Back in 2012, when South Jakarta's establishment Coffeebeerian started serving home-brewed India Pale Ale (IPA)-styled beer, the customers' response was less than encouraging. Many "didn't like the taste" and found it "bitter and tasted like jamu [Indonesian traditional herbal medicine]”. It's hardly surprising since, for decades, Indonesian beer drinkers have been accustomed to the more common lager-style beer from big brands such as Bintang, Anker and Bali Hai, among others. 

These days, beer enthusiasts would be able to find craft beer in most alcohol-serving establishments in the country. While many remain imported from Japan, the United States and Australia, local breweries have started to join the party, giving local beer enthusiasts more options to quench their thirst. 

Getting into craft beer in his formative years in Australia, half Irish-half Balinese Putu Wiranatha didn't find many beer options every time he returned to Bali. So, he decided to start his brewery to produce locally-made, high-quality beer. In the midst of 2020, his brand, Kura Kura, was established. 

Initially only served on tap at dozens of venues in Bali, Kura Kura saw a lot of growth when it started selling its products in cans. While not disclosing the numbers, Putu said their sales had gone up 400 percent compared to when it began. Their Island Ale, in particular, became the brand's best-seller. 

"It's technically an American pale ale, but it's our interpretation of what a perfect beer to drink in Bali is like," Putu explains, "It's light, has a good amount of bitterness and a lot of tropical aromas." 

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