One of my most enjoyable craft beer experiences this year was had in Siem Reap. As noted in previous posts, part of the motivation for visiting Siem Reap was to visit Inductee #24, Pat, who has moved to Siem Reap with his lovely wife Rhonda. They now run the Secret Garden Hotel as well work day jobs. There is no other place to stay in Siem Reap – and tell ‘em Back of the Ferry sent you.
I was the first paying guest at the Secret Garden Hotel and Pat was working like a blue arse fly sorting stuff out, so he sent me off to explore on my own. I was going to check out Pomme Brewhouse with Pat & Rhonda later (trivia and craft beer!)so I opted to try the Embargo Craft Beer on the Siem Reap “River” (glorified creek).
There’s few reasons why this is a must go place when you are in Siem Reap. The main reason is that the proprietor is an absolutely fabulous bloke with an encyclopaedic knowledge of Cambodian Craft Beer (and an eclectic range of other subjects like surfing and backpacking in outback Queensland. Trevor is an American, but he’s really a citizen of the world that has spent plenty of time in Cambodia. He’s also one of the main drivers behind the Cambodian Craft Beer Club of which I am now a member. Ask to see their beer label collection. Mind blowing.
Embargo sells mainly Cambodian craft beer from 12 taps. A crazy 11% stout from Heart of Darkness – a Vietnamese brewery sits alongside beers from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Beers from local brewer, Brew Khnear, occupy four taps. On a steamy day, a Mango Reigns, hits the spot.
There’s also an Embargo Craft Beer Bar in Phnom Penh, which I’ll check out next time.
Embargo Craft Beer Bar: 24 Chhoun Street, Krong Siem Reap 171004 Cambodia
back of the ferry 