Founded in 2009 in a former Nestlé factory in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Kingdom Breweries has established itself as a leading craft beer brand in Southeast Asia. Its Clouded Leopard Pilsener won the gold medal at the Belgian Monde Sélection in 2011, and today, 70% of its production is exported to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and France.
History and expansion
Kingdom Breweries began under the leadership of Peter Brongers and Leopard Capital, transforming 5,000 m² of former Nestlé facilities into a modern microbrewery. By September 2010, Clouded Leopard Pilsener had gained international recognition, paving the way for a production that, by 2015, would be primarily exported (Singapore, Thailand) and then, via Natural Beverages Company in Paris, to France.
Contract brewing and regional network
Beyond its own range, Kingdom offers a contract brewing service for more than 30 breweries in Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines, thus strengthening its role as a regional brewing hub.
The flagship beers
Kingdom Pilsener (5% vol.)
Classic balance, gold medal Belgian Monde Sélection 2011.
Kingdom IPA (5.8% vol.)
Hoppy bitterness and fruity notes, awarded at Beerfest Asia.
Kingdom Mango IPA (5.8% vol.)
Mango infusion for a tropical profile, awarded at the International Brewing & Cider Awards 2024.
Kingdom White Wheat (5% vol.)
Opalescent wheat beer with sweet spices (coriander, orange peel).
Taproom and visitor experience
A taproom is a tasting and social space located directly within a brewery. It is both:
- A bar where you can taste freshly brewed beers, often on tap, in different options (glasses à la carte, “free flow” format, tasting flight, etc.).
- A place to visit : many microbreweries organize guided tours of their facilities, brewing workshops or meetings with the master brewer.
- An event space : concerts, theme evenings and the launch of new vintages are held there regularly.
Located in the former Nestlé canteen, the taproom offers:
Free flow tastings on site
- Guided tours and brewing workshops
- Panoramic view of the Tonle Sap
At Kingdom Breweries, the taproom offers an immersive experience: you can discover the manufacturing process while enjoying a panoramic view of the Tonlé Sap River, and you can leave with souvenir bottles or brewery merchandising items.
Sustainability and local impact
- Recycling spent grains into compost for local farmers
- Local sourcing of Cambodian malt, hops and tropical fruits
- Fair partnerships with rural producers
Conclusion
By combining a European brewing heritage, tropical Cambodian ingredients and an eco-responsible approach, Kingdom Breweries exemplifies the vitality and innovation of Cambodian craft beer, while also expanding internationally.