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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In this exciting third episode of Asia on Tap, we welcome Chris White, the founder of White Labs, a global leader in yeast and fermentation innovation. Chris shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights into running a business in Asia, and the science behind brewing innovations that are reshaping the beer industry.

Chris recounts how his passion for brewing and biochemistry led him to establish White Labs. He discusses the challenges and milestones of growing the company from its beginnings in San Diego to its international expansion, including operations in Asia.

Chris introduces Ultra-Ferm, a groundbreaking enzyme developed by White Labs. This amyloglucosidase enzyme enhances fermentability by breaking down dextrins into fermentable glucose, making it ideal for crafting dry, crisp beer styles like Brut IPAs and low-calorie beers. Ultra-Ferm allows brewers to create beers with fewer residual sugars, resulting in lower calorie counts without compromising flavor.

This episode is packed with entrepreneurial wisdom and scientific insights for beer enthusiasts and brewers alike. Tune in to learn how fermentation science is driving innovation in craft beer!

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In the second episode of our podcast, we sit down with Patrick Gatherer, the owner and general manager of The Globe, Hong Kong’s iconic British gastropub. Patrick shares his journey of working at The Globe across three different stints since 2005, evolving from bartender to manager, and eventually taking the helm as owner. He opens up about his passion for preserving Hong Kong’s pub culture amidst a rapidly changing landscape and discusses the challenges and triumphs of running an independent business. 

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Join Lidiia Kuzmina, a seasoned brewer with over a decade of experience in Asia, as she shares her personal story of passion and perseverance in the craft beer industry. From her roots in Siberia to her adventures in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Bali, Lidiia recounts her journey from discovering craft beer to becoming a key figure in the Asian craft beer scene. Hear about her triumphs and setbacks, including her time at Bionic Brew, HKBC, and Carbon Brews, and learn how these experiences shaped her vision for the "Asia on Tap" podcast.

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