Similar to the situation in which we found ourselves while reviewing Vietnamese beers, we here in your WoWasis beer tasting room can’t find any reason not to stay exclusively with Sri Lankan-produced beers while in that country. Sri Lankan stouts and lagers rank with the best in Asia. Here’s our report: 

For sheer everyday drinkability, we think Lion Lager, at 4.4% alcohol, is your best bet. It has a great taste, perfect after a long day climbing through Sri Lanka’s ancient cities. To polish off our evening, we’ve enjoyed both the ABC (Archipelago Brewery Corp.) and Lion Special stouts (8.8%). 

Here’s a short list of Sri Lanka’s beers, in order of alcohol content:
ABC Extra Stout (Asia Pacific Brewery), 8.8%
Lion Special (Stout), 8.8%
Lion Strong (Lager) 8.8%
Baron’s Bison (Lager) 8.5%
Anchor Pilsener, 4.9% (note: this beer was decidedly our least favorite)
Baron’s Lager, 4.9 %
Lion Lager, 4.8%
Three Coins Dark, 4.3%
Three Coins Lager, 4.3% 

In summation: We think you can’t go wrong with Lion, all their beers are excellent. ABC Stout is quite good, too. But drink Anchor Pilsener at your own peril, it’s a bit rough.