Drinking in Lijiang – Part 1 Hey Hoo Brewery

Plenty more to come about drinking in this fine city, but let’s start with Lijiang’s newest brewpub – Hey Hoo Brewery. I only discovered it because of an advertisement at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In a flash new square behind the Intercontinental, Hey Hoo’s neighbours include Starbucks and a steak house. Hey Hoo opened opened in May.

The coin dropped is extraordinary. There are two stories, a mezzanine level and plenty of outdoor space. Large stage, expensive lighting and a DJ booth. A swarthy Ukrainian (apparently) was preparing for an evening’s entertainment.

Word must have gotten about that a Westerner was having a beer because I was surrounded by 5 staff as a I sipped on my tasters. Eventually a gentleman introduced himself to me. “I am the brewmaster”. Had a good chat to Norton who is a graduate from the Wuhan Brewing University. I think he also sold brewing equipment. Amazingly when Australian brewers are shipping in Brewing equipment Norton proudly informed me that all Hey Hoo’s Brewing equipment (and there is lots of it) has been imported from Germany.

The flight is definitely the best option. $8AUD to sample the core range of four beers. $20AUD for a litre is Bavarian Beer Cafe prices and this beer ain’t Spaten. It is early days, but the beers need more oomph. I did indulge in a 500ml of the Wheat Beer, which pretty good. Norton would like to make an IPA, but he is concerned that the Chinese clientele won’t like it. Given the investment made in the joint, it is fair enough to give the punters what they want.

Why the monkey in the logo? Apparently monkeys are regarded as very intelligent by the Chinese. Close enough to Lijiang Old Town to pay a visit. With 12 taps, maybe there’ll be new beers to try in the future.

Hey Hoo Brewery: Lijiang First Peah Square

Up next: Part 2 Where to and where not to drink in Lijiang and surrounds