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Qingdao is a Chinese beer brand with more than a century of history. Created by an Anglo-German company led by the Germans, the brewery initially brewed intoxicating drink in strict accordance with the law on the purity of brewing in 1516. The classic severity of taste and aroma is characteristic of the flagship varieties of Tsingtao today. But focusing on the needs of consumers in China, where the share of “Qingdao” exceeds 15%, the company has expanded its range of drinks in recent years. In addition to spring water, yeast from Germany, Australian, French and Canadian malt and hops, local rice raw materials are used in the recipe of a number of varieties.
At present, the company, owning almost seventy breweries in 18 provinces, is not limited to supplies to the domestic market, but is also the largest exporter of Chinese beer. Tsingtao products are presented in about one hundred countries of the world, not only on the shelves of supermarkets, but also in bars and restaurants. According to analysts, since 2006-2008 the company has been among the six largest world beer producers.
Historical information
Founded in 1903, the brewery introduced its first intoxicating drink at the end of the following year. And already in 1906, at the international Munich exhibition, Tsingtao Beer received a gold award. 10 years later, during the period of Japanese occupation, the company was sold to owners from the Land of the Rising Sun, and after the surrender of Japan and the founding of the PRC, the brewery was nationalized.
In 1954, beer from Qingdao began to be exported abroad, and in 1972 this intoxicating drink appeared in the United States. A new stage of development began after the privatization of the 90s. In 1993, the company’s shares were listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. In 2005 and 2008, the authoritative publication Financial Times included Tsingtao Brewery Co in the top ten global Chinese brands, and in 2007, the Chinese manufacturer ranked 68th in the Forbes ranking of the most respected companies in the world. The annual sales volume of Qingdao beer currently exceeds 6 million liters.
Awards and interesting facts
The quality of Tsingtao Brewery products has been confirmed by numerous awards. Back in 1963, Qingdao beer won the gold award of the National Conference as the highest quality. After entering the American market, the products won gold in the USA three times: in 1981 and 1985 – at the Washington Beer Competition, in 1987 – at the international forum in Mississippi. In 1993, “Qingdao” earned a medal of the highest dignity at an exhibition in Singapore.
In Europe, Tsingtao won three prestigious awards in 2018 alone.
European Beer Star (Nuremberg) – Tsingtao Pilsner silver in the light German beer category.
Brussels Beer Challenge – Tsingtao IPA Silver and Tsingtao Stout Bronze.
Since 1991, Qingdao has held its own annual beer festival, Asia’s largest. The beer maker does not refuse to support sports and the movement for a healthy lifestyle. In 2008, Tsingtao Brewery Co was the sponsor of the Beijing Olympics. The following year, the company established a youth sports fund.
Types of beer “Qingdao”
Tsingtao, 4,7%
A traditional light golden lager brewed according to a classic recipe. It stands out with a delicate bouquet that combines the aroma of grain, malt and delicate herbs. The taste is moderately sweet with a fleeting bitterness in the aftertaste. It quenches thirst, goes well with meat, salads, oriental dishes.
Tsingtao Pure Draft, 4,3%
Light lager premium beer produced since 1999. Ingredients for obtaining the desired taste and aroma are delivered from Germany, France, the American and Australian continents, water is from the sources of the sacred mountains of Laoshan. The drink is good with seafood, light snacks, sushi.
Tsingtao Stout, 6,7%
Strong beer close to black in color with a rich head of creamy foam. The aroma is emphasized sweet with notes of roasted coffee beans, chocolate, roasted malt. The taste is sweetish caramel due to the presence of rice malt, with a bitter hop aftertaste. It is better to drink uncooled with fish, smoked meats, meat.
Tsingtao Pilsner, 4,5%
A light golden lager based on classic clean brewing recipes with a traditional malt-hop aroma, produced since 2016. It has a lighter taste compared to the German Pilsner, dominated by malt motifs with a refreshingly light bitterness. As an appetizer, fish, game, potatoes, fried meat are suitable.
