Leo versus Singha: Roughly same cost. But, which one has smaller bubbles?

[GammaGlobulin]

Dear Casual Beer Imbibers,

 

Leo and Singha beers, sold locally, are roughly the same price.

 

Why should one drink one brand rather than the other brand?

 

As a casual beer drinker, myself, there is really only one reason that might dissuade me from drinking one beer, compared to the other beer….

 

And this is the important matter of….BUBBLES.

 

It’s impossible to buy good German beer here, if one is not independently wealthy.

But German beer holds an attraction for me, due to tinier bubbles.  Still, this is not the issue at hand, since German beer is out of my price range.

 

Therefore, for most of us, it’s just a question of which you might choose, either Singha or Leo.

 

I have not had a Singha in like….

10 years.

 

The last time I tried one, was the time I noticed that the beer tasted as if someone had added a large pad of cows-milk butter to the brew.  Is this the way it’s supposed to taste?  I only had one, and then went back to Leo.

 

But as I say:  I care MOST about TINY bubbles, and the tinier Thai bubbles the better.

 

German beer has a mouth-feel which is great, due to the micro-sized bubbles.

 

Leo has HUGE bubbles, sort of like you might see with a great dishwashing soap, in a sink of warm water, as one prepares to soak one's dishes before washing.  Or, maybe some sort of Apple Cider brew.

 

I really wish I could drink German beer here in Thailand.

I have not the financial backing to do so, however.

 

Therefore, considering Leo versus Singh, and since they both sell for approximately the same price….

 

What are Singh’s advantages over Leo, and not ONLY the bubble consideration, and not just due to the butter-taste of Singh, but anything else of import...

 

Any thoughts?

 

Since I am a casual drinker of beer, and since I cannot afford expensive cognac, which would be my ultimate preference, then how goes it with Singh?

 

Also, can we PLEASE not even mention the unmentionable,,,,Chang….please, please, PLEASE…..

 

Thank you.

Gamma

 

Note:  I prefer the Singh packaging, far more than Leo packaging.  Is this just due to my higher sense of aesthetics, do you think?  Or, just a quirky-quirk of mine?

 

As I say, I am no connoisseur of beers.

 

Note2: Since someone recently mentioned that tomorrow, Friday, might be a dry day here in Thailand, perhaps we can just TALK about these two beers, rather than drinking them.

 

Note3:  If we cannot settle this matter before Saturday, then I might need to just….

 

Go on the wagon.

 

This entire issue of beer bubbles is causing undue stress, about now….

 

 

NOTE3:  Please DO NOT misunderstand me.... BOTH Singha and Leo are GOOD QUALITY beers. We can be very thankful of this, and the good brewing techniques which provide healthful beer to most of Thailand.  Truly, high quality, in my opinion...and...I am ONLY talking about BUBBLES here, and nothing more.

 

Great Quality in Thailand beer can be had by drinking both brands.

So, this is an important consideration for this Topic before entering the discussion of BUBBLES.....   Thank you!!!!

 

 

[cjinchiangrai]

Singha has a crisp hoppy finish 10% more than other local beers

Chang is softer and a slight touch sweeter

Leo sucks, bitter and washed out but cheap

The Carabao dark is pretty good, more German style than British

 

I drink lots of Chang because that is what my friends drink but I thing Singha is the better beer. The locals do not understand dark beer.

[GammaGlobulin]

  On 1/29/2025 at 3:44 PM, cjinchiangrai said:

Singha has a crisp hoppy finish 10% more than other local beers

Chang is softer and a slight touch sweeter

Leo sucks, bitter and washed out but cheap

The Carabao dark is pretty good, more German style than British

 

I drink lots of Chang because that is what my friends drink but I thing Singha is the better beer. The locals do not understand dark beer.

Expand  

 

OK.

And, after 10 years of staying clear of it, Singha Beer, for no particular reason....

I will try a case....after Friday.

 

I think I agree with you in your analysis of the three beers that you mention.

 

But, also, I really wish I were in Germany, if and only if for the better-beer availability.

 

 

[cjinchiangrai]

  On 1/29/2025 at 3:47 PM, GammaGlobulin said:

 

OK.

And, after 10 years of staying clear of it, Singha Beer, for no particular reason....

I will try a case....after Friday.

 

I think I agree with you in your analysis of the three beers that you mention.

 

But, also, I really wish I were in Germany, if and only if for the better-beer availability.

 

 

Expand  

Try the carabao. It is pretty good. Anything but wheat beer.

[GammaGlobulin]

  On 1/29/2025 at 3:50 PM, cjinchiangrai said:

Try the carabao. It is pretty good. Anything but wheat beer.

Expand  

 

Did you mean Caribou Beer?

 

 

I recall drinking this while on fishing excursions up in Timmins, Ontario.

They would helicopter it in, by the pallet-load.

 

Not a human in sight, for months, way back then, and the only access was either portaging from lake to lake, or by helicopter.

 

Those were the days, and the Canadian Caribou beer was rather good.

https://northernontario.travel/sites/default/files/2023-04/SunsetCountry.jpg

 

One could, back in the day, leave the road in Ontario, and never see another human soul for months.

Just me, the fish, and Caribou beer.

 

Maybe, Singha is the next best thing, now that one is in Thailand.

 

Tiny bubbles.

Pristine lakes.

 

And, occasionally, the haunting call of a far-off loon.

 

Magnificent....

 

Really.

 

 

 

[cjinchiangrai]

  On 1/29/2025 at 4:20 PM, GammaGlobulin said:

 

Did you mean Caribou Beer?

 

 

I recall drinking this while on fishing excursions up in Timmins, Ontario.

They would helicopter it in, by the pallet-load.

 

Not a human in sight, for months, way back then, and the only access was either portaging from lake to lake, or by helicopter.

 

Those were the days, and the Canadian Caribou beer was rather good.

https://northernontario.travel/sites/default/files/2023-04/SunsetCountry.jpg

 

One could, back in the day, leave the road in Ontario, and never see another human soul for months.

Just me, the fish, and Caribou beer.

 

Maybe, Singha is the next best thing, now that one is in Thailand.

 

Tiny bubbles.

Pristine lakes.

 

And, occasionally, the haunting call of a far-off loon.

 

Magnificent....

 

Really.

 

 

 

Expand  

Nope, Carabao like the super famous Thai band. They have a lager that is OK and a dark that is pretty good. Not sweet with coffee notes. 

 

If I want to know about stuff like this, I would just go to the local market and get one of each. Finding a friend to help should be easy enough but we buy beer by the case anyway.

[proton]

Only drink Leo if it's free, the only good Leo beers were Galaxy, Calypso and Yellow submarine but not on sale long, too expensive and too good! 

[Lacessit]

Leo and Singha cannot compare to the thought bubbles the OP has.......

[georgegeorgia]

  On 1/29/2025 at 4:30 PM, cjinchiangrai said:

but we buy beer by the case anyway

Expand  

Says it all 

[cjinchiangrai]

  On 1/30/2025 at 5:52 AM, georgegeorgia said:

Says it all 

Expand  

Practice makes perfect,

[Nid_Noi]

I drink Archa when available. I prefer it to other Thai brands unless I can get San Miguel Pilsner or Tiger. But I am not a real beer drinker (hardly a couple of bottles a week).

[boonbohmee]

Fifteen years ago Chang was my hands down favorite. I left for years and returned to find it replaced by Chang Classic and its flavour and kick (ethanol) were gone.

 

Leo has a bit more flavor than Singha.  It was Leo for a few years but I gained 10 kg.  It has lots of calories because of the cassava flour in the ingredients. 

 

I'm left with Beer Sing, and hoping the new liquor act will allow a few competitors. 

[GammaGlobulin]

  On 1/31/2025 at 7:17 AM, boonbohmee said:

Fifteen years ago Chang was my hands down favorite. I left for years and returned to find it replaced by Chang Classic and its flavour and kick (ethanol) were gone.

 

Leo has a bit more flavor than Singha.  It was Leo for a few years but I gained 10 kg.  It has lots of calories because of the cassava flour in the ingredients. 

 

I'm left with Beer Sing, and hoping the new liquor act will allow a few competitors. 

Expand  

 

What is the difference in calories per liter between Chang, Singha, and Leo?

 

I agree, I think....

Maybe Singha is a bit better.

But, still not as good as German beer.

 

[jwest10]

  On 1/29/2025 at 3:36 PM, GammaGlobulin said:

Dear Casual Beer Imbibers,

 

Leo and Singha beers, sold locally, are roughly the same price.

 

Why should one drink one brand rather than the other brand?

 

As a casual beer drinker, myself, there is really only one reason that might dissuade me from drinking one beer, compared to the other beer….

 

And this is the important matter of….BUBBLES.

 

It’s impossible to buy good German beer here, if one is not independently wealthy.

But German beer holds an attraction for me, due to tinier bubbles.  Still, this is not the issue at hand, since German beer is out of my price range.

 

Therefore, for most of us, it’s just a question of which you might choose, either Singha or Leo.

 

I have not had a Singha in like….

10 years.

 

The last time I tried one, was the time I noticed that the beer tasted as if someone had added a large pad of cows-milk butter to the brew.  Is this the way it’s supposed to taste?  I only had one, and then went back to Leo.

 

But as I say:  I care MOST about TINY bubbles, and the tinier Thai bubbles the better.

 

German beer has a mouth-feel which is great, due to the micro-sized bubbles.

 

Leo has HUGE bubbles, sort of like you might see with a great dishwashing soap, in a sink of warm water, as one prepares to soak one's dishes before washing.  Or, maybe some sort of Apple Cider brew.

 

I really wish I could drink German beer here in Thailand.

I have not the financial backing to do so, however.

 

Therefore, considering Leo versus Singh, and since they both sell for approximately the same price….

 

What are Singh’s advantages over Leo, and not ONLY the bubble consideration, and not just due to the butter-taste of Singh, but anything else of import...

 

Any thoughts?

 

Since I am a casual drinker of beer, and since I cannot afford expensive cognac, which would be my ultimate preference, then how goes it with Singh?

 

Also, can we PLEASE not even mention the unmentionable,,,,Chang….please, please, PLEASE…..

 

Thank you.

Gamma

 

Note:  I prefer the Singh packaging, far more than Leo packaging.  Is this just due to my higher sense of aesthetics, do you think?  Or, just a quirky-quirk of mine?

 

As I say, I am no connoisseur of beers.

 

Note2: Since someone recently mentioned that tomorrow, Friday, might be a dry day here in Thailand, perhaps we can just TALK about these two beers, rather than drinking them.

 

Note3:  If we cannot settle this matter before Saturday, then I might need to just….

 

Go on the wagon.

 

This entire issue of beer bubbles is causing undue stress, about now….

 

 

NOTE3:  Please DO NOT misunderstand me.... BOTH Singha and Leo are GOOD QUALITY beers. We can be very thankful of this, and the good brewing techniques which provide healthful beer to most of Thailand.  Truly, high quality, in my opinion...and...I am ONLY talking about BUBBLES here, and nothing more.

 

Great Quality in Thailand beer can be had by drinking both brands.

So, this is an important consideration for this Topic before entering the discussion of BUBBLES.....   Thank you!!!!

 

 

Expand  

The German beers in cans are slightly more expensive and like Leo and Singha

[jwest10]

  On 1/30/2025 at 6:33 AM, cjinchiangrai said:

Practice makes perfect,

Expand  

One box a night and well done!!!

[GammaGlobulin]

  On 1/31/2025 at 9:05 AM, jwest10 said:

The German beers in cans are slightly more expensive and like Leo and Singha

Expand  

 

Yes.

That is the problem.

In Thailand, all beer tastes like Thai beer, even the German beer.

 

Maybe one could have some flown in from Ireland and Germany....IDK.

 

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

Back in the day Kloster beer was available. I believe it was made under license from Beck's. It's long gone now. It cost a few baht more than Singha.

 

Amarit was on tap in a number of places, but haven't seen it in years, either.

 

That was before Carlsberg came to Thailand, got bought out and morphed into Chang.  Boon Rawd had not yet launched alternatives to Singha.

 

Thai beers seem to be mass-market beers of generally low quality intended to meet low price-points.

 

Carabao Dunkel isn't bad, but it is a bit fizzy for a dark beer in my opinion.

[ricklev]

My closest 7-11 sells Budweiser brewed under license in Vietnam for 56 baht for a tall can and I am here to say that that watery less than great but drinkable on a hot day American beer is better than any beer brewed in Thailand.  

[EVENKEEL]

Up your game a bit and splurge on Heineken Beer.

[GammaGlobulin]

  On 1/31/2025 at 11:54 PM, EVENKEEL said:

Up your game a bit and splurge on Heineken Beer.

Expand  

 

The last time I drank this Dutch offering was quite some time ago, when Taiwan purchased two subs.

In exchange for agreeing to sell Taiwan subs, I think Taiwan, out of the kindness of the heart, decided to buy up a ton of Heineken beer.

 

The locals did not like it.

And, the price kept dropping

Finally, I bought some, too.

 

 

I would prefer German beer.

And, I think I would never pay "extra" for Dutch beer, at least no more than for Singha or Leo.

Is Heineken more expensive than Singha?

 

And, what about the Dutch Brew's Bubbles?

Are they small enough for me, do you think?

 

We on Formosa salute the Dutch for their Subs, but not so much for their Brew.

Although, Heineken seems to be doing much better in Taiwan these days, compared to 44 years ago.

 

 

The Dutch just LOVE Taiwan....

 

But, in the past, the Taiwanese disliked their beer.

Not so much, now, I think.

 

 

Maybe they want to sell more weapons to Taiwan.

Or, establish another colony on Formosa...

IDK,

Too early to say, for now.

 

 

[GammaGlobulin]

Does anyone here agree with me that both Leo and Singha taste a bit too much like Apple Juice?

 

I wonder why this might be.

Surely the brewery could change the taste if they wished to do so.

Yet, they choose this Apple-Juice LINGER?

 

Do they think this is popular here for downing a bottle with Thai food, or what?

 

I would say that this LINGER of APPLES, not to mention the BIG BUBBLES, which makes me wish for....

GERMAN BEER.

 

Am I right?

Or, am I correct?

 

 

[Schoggibueb]

Asahi, Leo and Full Moon Malt are my beers. I enjoy the different tastes (and bubbles) depending what I eat or occasion.

Full Moon Malt is a wheat beer, rather on the sweet side. And of course not to compare with a german Erdinger for example. But has quite small bubbles...

The dark Carabao was dissapointing in taste. Then rather a dark Beer Lao, wich is quite expensive though 65bht for a small bottle. But for a dark beer unbeaten in taste and quality. My personal oppinion of course...

[GammaGlobulin]

  On 2/1/2025 at 3:35 PM, Schoggibueb said:

Asahi, Leo and Full Moon Malt are my beers. I enjoy the different tastes (and bubbles) depending what I eat or occasion.

Full Moon Malt is a wheat beer, rather on the sweet side. And of course not to compare with a german Erdinger for example. But has quite small bubbles...

The dark Carabao was dissapointing in taste. Then rather a dark Beer Lao, wich is quite expensive though 65bht for a small bottle. But for a dark beer unbeaten in taste and quality. My personal oppinion of course...

Expand  

 

I have always preferred Asahi, while in Japan.

So, this is my preferred taste for an Asian beer in Kyoto.

 

Full Moon Malt:  I have never heard of it.  However, if this beer offers tiny bubbles, then I think I should try one.

 

Again, I will say, that the Singha has the LINGER of apples-peaches, and...Cream Soda (do they add vanilla to Singha, one wonders).

Not much to my liking, I am afraid.

 

[topt]

  On 2/1/2025 at 3:35 PM, Schoggibueb said:

Then rather a dark Beer Lao, wich is quite expensive though 65bht for a small bottle. But for a dark beer unbeaten in taste and quality. My personal oppinion of course...

Expand  

Agreed 

[KhunLA]

Crap vs crappier.  I prefer fewer bubbles, and just enough to form a head.  Dark, heavier, full body ales, porter / stout don't need no stinkin' bubbles.  OK, maybe a few 🙄

[suzannegoh]

Some 711s have Chinese-brewed Stella in 500ml cans for about 79 (or maybe it was 89) Baht.  Not a bad option compared to the local beers and Heineken.

[suzannegoh]

  On 2/1/2025 at 3:14 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

 

The last time I drank this Dutch offering was quite some time ago, when Taiwan purchased two subs.

In exchange for agreeing to sell Taiwan subs, I think Taiwan, out of the kindness of the heart, decided to buy up a ton of Heineken beer.

 

The locals did not like it.

And, the price kept dropping

Finally, I bought some, too.

 

 

I would prefer German beer.

And, I think I would never pay "extra" for Dutch beer, at least no more than for Singha or Leo.

Is Heineken more expensive than Singha?

 

And, what about the Dutch Brew's Bubbles?

Are they small enough for me, do you think?

 

We on Formosa salute the Dutch for their Subs, but not so much for their Brew.

Although, Heineken seems to be doing much better in Taiwan these days, compared to 44 years ago.

 

 

The Dutch just LOVE Taiwan....

 

But, in the past, the Taiwanese disliked their beer.

Not so much, now, I think.

 

 

Maybe they want to sell more weapons to Taiwan.

Or, establish another colony on Formosa...

IDK,

Too early to say, for now.

 

 

Expand  

Heineken is brewed in Thailand for the local market.  I think that it's a little more expensive than Singha and Chang but not dramatically so. 

[grain]

Heineken for me. I also enjoy San Mig and Bud from time to time. As for Leo & Chang & Archa, I'll pass on them. For me it's not just a matter of the taste, there's also the hangover test. I do limit my beer intake and keep within my limits but on those occasions when I do have a few too many I can handle the Heineken hangover, whereas Leo or Chang hangovers are soul-destroying things to get through. 

[GammaGlobulin]

  On 2/2/2025 at 4:14 AM, grain said:

Heineken for me. I also enjoy San Mig and Bud from time to time. As for Leo & Chang & Archa, I'll pass on them. For me it's not just a matter of the taste, there's also the hangover test. I do limit my beer intake and keep within my limits but on those occasions when I do have a few too many I can handle the Heineken hangover, whereas Leo or Chang hangovers are soul-destroying things to get through. 

Expand  

 

What is a hangover?

 

[jimn]

The best beer in Thailand by a country mile is the Thai version of a German beer Federbrau. It's 4.8% not overly strong but a clean crisp taste. It's 755 baht for a 12 box in Lotus's. Downside is very few bars in Pattaya sell it. I did enjoy a couple of pints of draft at the airport last April.