Beer Lao

There was a jaunt to the Lao Brewery Company to check out Beer Lao. We were interested to know just how much Carlsberg has invested in the company, human resources, premises and production.

I wasn't surprised that a visit to the company was on the itinerary. Of course we were a tad curious. In a landlocked country where per capita income is just US$765 in 2008, the company contributes a fair share to the growth of its economy. Beer Lao is a matter of national pride.

Besides a briefing, we were also taken on a very quick tour of the premises to understand more about its production and how the company contributed to the nation's economy. While the briefing was going on, I zoned out. There was only one thought in my mind. "Gimme a cold pint already!" I didn't voice that thought aloud. But someone else did and brought down the house with laughter.

I liked Beer Lao way better than our homegrown Tiger. It was just somehow better tasting. I made a beeline for the dark beer. It wasn't rich or too flavorful. It was just slightly thicker than the white. But lovely. The colleagues and I totally enjoyed the small little glasses of dark beer. Quite refreshing at the end of a long, hot day. We had 3 glasses each!