John Pemberton is the Founder and CEO of Heart of Darkness Brewery which is based in Saigon, Vietnam. He is a self-taught beer maker. With flagship bars in both Saigon and Singapore, Heart of Darkness also distribute their award-winning beer across Asia and beyond. The team at Savour BlackBookAsia Magazine speaks to John in an “no holds barred” exclusive business beer banter at HOD’s new snazzier location with wide open spaces, a semi open kitchen concept and loads of good food and even better beers.
Abit about the man himself, in 2013 IKEA brought him to Vietnam as the Deputy Trading Area Manager responsible for their Vietnam sourcing operation also managing categories across SEA. During a stint as a Sourcing Operations Manager in New York City in the late 90’s John developed a love for the then nascent craft beer scene in the US. Frustrated at not being able to find craft beer in Asia, John taught himself to brew and soon after Heart of Darkness Brewery was born.
Heart of Darkness is on a mission to bring innovative, high quality craft beer to Asia and create a chain of taprooms that bring an authentic US craft beer experience to Asia. We sampled some of HOD’s popular main stay brews to limited release editions as well as a tasting menu featuring the venue’s delectable dishes. We enjoyed the Gigantic Tale Tiramisu Pastry Stout thoroughly. Is it a dessert or dark beer? There is no need to decide as this selection gives you a little bit of everything. Concocted with Lacaph’s Phin blend of Vietnamese coffee that yields a sweet vanilla chocolate flavour on the palate with a lovely bitter finish. (like our Vietnam counterparts, we love our coffee strong!)
On a more refreshing note, try the Tropical Bia Mango & Passionfruit, a tropical lager that oozes tropical fruits from a blend of hops and natural mango and passionfruit. Easy to drink, and ideal for consumption in a hot and humid environment. Paired perfectly with the Nachos which is served with vegetarian chili, sour cream and house made guacamole plus cheese sauce. Jalapenos to complete and add that classic spicy sour touch. Simply irresistible is the Glazed Lamb Ribs with a sweet Asian glaze. Imagine fall of the bone, tender meat with an addictive char and brushed on with a shiny coating made from a secret blend of spices. This finger licking good dish is best eaten with cleaned hands.
Congratulations to HOD for being short-listed as Savour BlackBookAsia Magazine’s Brewery (Beer) Of The Year 2022. Stay tuned for the results come year end.
ADDRESS:
1 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089109
PHONE:
62087940
WEBSITE:
https://www.heartofdarknessbrewery.com.sg/
Meanwhile take a look at last years winner, The 1925 Brewery Co and their restaurant arm Blue Smoke: