Singha
 Current Thai bottle | |
| Type | Beer |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boon Rawd Brewery |
| Country of origin | Thailand |
| Introduced | 1933 |
| Alcohol by volume | 5.0% |
| Style | Lager |
| Related products | LEO, U BEER, MY BEER, Snowy, Kopper Beer |
| Website | www |
Singha (Thai: เบียร์สิงห์; RTGS: Sing) is a Thai lager produced by Boon Rawd Brewery Company Limited, the first brewery established in Thailand in 1933. Singha Beer is celebrated for its distinctive full-bodied taste and robust hop character, crafted using traditional European brewing techniques. The beer is brewed with 100% malted barley and pure artesian water, reflecting a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The brand’s name and logo are inspired by the singha (Thai: สิงห์), a mythical golden lion in Thai culture that symbolizes strength, courage, and pride. In 1939, Singha Beer received royal recognition when King Rama VIII authorized the use of the royal Garuda emblem, marking its status as an official purveyor to the royal family. Singha Beer has become a symbol of Thai brewing both domestically and internationally. It is exported to over 50 countries and is particularly popular in premium imported beer markets across Asia, Europe, and North America. Available in various formats, including bottles, cans, and on tap, Singha continues to be a prominent representative of Thailand’s brewing heritage on the global stage.
History and origin
[edit]Founding and Early Ventures
[edit]Boon Rawd Brewery, the producer of Singha and Leo beers, was established by Boonrawd Srethabutra. Before founding the brewery, Srethabutra explored various ventures. He started in the logging industry, then became a car dealer, and eventually launched a business ferrying Bangkok residents across the Chao Phraya River. Initially, the ferry business thrived, but as more competitors emerged and new bridges were constructed, the venture became unsustainable and was forced to close.
Vision for a Thai-Brewed Beer
[edit]In 1929, Srethabutra developed the idea of creating a Thai-made beer. By 1930, he sought government approval to establish Thailand's first brewery. To build his expertise, he traveled to Germany and Denmark, immersing himself in European brewing techniques. His vision materialized in 1933, with the first bottle of Singha Beer produced at Boon Rawd Brewery.
Royal Recognition and the Garuda Emblem
[edit]On October 25, 1939, Boon Rawd Brewery was granted the prestigious status of official purveyor to the Royal Court of Thailand. This recognition allowed the brewery to display the Kingdom's Garuda emblem and the words “By Royal Permission” on its products. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) also honored Boonrawd Srethabutra with the title of Phraya BhiromBhakdi. The Garuda is awarded only to organizations that have consistently served the Royal Court, demonstrating quality, financial integrity, and positive representation of Thailand.
Brewery and Process
[edit]Singha is a lager beer brewed with barley and malt and comes with a 5% ABV (formerly 6% ABV). There is also a lighter version, Singha Light, which is 3.8% ABV. In 2020, Boon Rawd Brewery released a new version called Singha Reserved, a full bodied 5.3% lager beer, brewed with longer brewing maturation, delivering more hops and floral notes. The beer is brewed at the Samsen and Khon Kaen breweries using premium ingredients like Australian barley.
Boon Rawd Brewery collaborated with Germany's GEA Brewing Systems, a leading provider of brewing technology. To equip its breweries, Boon Rawd imported specialized equipment for brewing and refrigeration. Brewmasters were trained in Germany to uphold the highest brewing standards, which contributed to Singha’s quality and reputation.
Brand
[edit]
Logo
[edit]The use of the Garuda symbol on Singha beer products traces back to 1939 when Boon Rawd Brewery was granted permission by King Rama VIII to display this emblem. At the time, the Garuda symbol represented the highest honor for a company, signifying both trustworthiness and financial stability. This recognition distinguished Singha as a reputable producer of high-quality goods in Thailand. Since receiving this permission, the Bhirombhakdi family has prominently displayed the Garuda on all company buildings, factories, and product labels, reflecting pride in this royal endorsement.
In addition to the Garuda, Singha’s logo—a golden lion—has itself become iconic. This logo was inspired by one of the four great lions in Thai literature, considered by Thai folklore to be the ruler of the mythical Himmapan Forest. Over time, the Singha logo has evolved from an early yellow lion design to its current refined form, representing both tradition and the brand’s identity.
Packaging
[edit]Singha’s packaging strategy highlights its Thai heritage and brand identity, prominently featuring the iconic golden lion logo and the royal Garuda emblem, granted by King Rama VIII in 1939 as a symbol of quality and trust. The lion, rooted in Thai mythology, reflects strength and authenticity, reinforcing Singha’s cultural connection.
Each product line carries unique design elements: Singha Beer showcases a white background with the lion emblem, symbolizing purity and tradition; Singha Reserve adopts darker hues for a refined, premium look, while Singha 89 features modern graphics aimed at younger consumers. This unified yet diverse packaging approach distinguishes Singha on shelves, merging tradition with modern appeal and bolstering its reputation for reliability and excellence.
Products
[edit]
Beer Packaging
[edit]- Singha Beer: Packaged to emphasize its premium quality, with distinctive branding that highlights its use of Australian barley and Saaz hops. Available in bottles and cans with elegant designs showcasing its traditional roots.
- Singha Light: Packaged in sleek, lightweight bottles and cans, designed for portability and convenience, appealing to those seeking a refreshing, lighter option.
- Singha Reserve: Features sophisticated packaging with rich tones and a premium aesthetic, aligning with its refined flavor profile.
- Singha 89: Marketed towards younger consumers with modern, minimalist designs, emphasizing its contemporary appeal.
Leo Beer and U Beer Packaging
[edit]- Leo Beer: Packaged for mass appeal, with bold, vibrant designs to reflect its affordability and approachable nature.
- U Beer: Offers stylish and playful packaging targeted at a younger demographic, making it a trendy choice for social occasions.
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Packaging
[edit]- Singha Soda Water: Comes in clear bottles with a classic design, emphasizing its purity and high-quality carbonation.
- Singha Drinking Water: Packaged in eco-friendly materials with a clean, minimalist look, reinforcing its commitment to purity and sustainability.
- Other Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Includes innovative and visually appealing designs for sparkling beverages, teas, and energy drinks, aiming to attract a diverse consumer base.
International Ventures and Brand Expansion
[edit]In 1994, Singha extended its reach to the European market by acquiring two breweries in Saxony, Germany, to produce Singha Gold for local distribution. However, in 2001, Boon Rawd Brewery decided to centralize production back in Thailand to maintain authentic Thai flavor and quality control.
Global Sponsorships and Partnerships
[edit]Singha’s brand presence is further amplified through strategic partnerships in international sports, notably with Formula 1’s Red Bull Racing and English football clubs Manchester United and Chelsea FC. At both Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford, Singha is the exclusive beer, connecting Thai cultural heritage to a global sports audience and reinforcing the brand’s position as a trusted, internationally recognized symbol of quality.
References
[edit]External links
[edit]
 | This beer or brewery-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |