deliver islandwide, or pick up in store.
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