From Hong Kong to Auckland, breweries around Asia-Pacific are rallying in solidarity with Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
From a beer festival in Vietnam to custom beer packs in New Zealand to collaborations with Ukrainian breweries in Hong Kong & Taiwan, the beer industry is making a concerted effort to support humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
In Hong Kong, Yardley Brothers Craft Brewery collaborated with Ukraine’s Pravda Brewery to brew a one-off special edition beer Putin Huylo Dry Hopped Sour Golden Ale, to raise humanitarian support for Ukraine.
“We are against violence, war and unprovoked aggression. When we heard that Pravda Brewery was looking to do a collaboration brew to help fund humanitarian aid, we wanted to help,” said Yardley Brothers Founder Luke Yardley.
Sharing the recipe
“When Pravda Brewery released their recipes for five of their beers, we were drawn to the recipe of the Putin Huylo Dry Hopped Golden Ale. After discussing with the co-founder of Pravda Brewery, we decided to put our own twist on the recipe and feature one of our favourite beer styles, turning it into Putin Huylo Dry Hopped Sour Golden Ale, to raise funds for them”
Like the Yardley Brothers in Hong Kong, Singapore’s Lion Brewery Co. also answered Pravda’s call to “Brew for Ukraine” at their Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse brewpub.
The brewery expects their take on Pravda’s Dry-Hopped Golden Ale, Putin Huilo, to be ready for sale in the restaurant from early to mid-April and with proceeds donated to the Red Cross Humanitarian Relief Fund.
Lion also recently held an auction at their brewpub that raised over S$100,000 for victims of the violence in Ukraine.
Beyond the beer, Lion have created a special tasting menu inspired by traditional Ukrainian cuisine, including Varenyky dumplings and Chicken Kyiv, and participated in an online fundraising auction.
Anti-Imperial Stout hits the market
Northeast in Taiwan, Taihu Brewing is brewing a Ukrainian Anti-Imperial Stout to drive awareness amongst local drinkers to support humanitarian causes and show how easy it is to donate.
Besides the brewery donating 100% of the proceeds will be going to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, they are also partnering with Taiwanese Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and giving the beer free to retail channels that pledge proceeds to Ukrainian humanitarian causes.
“We’re trying to help in what little way we can using our beer as a medium to drive awareness around specific channels through which people can help” said Taihu’s Founder, Peter Huang.
A triple brew from New Zealand
Breweries in the Pacific are getting involved too. New Zealand’s Behemoth Brewing Company decided to launch a ‘Ukrainian Hero Pack’ featuring three beers: Russian Warship Go F’ Yourself Hazy IPA, Glory to Ukraine, Glory to Heroes! Pale Ale and We Need Ammo, Not a Ride!.
The pack subsequently sold out, raising NZD 50,000 for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and continuing to donate 10% of its online sales until the end of March to the New Zealand Red Cross.
“We just see what is happening every day in Ukraine and the incredible bravery that they are showing despite of overwhelming odds. We just had to do something in some small way to help,” shares Behemoth’s Founder Andrew Childs.
“I’m proud of the team and our customers for helping raise this money for such a good cause.”
