This episode of Asia on Tap features Eshan Arif, one of Hong Kong’s most passionate craft beer advocates and the creative mind behind Dead Poets bar. Eshan shares his journey through the city’s buzzing beer scene—from building connections across HK’s favorite bars to curating inventive cocktails and hosting legendary quiz nights at The Globe. Listeners get an insider’s look at what makes Hong Kong’s craft beverage culture so vibrant, how the bar community keeps growing, and Eshan’s personal approach to bringing people together.
This episode is also a must-listen for anyone interested in beer sales. Eshan reveals practical methods and strategies he uses to connect with bars and restaurants, highlighting how great relationships and smart, approachable sales techniques can drive craft beer into the heart of the city. If you want to learn how to thrive in craft beer sales or simply see how one energetic personality shapes a whole market, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

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In this episode of Asia on Tap, we dive into the realities of alcoholism and our relationship with drinking, especially within the world of beer. 

Joining the conversation are leading voices from the brewing industry: Tom Turner (Neon Cider), Scott Powrie (Double Haven), Chris Wong (Heroes Beer), Paul Jones (Cloud Water), Dias Zhumashev (Carbon Brews), Chris White (WhiteLabs), Rohid Dugar (Young Master), Patrick Gatherer (The Globe), and James Waters (Rooster Beer). Together, they bring insight from inside the brewery, sharing their perspectives on drinking culture, industry pressures, and how to find balance—both behind the bar and in everyday life.

This episode isn’t about judging or labeling anyone; it’s about honest conversation, understanding, and finding what works for you. Whether you’re looking to moderate, take a break, or simply be more mindful, you’ll find practical advice and real-life perspectives here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, support is available. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) holds regular meetings in Hong Kong, both in-person and online, with sessions offered in English and Cantonese. You can find meeting schedules, resources, and support at www.aa-hk.org, or reach out by phone or WhatsApp at +852 9073 6922, or by email at [email protected].

Tune in for an open, relatable discussion about balance, boundaries, and building a healthier relationship with alcohol—whatever that looks like for you.

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In this episode, Senior Brewer Shreyas Bindal of Hong Kong Beer Co. joins us to share his global brewing journey—from his roots in computer engineering to hands-on experience at top breweries in California and Japan. We dive into his passion for barrel aging, mixed fermentation, and the art of bottle-conditioned sours, exploring the challenges and creativity behind these complex beer styles.

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In this episode of Asia on Tap, I sits down with Tom Turner, a trailblazer in Hong Kong’s craft beverage scene and co-founder of Neon Cider—the city’s first dedicated craft cidery. Tom shares his journey from microbiology labs in the UK to brewing award-winning ciders in Asia, revealing the creative process behind his innovative, Asian-inspired flavors.
Together, they dive into the evolving craft beer and cider landscape across Asia, discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Chinese market, and explore Tom’s exciting collaborations with breweries in Shanghai. 

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Join us on this episode of Asia on Tap as we sit down with James Waters, a true globetrotter in the craft beer world. From his early days brewing in the US, to shaping Hong Kong’s beer scene at Moonzen, and now leading the charge at Rooster Beers in Vietnam, James shares his unique perspective on how craft beer culture is evolving across continents.

We dive into how the Asian craft beer scene has transformed over the years, the challenges independent brewers face—including competition from big players—and the creative spirit that keeps the industry thriving. James also opens up about his passion for music, his experiences mentoring future brewing talent, and what excites him most about brewing in Vietnam today.

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Join us for a frothy journey through Hong Kong’s craft beer revolution with Chris Wong, the visionary co-founder behind HK BrewCraft and Heroes Beer Co. Discover the challenges and triumphs of launching HK BrewCraft, one of Hong Kong’s first homebrew supply stores and a hub for aspiring local brewers. Chris also reveals the inspiration behind Heroes Beer Co, a brewery that champions creativity, collaboration, and bold new flavors.

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Join us on this episode as we sit down with Rohit Dugar, the visionary founder behind Young Master Brewery-one of Hong Kong’s pioneering craft beer brands. Rohit takes us through his remarkable journey of launching a brewery in the city, and shares the inspiration behind the Young Master name-a tribute to Hong Kong’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

We dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of building a brewery from the ground up, explore the evolution of Hong Kong’s craft beer scene, and discuss why being present in iconic local spots like dai pai dongs is so important for connecting with the community. Rohit also gives us a sneak peek into the excitement surrounding Young Master’s Young Master Grand beer and his vision for the future of craft brewing in Asia.

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In this episode of Asia on Tap, we sit down with Dias Zhumashev, Head Brewer at Carbon Brews and a true force in Hong Kong’s craft beer scene. Dias shares his journey from studying beverage biotechnology in France to brewing in France, Kazakhstan and Hong Kong, and how he brings both science and creativity to every batch at Carbon Brews. We explore what a typical day looks like for a head brewer, the challenges and rewards of pushing brewing boundaries, and Dias’s deep appreciation for the homebrewing community. He also offers advice for aspiring brewers: don’t be afraid to make mistakes and always reach out with your questions. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or just love a good pint, this episode is packed with inspiration and behind-the-scenes insights from one of the industry’s most passionate leaders.

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In this milestone fifth episode of Asia on Tap, we sit down with Scott Powrie, brewery builder and co-founder of Double Haven Brewing and Dragon Water. Scott shares how his adventurous spirit and diverse background—from racing car engineering to helicopter piloting—ultimately led him to Hong Kong, where he played a hands-on role in building and shaping not only one of the city’s most innovative craft breweries, but also the biggest brewery in Hong Kong

Scott dives into the unique challenges of building and operating a brewery in Hong Kong, from navigating strict regulations and sourcing equipment to launching new beverage lines like Dragon Water, the city’s first spiked seltzer. He discusses how Double Haven has stayed resilient and creative, even launching during the pandemic, and how the brand’s commitment to community, sustainability, and supporting local initiatives sets it apart in the Asian market.

In this episode, Scott also shares business strategies for thriving in Asia’s competitive craft beer scene and offers practical advice for anyone dreaming of starting their own brewery. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with entrepreneurial lessons, market insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a successful brewery in Hong Kong.

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In the fourth episode of Asia on Tap, I sit down with Paul Jones, founder and owner of Cloudwater Brew Co. Paul shares the story behind launching one of the UK’s most respected craft breweries, opens up about the challenges he’s faced along the way, and offers his perspective on the current trends and future direction of the global beer market. Whether you’re a brewer, a beer lover, or just curious about the industry, you’ll find Paul’s insights and experiences both inspiring and thought-provoking.

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