Switch

Switch by Timbre, is owned by the Timbre Group, which is famous for the Timbre brand of pubs/ bars. While Timbre's fame lies in promoting the local bands, the bands that they promote are predominantely singing english songs. Then there is Switch, which houses also local mandopop bands whose repertoire consists mainly of mandopop and english songs, ala Shuffle.

While Shuffle features mostly unplugged set up, Switch can have a full band compliment which can really bring the house down with their jams. To come back to their drinks, beer especially, they have Erdinger and Kirin running on their taps. While Erdinger is the usual wheat beer, Kirin is suprisingly found at this popular spot, doing away with the usal commercial fair.

The appearance of Kirin may seem like just another lager and looking very clean and minimal head, but the first gulp definitely bring a different type of sensation. While it boasts a strong lager aroma, it actually tasted bitter, which is quite rough down the throat. Pairing with finger food sure masked away some of the bitterness, but there are also other choices.

Probably stung by the natural bitterness, Switch also have Kirin mixed with different fruit syrups, topped with crushed icy foam. The sweetness of the syrups combined with the bitterness of Kirin, do brings out another aspect of the beer. These drinks are also quite popular with the ladies.

On the taps: Erdinger Weisbier, Kirin

Paulaner Brahaus

A restaurant cum chillax place where they serve a variety of German main course and finger food to go along with their signature beers. With the own micro-brewery in the house that churns out their signature Munich Lager and Munich Dark, no wonder the place is always packed.

Their Munich Dark, smells of malt that taste a bit sweet, which is not too strong on the throat and is equally smooth and rich. Munich Lager, on the other hand gives off a strong, smooth flowing touch down the throat, with some light hops taste. Hefe-Weisbier on the other hand, comes off a bit mild and fruity compared to the other two. Couple with their wide array of finger food, the combination is a match made in heaven.

On top of the beer and food, there are also live bands in accompanion with their music to go with the beer. And do also take note, Paulaner's beer is brewed according to the strict bavarian beer standards to be qualified as an Oktoberfest beer.

On the taps: Munich Lager, Munich Dark, Hefe-Weisbier

The Beacon

The Beacon is a place where the usual party crowds should love, with the music played out everynight by their resident bands, where their name stopper is John Molina and Krueger, this place offers much more than entertainment.

The beers selection is not that fantastic though and it's not even listed on their menu. With the usual commercialized taps like Erdinger, Tiger and Guiness Draught, the rest of the choices will depend heavily on their cocktails, which we are not exactly a fan of. Be it a group gathering or just simple dating with your love ones, enjoying the fresh beers off their taps, with the bistro like atmosphere, do bring about a different experience.

Located at the revamped Marina Square, the place do brings in their usual crowds, calling for a night of pure enjoyment and fun. Though the place may seem small and packed at times, the energy of The Beacon will surely rub on anyone who is there.

On the taps: Tiger Beer, Erdinger Weisbier, Guiness Draught

Bottles n Taps

Located at an almost forgotten area in between Serangoon and Hougang, Bottles n Taps do spring quite a suprise on the tappies. Just like their name, Bottles n Taps serves up a huge selection of crafted beers on taps and bottles, hence their name.

The place is only opened for a few months and is steadily increasing its fanbase, which consists of people who simply loves crafted beers. The owner himself is also very knowledgeble about the different types of crafted beers, which lefted the tappy who visited, in awe.

On their taps currently are 5am Saint and IPA by Brewdogs, and it is only currently because their practice is to change to another label once the keg is finished. While beers like Brewdogs is already quite difficult to find, somemore to run it on taps and always introducing new labels keg after keg, sure made this pub, THE place for all true beer lovers.

The best time to be there will definitely be during the time where there isn't much crowd. Why? It is noly then where you can sit down comfortably, order a beer and the owner can readily enlighten your knowledge on the world of beers. A single trip to Bottles n Taps, will surely change the perception of beers, even by just looking at their fridge packed full with beers of different labels. The place is small though, but it is cosy enough to sit back and enjoy the beer, and there's also an XBox hooked up for additional enjoyment!

On the taps: Brewdogs (current)

Uncabunca

Well, this is another stronghold of Liverpool Supporters. This pub is basically the base for the East of Anfield Singapore. Located at Circular Road, the place is as laid back and cosy on any other days. However, we have yet to been there on any other days!

Just like River Coffee House, come the weekends when any Liverpool matches are shown live, this place turns itself into another mini-Anfield stadium with the singing and chants that goes in sync with the singing in the background of the commentary of the matches, and the feeling is just so magical and energetic, as if you are in the stadium itself.

The one and only time we were there, the place was simply packed to the brim, most, if not all, in Liverpool replicas singing and cheering in unison. There is a certain spark in them just with their joyous faces cheering their favourite team, and also enjoying over their drinks. Talking about football, I assume  only beer goes together hand in hand. Heineken is on taps the last time we were here. Watching the match, squeezed together while still holding on to my glass and cheering when a goal is scored and still maintaining the beer from spilling, sure made the experience enjoyable. And yes, we definitely support the Reds!

Just a note, football and beer do goes well together, real experiences from watching games live in UK!

On The Taps: Heineken

River Garden Coffee House

Yeah, other than pubs, this place, River Garden Coffee House located at Riverview Hotel, is also being viewed as a watering hole by us. The place is just a simple coffee house or cafe in normal hotels on any other days, but come weekends, especially Saturdays or just whenever Liverpool Football Club plays, this place automatically transforms into a mini stadium by the riverside.

The place is actually the stronghold of the Official Liverpool FC Supporters Singapore Club, and they have been partnering the the River Garden Coffee House for a couple a years already, in providing the Liverpool Supporters a place to cheer, chill and sing the team songs together during a match screening. It is almost like a gathering of sorts for the supporters because everyone will be in unison chanting, shouting, cheering and even exchanging hi fives over drinks. And it is during this type of atmosphere that the beers will taste even sweeter when the Reds win.

Well, beer and football sure goes well together! There are quite a variety of beers on taps to choose from, and of course there are also other beverages as it is also a hotel cafe. Tiger Beer, Heineken and Erdinger Wiesbier can be found on their taps. The choices on taps is basically sufficient to serve most types of social drinkers who fancy a beer or two.

On The Taps: Tiger Beer, Heineken, Erdinger Weisbier

The Pump Room

Talking about fresh beer off the taps, The Pump Room definitely has a lot to offer with their own micro-brewery located onsite.

Serving their own crafted beers, brewery directly at their onsite brewery at Clarke Quay, Tappies will be able to enjoy the freshest beer, 100% natural and flavourful beer every time.

Their Indian Pale Ale is rated one of the best IPAs around. Tasting a bit spicy and gingery, it does freshen up the Tappies to jive to the beats on the dance floor. While there on the 3rd stop of the night, other than their IPA, we also tasted their Golden Ale, Blonde Ale and Wheat Ale. And seriously, we were not that sober enough to give an accurate review on the above 3 ales, except that they all had a strong finish that brings about a full taste on the throats. Anyway, we will definitely be back again to try on the others.

On top of that, there's also their resident band, Culture Shock, a seven piece band who dishes out a repertoire of Top 40s, Pop, Rock n Roll and Funk, where all patrons are treated to a great night out. What can go wrong when there are fresh beers on taps, and good music all round?

On The Taps: Indian Pale Ale, Golden Ale, Blonde Ale, Wheat Ale.

Silver Pub

This pub, located at Kampong Bahru, a stretch infested with a lot of the same themed KTV pubs, serves the usual fare of Tiger Beer on taps and Heineken on bottles. They also have a mixture of different whiskeys and brandys for the peeps who frequent the place.

The price of the beer is cheap though. While the in-thing now in pubs should be the electronic dart games, Silver Pub did away with the game and installed a pool table instead. With free pool offered throughout, what beats going to the place where there is the cheap nice cool trusted Tiger on Taps, and the chance to sing the night away.

On the Taps: Tiger Beer

Oktoberfest

Well, it's the month of October and in the lingo of drinking, it is also Oktoberfest!! But do anyone really understand what is Oktoberfest about and how it really began?

Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer fair held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Grmany. Running for a period of 16 days, from late September to the first weekend of October, more than 6 million people from around the world attend the event annually. Held since 1810, this event had become an important part of the Bavarian culture, and a lot of cities across the world also hold their on Oktoberfest celebrations, modeling after the original Munich event.

The history of this event actually started on 12 october 1810, when then Crown Prince Ludwig, who went on to become King Ludwig I, married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The Munich citizens were invited to attend the festivities to celebrate the happy royal event. Horse races were also held in the presence of the Royal Family to mark the close of the event. The decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent years gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest.

Towards the end of the 19th century, re-organization of the event was done, and in came more room for guests and musicians. the beer booths also became beer halls which showcased the horse teams of the breweries present.

Since 1950, there has been a traditional festival opening: A twelve gun salute and the tapping of the first keg of Oktoberfest beer at 12:00 by the incumbent Mayor of Munich with the cry "O'zapft is!" ("which means It's Tapped!!) opens the Oktoberfest. The Mayor then gives the first beer to the Minister-President of the State of Bavaria. The first mayor to tap the keg was Thomas Wimmer. The hores racing also ended in 1960. By 1960, the Oktoberfest had turned into an enormous world-famous festival. 

Traditional visitors wear during the Oktoberfest Bavarian hats (Tirolerhüte), which contain a tuft of goat hair. In Germany, goat hair is highly valued and prized, making it one of the most expensive objects for sale. The more tufts of goat hair on your hat, the wealthier you are considered to be. Technology helping, this tradition ended with the appearance of cheap goat hair imitations on the market.

2010 marked the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest. For the anniversary, there was a horse race in historical costumes on opening day. A so-called "Historische Wiesn" (historical Oktoberfest) took place, starting one day earlier than usual on the southern part of the festival grounds. A specially brewed beer (solely available at the tents of the historical Oktoberfest), horse races, and a museum tent gave visitors an impression of how the event felt a century ago.

Only beer conforming to the Reinheitsgebot, at a minimum of 13.5% Stammwurze (approximately 6% alcohol by volume) may be served at Oktoberfest. The beer must also be brewed within the city limits of Munich. Beers meeting these criteria may be designated Oktoberfest Beer

Jab 1

Singaporeans do love a drink or two. Just look at the number of pubs, clubs, bistros, nightclubs, as long as the activity can go on till the wee hours in the morning, there bound to have some sort of alcohol involved.

Jab 1 is a KTV pub, located at circular road, off boat quay. It simply means that this place offer the customers a chance to sing the night away while enjoying their drinks and company at the same time. Boasting 3 floors, with about 10 tables on the first 2 floors, each table will take turns to sing their songs at the few dedicated TV screens located around the bar. Sounds cosy, but it is definitely not the place where you can just hang around the bar table enjoying solidary drink.

The common drinks are the whiskeys and brandys in Chivas Regal and Martell. Off their taps are only Heineken, drunk in small glasses, if lucky, sometimes rock glasses. It is another type of experience drinking off these mini glasses as the foam doesn't really form the head and it is drunk more like gulping down water than appreciating it. Everybody comes here for a bit of fun in singing, whether they sound nice or not, gathering, or drinking just for the sake of getting high enough for a second round at other clubs. So it doesn't really matter how beer is being drank. It's all about having fun! And did I mention that these place have some of the more beautiful and sociable waitresses around.... No wonder it is always packed!

On the taps: Heineken

Welcome to On The Tap @ SG

Residing in the hot and humid country in Singapore, what beats an ice cold beer washing down our throats after a hot day’s of work and enjoyment?

We are a group of beer connoisseurs who loved our beers served fresh and straight off the taps, that’s why the title name, On The Taps @ SG. As a service to all like-minded connoisseurs, social drinkers, hardcore drinkers and almost everyone who loves the cool fuzzy drink straight off the taps, we will travelling through the island city to  list down most, if not all the taps that are flowing through… provided our tummy is able to withhold.

By creating a place where like-minded beer lovers who loves their beer served fresh off the taps, we hoped to be the walking directory of fresh beer off the taps to be of a service to everyone!

Bottoms Up!!

Peeps who like to recommend any pubs that we have missed out, please feel free to contact us.

Pub owners who feel that your beer taps should be listed here, also do feel free to contact us.

Beer Market

Do I need to explain more? On their menu, your won't be able to find any beer! Why? It is because all their beers are listed on the various monitors located around the pub. Simulating a live stock exchange, the products listed on the exchange are all the beers they stocked. The prices usually varies according to the amount sold the very night. The more popular choices, the higher the price.

That is the fun part in visiting this pub. Always going for the tried and tested beers, the price are usually sky high during the peak hours from 9pm onwards. Although there are always market adjustments, The prices due to their fame, will hit sky high again in no time. Ever tried having a pint of Erdinger at $22? That is sometimes madness, but that is also how the place works.

While enjoying the variety of beers at varying prices, there's also live bands everynight to keep everyone in the mood. The bands differ everynight and almost on all days, there will surely be a song, a band, a food, or just the good ole beer to keep everyone happy.

On The Taps: Erdinger Weisbier, Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale, Guiness Draught, Tiger Beer

Wild Oats at Punggol Park

Suceeding the location from the very successfull Bliss Restaurant, Wild Oats at Punggol Park has brought the initial craze of the Taiwanese Lychee Beer to the heartlands. The place is usually bustling with activities, friends gathering, datings, men's talk... It is just the perfect place for anyone to be at for anything.

Serving Erdinger Weisbier And Heineken on the taps, they also have a wide variety of beers available, including the famous lychee beer. Their stock of whiskeys and wines are also impressive.By stocking whiskeys from the Suntory brand, they have upped a notch in their drinks's list with the Yamazaki and Hakushi, good ole whiskeys that is smooth on the throats!

On The Taps: Erdinger Weisbier

Happy Daze Cafe

A nice cosy corner in Serangoon Gardens, away from the hustling and bustling of the town, this place is definitely a hit with the yuppies and expatriates living there or whom just happened to be nearby. It serves a wide variety of craft beers and ciders. The foam that flows through their taps includes Erdinger Weisbier, Erdinger Dunkel, Hoegaarden and Guiness Draught. With a wide variety of choices, no wonder the place is even packed even on Weekdays!

On the Taps: Guiness Draught, Erdinger Wiesbier, Erdinger Dunkel, Hoegaarden

Shuffle at Clarke Quay

A nice place to chill over drinks and nice accoustic bands playing a mixture of English and Chinese songs. The decoration is styled like a restaurant which means anyone can have a full dinner coupled with chilled drinks. Most notable drinks there is perhaps the Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc. 

The sweet tasting beer, a favourite with the ladies, is best served in tower. By the way, their tower is 2.8litres tower in the shape of the Eiffel Tower with sparklers on top, which makes drinking even sweeter with a romantic feel. However Shuffle has taken it off their taps recently, they are still available on bottles though. 

Still on their taps right now is Hoegaarden and Stella Artois. While Hoegaarden is still more than capable of delivering the sweet beer taste, Tappies can still turn to the trusted Stella Artois for their normal lager fix.

On The Taps: Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc (off), Hoegaarden, Stella Artois

Hood Bar and Cafe

I believe that this pub has been mentioned in lots of post and articles before, therefore making it quite a legendary pub in the local scene. The one thing that makes it special, is that not only it dishes out nice cool beers, there's also live music playing every night. The live band changes every night and they are all locals. Talk about supporting the homeground talents, the peeps at Hoods' sure know how to do it best!

Basing themselves at the top level of Bugis+, they have seemed to carved out a niche market that keeps going back for enjoyment. Whenever I tried to introduce my friends there, their first reaction would be... Is there even pub there? Whenever I was there, which is usually on Fridays or Saturdays, the place can be packed to the brim even as early as 9pm.

With a nice and distinct decor and high tables mixed with bean couches, once you got a place there, I do not think why anyone would like to leave the place early. My previous trips all ended just before the place closed for the day.

On The Taps: Guiness Draught, Erdinger Wiesbier