In Hong Kong, the value of a glass of wine has long surpassed “alcohol” itself – it is a social medium, a symbol of taste, and an extension of culture. Nowadays, craft beer, wine, and whiskey from British Columbia (BC), Canada, are quietly conquering the taste buds of Asia.
What are Asians drinking?
Grains&Grapes’ team has been serving the Asian community in Vancouver for many years and has discovered an interesting trend: Asian consumers tend to prefer a “delicate balance” in the taste of alcohol, rather than simply being strong or bitter.
-Refreshing fruity aroma: For example, Saison beer with grapefruit and lychee flavors, or the unique “Icewine” of British Columbia, with its sweet honey and apricot peach aroma, perfectly matches the fruit tone favored by Asians.
-Low tannin, high drinkability: Compared to the heavy structure of European wines, Pinot Noir or Riesling produced by some small wineries in British Columbia have softer tannins and brighter acidity, making them effortless to pair with Cantonese, Japanese, and even Sichuan cuisine.
-Experimental flavor: Hong Kong’s younger generation of drinkers pursue freshness, and the creativity of British Columbia brewers can precisely satisfy this – such as sour beer naturally fermented with wild blueberries, or smoked whiskey infused with traditional indigenous grasses, every sip is a surprise.
