What’s in Your Pint? Understanding Beer Styles Popular in Singapore

Aug 15, 2025Ashok Chawdhary

When it comes to beer types Singapore drinkers enjoy, the variety is as vibrant as the city itself. Whether it’s a crisp lager with satay at a hawker centre, a creamy stout during a chill night in, or a hoppy craft beer at a rooftop bar, every style tells its own story.

In Singapore’s beer scene, you’ll find both international icons and local favourites, each brewed with distinct techniques, ingredients, and flavour profiles. Understanding these differences not only makes you appreciate your pint more it also helps you pick the perfect beer for any occasion.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular beer styles, explain lager vs ale in simple terms, and highlight some of the best beers in Singapore that you can get through fast beer delivery Singapore with TipsyTopsy.

1. Lagers Crisp, Clean, and Perfect for the Tropics

Lagers are the undisputed kings of beer types in Singapore, making up the majority of pints poured across the island. They are brewed using bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures (around 7–13°C), which gives them their clean, smooth taste and clear appearance.

The flavour is usually light and balanced, with subtle malt sweetness and a gentle hop bitterness. This makes them incredibly refreshing—especially in Singapore’s year-round heat.

Perfect pairings: Spicy local dishes like laksa or sambal stingray, BBQ seafood, and fried snacks like calamari.

Popular lager picks from TipsyTopsy:


2. Ales Rich Flavours and Craft Beer Creativity

While lagers dominate in volume, ales are where craft beer in Singapore really shines. Ales are brewed with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures (15–24°C), producing more complex flavours, fruitier aromas, and a broader range of styles—from golden pale ales to dark, malty brown ales.

Ales often showcase bold hop flavours, unique yeast character, and creative use of ingredients. They’re the go-to choice for beer lovers who like variety and flavour depth.

Perfect pairings: Char-grilled meats, cheese platters, and fusion dishes where hops can cut through rich flavours.

Recommended ale from TipsyTopsy:


3. Stouts – Dark, Creamy, and Full of Character

Stouts are instantly recognisable thanks to their near-black colour, thick creamy head, and bold roasted flavours. Originally a stronger version of porter, stouts are brewed with roasted barley, giving them notes of coffee, dark chocolate, caramel, and sometimes even dried fruit.

They range from dry Irish stouts to sweet milk stouts and even rich imperial stouts. In Singapore, stouts are enjoyed both as a meal companion and as a standalone sipping beer.

Perfect pairings: Oysters, beef stew, chocolate desserts, and even kaya toast for a local twist.

Popular stout on TipsyTopsy:


Lager vs Ale The Key Difference

If you’re deciding between lager vs ale in Singapore, the difference comes down to yeast, fermentation temperature, and resulting flavour:

  • Lagers: Brewed cold with bottom-fermenting yeast → crisp, clean, refreshing.

  • Ales: Brewed warm with top-fermenting yeast → bold, fruity, and often more complex.

Both are delicious it just depends on your mood. Want something light? Go lager. Craving flavour depth? Go ale.


Exploring the Best Beer in Singapore

From iconic brands like Tiger and Guinness to specialty imports like Erdinger Dunkel, Singapore’s beer market offers something for everyone. The growing interest in craft beer means you can also find IPAs, wheat beers, and seasonal brews that push the flavour boundaries.

At TipsyTopsy, we bring you a curated selection of the best beer in Singapore from easy drinking lagers to rich stouts delivered cold and ready to enjoy. Stocking up for a party or just need a quiet drink after work, our beer delivery Singapore service ensures you’ll never run out of your favourites. 

More articles