Bruce ChiLee IPA: China’s First Cross-Border Collaborative Craft Brew

“Bruce ChiLee IPA” Available At Boxing Cat Brewery This Month

Fresh off its joint effort with Beijing’s Great Leap Brewing to create “Yunnan Amber,” China’s first-ever collaborative craft beer, Shanghai’s Boxing Cat Brewery (previously) has teamed up with renowned Danish brewer Mikkeller for “Bruce ChiLee IPA,” an innovative cross-border brew available at both Boxing Cat locations this month.

Incorporating the brewing methods of Mikkeller as well as Boxing Cat Brewery, the beer infuses Chinese green chili peppers (辣椒/là jiāo), rye malt and American Simcoe hops. The resulting brew — like its namesake martial arts idol — packs a punch, with up-front chili aromas balanced with tangerine floral notes. The tasting profile includes hints of green chili along with subtle spice notes and full-flavored hop character.

As Boxing Cat Brewery Brewmaster Michael Jordan said of the brew, “Having the opportunity to collaborate with Mikkel Borg Bjergsø of Mikkeller was an awesome experience. Mikkel is recognized for his experimental approach to making beer and brings a lot of passion to his brands.” Jordan added that he and Bjergsø collaborated on the recipe before Mikkel arrived in Shanghai to brew Bruce ChiLee IPA in September, with the aim of both brewers being an exciting beer that incorporated native Chinese ingredients.

Already a popular name in key craft beer markets like the US — where it has collaborated with breweries such as Three Floyds, Stillwater, and Jester King — Bruce ChiLee IPA marks a first cross-border brew for Mikkeller in China. Brewmasters Mikkel and Michael first met in Denmark while Michael was the Brewmaster at Bryggeriet S.C. Fuglsang, with Michael later assisting Mikkel in getting the Mikkeller brand into the Chinese market.

In other Boxing Cat news, it was announced during Mikkel Borg Bjergsø’s trip to Shanghai that Boxing Cat will represent China at the 2013 Copenhagen Beer Celebration next May, making it the only Asia-based brewery at the “invitation-only” festival. In the meantime, two kegs of Bruce ChiLee IPA will be shipped to Denmark for Mikkel to pour at his bar in the Vesterbro neighborhood of Copenhagen.