Opening Soon: Boxing Cat Brewery

We were invited to a private beer tasting at the soon to be opened Boxing Cat Brewery, and we always enjoy free food and beer (even if it is in Minhang).

Boxing Cat Brewery is a collaboration between Gary Heyne (former brew master of Henry’s) and Kelley Lee (from iiiit!). They’ve put together a nice pub/restaurant that has a warm homey feel, a place likely to draw a lot of “regulars”.

Gary plans on keeping four beers on tap, and after one runs dry, a different beer will take its place. We sampled the beers on tap and they were the best brews we’ve had since landing on this continent. The Midland Mild was a strong dark beer that was nutty yet smooth. The Pilsner was equally smooth and refreshing with just a hint of sweetness. The final beer on tap at this time was an Alt Bier which was bitter and hoppy. Happy hour specials are planned, and expect pints to run about 45RMB.

Dinner included a variety of beer and wine foods. Portions were “American Sized” and clearly not intended for the health conscious. The fried oyster "po boy" was huge, the grilled steak atop salad greens was tasty and almost healthy, but everyone was in agreement that the star of the night was the sweet potato french fries with chipotle aioli which were unusually crispy and sweet — they are a must have. Mains will cost around 65-120RMB and brunch specials are in the works.

What most amazed us about the brewery is Kelley and Gary’s desire to make as many items as possible from scratch. Homemade potato chips were available, homemade sausage was served during the dinner, plans are in the works to make sour cream and buttermilk.

Boxing Cat Brewery is located at 453 Jinfeng Rd near Baole Rd in Minhang District （金丰路453号 近保乐路) [map] (6221-9661). The easiest way to get there is take Subway Line 2 to Songhong Rd and then take a taxi for about 20 minutes. Yeah, it’s far away from the city center, but it is quite close to the Shanghai American School, British International School, and the Shanghai Racquetball club so there are a pile of expats out that way. It's worth the journey though as the beer and the food won’t disappoint. The soft opening will be this Friday and the grand opening later this month. They plan on two more locations (hopefully closer to downtown), and eventually a full brewery and distribution centre.

Other Brew Pubs in Shanghai
Henry’s (6321-7127) (1/F, 33 Sichuan Zhong Lu, Huangpu near Guangdong Lu 四川中路33号1楼 近广东路)
Paulaner Brauhaus (6474-5700) (150 Fenyang Lu, French Concession near Yueyang Lu 汾阳路150号 近岳阳路)
The Bund Brewery (6321-8447) (11 Hankou Lu, The Bund near Sichuan Lu 汉口路11号 近四川路)
Castle Oktober (6431-2668) (39 Taojiang Lu, Xuhui near Wulumuqi 桃江路39号 近乌鲁木齐路)

Boxing Cat Brewery Boxing Cat Brewery is located at 453 Jinfeng Road near Baole Road in Zhudi Town Minhang District

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