Tiger Beer Review: Singapore’s Asian Lager, Tested

3.3/5
Asian pale lager, 5.0% ABV, around 145 calories. A crisp, clean, easy-drinking lager from Singapore, brewed since 1932.

Tiger is Singapore’s best-known beer, brewed since 1932 and now sold across Asia and beyond. It is a straightforward pale lager built for hot weather and food, crisp and clean with a light body and a gentle bitterness. It has become a familiar sight in Asian restaurants and bars worldwide. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and where it lands against the other Asian lagers.

Tiger Beer at a glance

StyleAsian pale lager
ABV5.0%
CaloriesAround 145 per 12 fl oz
CarbsAround 11g per 12 fl oz
OriginHeineken Asia Pacific, Singapore
IngredientsWater, barley malt, cereals, hops, yeast
VeganYes
Gluten freeNo, it is brewed from barley
Typical priceAround $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing

How it tastes, by the numbers

Tiger is a light, crisp Asian lager with a gentle bitterness and not much malt weight, built to refresh rather than to challenge.

Body
2/5
Bitterness
2/5
Malt sweetness
2/5
Crispness
4/5
Roast
1/5
Our tasting scores, 1 (low) to 5 (high).
Tiger Beer poured and ready to drink

The full review

It pours pale gold and clear with a quick white head. The aroma is light and clean, a little grainy with a faint hop note and a touch of sweetness. There is nothing loud about it, which is the point.

On the palate it is crisp and light with a soft malt base, a clean grain flavor and a gentle, slightly bitter finish. It is smooth and easy, with just enough hop presence to keep it from being bland. It is a textbook hot-weather lager, the kind you drink without thinking too hard about it.

That easy character makes it a natural with food, especially spicy Asian dishes where its clean, refreshing profile cuts through the heat. Served ice cold it does exactly what you want, and it is a reliable, unfussy choice rather than a beer for slow sipping.

Value is fair for an import. It costs a little more than the domestic macros but sits in line with the other Asian lagers, and for a crisp, food-friendly beer it earns its place without standing out from the crowd.

A clean, no-fuss Asian lager that just gets on with refreshing you.
Pros
  • Crisp, clean and refreshing
  • Easy-drinking and food-friendly
  • Great with spicy Asian food
  • Full-strength at 5.0% ABV
Cons
  • Light on malt and character
  • Not one for slow sipping
  • Import pricing for a simple lager

Who it is for

Anyone who wants a crisp, clean Asian lager to go with food or warm weather. If you like this, a Singha or an Asahi are natural comparisons.

A close look at Tiger Beer

Tiger Beer FAQs

What does Tiger beer taste like?

Crisp and light with a soft malt base, a clean grain flavor and a gentle, slightly bitter finish. An easy, refreshing Asian lager.

How strong is Tiger beer?

It is 5.0% ABV, a full-strength lager.

How many calories are in Tiger beer?

Around 145 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 11g of carbs.

Where is Tiger beer from?

It is from Singapore, where it has been brewed since 1932. It is now made by Heineken Asia Pacific.

Is Tiger beer vegan?

Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, cereals, hops and yeast with no animal products.

Is Tiger beer gluten free?

No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.

What food goes with Tiger beer?

Its clean, crisp profile pairs well with spicy Asian food, seafood and grilled dishes.

Is Tiger a lager?

Yes, it is an Asian pale lager.

A cold Tiger Beer

Where to buy Tiger Beer

Tiger is widely sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.

The verdict

Tiger is a crisp, clean Asian lager that does the refreshment job well, especially alongside spicy food. It is light on malt and character and it will not excite anyone looking for depth, but as an easy, food-friendly hot-weather beer it is reliable and likable. A fair three point three out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.

Final score3.3 / 5

For the full ranked lineup, head to our best lager beer brands guide.

For more like this, see our guide to the best Japanese lagers.

FAQs

What kind of beer is Tiger Beer?

Tiger Beer is an Asian pale lager, at 5.0% ABV.

How much alcohol is in Tiger Beer?

Tiger Beer has an ABV of 5.0%.

How many calories are in Tiger Beer?

Tiger Beer has Around 145 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.

Is Tiger Beer gluten free?

Tiger Beer: No, it is brewed from barley.

Does Tiger Beer have carbs?

Yes, Tiger Beer has Around 11g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.

How can I make Tiger Beer taste better?

Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.

How much does Tiger Beer cost?

Tiger Beer typically runs Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.

How do I open Tiger Beer without a bottle opener?

A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.

What glass should I use for Tiger Beer?

A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an Asian pale lager like Tiger Beer. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.

Dan Smullen Beer is my life profile

Hi, I'm Dan, founder of BeerIsMyLife. I've been an avid homebrewer for over ten years, and beer is my true passion. I've traveled all over the world, visiting breweries, tasting beer, as well as making my own batches. I set up this blog to share that experience with you.