Top 3 Unique Craft Beers You Must Try in Da Nang

Da Nang is not just a tourist paradise with long white sandy beaches, the romantic Han River dividing the city, or the lush Son Tra Peninsula acting as a green gem. The city is also quietly emerging as one of the most vibrant cradles of the craft beer movement in Vietnam. When the burning sun of Central Vietnam pours down, it triggers a deep craving for a cold, refreshing drink. Instead of standard industrial beers downed with ice that dilutes the flavor, why not try local craft beers brewed right here? Here is an in-depth journey through three unique craft beers that capture the soul and heartbeat of Da Nang, available at PickUp.

1. Son Tra Haze – A Coastal Wave of Juicy Flavors

If you have ever stood on the Chessboard Peak of Son Tra Peninsula, breathing in the crisp forest air and looking down at the vast blue ocean, you will understand the inspiration behind Son Tra Haze. This is a classic New England IPA (NEIPA)—a style dominating the global craft beer scene thanks to its explosive fruit profile and smooth, pillowy mouthfeel.

Unlike traditional bitter IPAs, Son Tra Haze catches your eye with a natural, hazy golden look, resembling a fresh tropical fruit juice. This cloudiness is not a filtering defect; it is a deliberate result of keeping live yeast, wheat proteins, and heavy hop oils suspended in the liquid during fermentation.

Aromatically, thanks to generous dry-hopping (adding dry hops directly during the cold conditioning phase), Son Tra Haze yields intense notes of ripe mangoes, fresh passion fruits, and orange blossoms. On your first sip, you will experience a velvety, medium-to-full body derived from oats and wheat malts. The soft malt sweetness balances the mild bitterness, finishing with a smooth, lingering fruitiness. It is the perfect beer to enjoy on a beach lounger along My Khe beach as the afternoon breeze rolls in.

2. Dragon IPA – The Fiery Boldness of the Dragon Bridge

While Son Tra Haze is a gentle ocean breeze, Dragon IPA is a roaring fire representing the West Coast IPA style—bold, hop-forward, and complex. Named after the legendary Dragon Bridge, this beer is a rewarding challenge for seasoned craft beer drinkers who appreciate deep bitterness and a sturdy body.

Dragon IPA boasts an impressive bitterness of 60 IBU and a robust alcohol level, delivering a warm and stimulating sensation. It pours a crystal-clear amber with a dense, off-white head. The magic lies in the blend of classic American hops like Columbus and Chinook, which release woody aromas of pine resin, cedar, and pink grapefruit zest.

Upon tasting, the sharp bitterness of the hops hits your palate immediately. However, it never feels harsh or metallic. The brewer has carefully integrated specialty caramel malts to create a sweet, bready foundation that balances the hop bite. The finish is remarkably dry and clean, leaving a fresh grapefruit oil aroma. Sipping a cold Dragon IPA on a weekend night while watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire is the ultimate Da Nang experience.