TAIWAN

Boozy Beer-Infused Ice Cream

Just when you think you have seen it all, something new comes along…

Tucked away in the alley “Hao Zheng” in Taipei is a hidden gem with stunning décor that feels more like a chic beauty boutique than an ice cream shop. However, the real allure lies in their exquisite, alcohol-infused ice creams, crafted for adult palates. These unique flavors capture the essence of the alcohol while maintaining a low alcohol content, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional ice cream.

The beautifully designed shop boasts a colorful display of 12 ice cream varieties, six of which are alcohol-based, featuring flavors like yuzu wine, Taiwan beer, plum wine and Belles milk wine. The remaining six focus on vibrant fruit and tea-infused options.

Creating these alcohol-infused delights is no easy feat, as the shop explains: “Making ice cream with alcohol is more challenging and costly than regular ice cream. The alcohol tends to evaporate, which can weaken the flavor, so it’s crucial to preserve the wine’s aroma.” One standout is the “Yuzu Wine Sorbet,” made with imported Japanese Umenojuku yuzu wine, offering a refreshing taste with a subtle yuzu aroma. The “Taiwan Draft Beer for 18 Days” flavor is equally intriguing, capturing the fresh wheat aroma of the beer with a surprisingly pleasant hint of dried longan on the finish.

Apart from the ice cream, Taiwan has a growing craft beer scene with several local breweries offering beer-themed experiences, including tastings and tours. Some of the most notable craft breweries in Taiwan include:

Taihu Brewing

One of Taiwan’s most popular craft breweries, Taihu Brewing is known for its innovative brews and unique flavors. They have multiple taprooms across Taipei, including one with a rooftop bar that offers a fantastic view of the city. Taihu Brewing often hosts beer tastings and special events. They also offer brewery tours where you can learn about the brewing process and sample a variety of their beers.

Taipei Brewery

An old, government-run brewery, Taipei Brewery is a historic site that has been producing beer for decades. While it’s more traditional, it offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s beer history. You can visit the brewery’s beer hall to try some of their classic brews, including Taiwan Beer, the nation’s most iconic beer brand.

Redpoint Brewing Company

Founded by two expats in Taiwan, Redpoint Brewing Company produces a variety of American-style craft beers with a Taiwanese twist. Their beers are available at various bars and restaurants across Taiwan. Redpoint frequently participates in beer festivals and events, offering tastings and promoting their craft beers.

Together with our knowledgeable and thirsty guides we offer beer-themed tours and pub crawls in Taipei. These tours typically include visits to popular craft beer bars and breweries, where participants can sample a wide range of local and international beers. Contact our team in Taiwan for more information.

Photos: www.nownews.com