A Fresh Start in Siem Reap
Amara Beer Lab Moves to a New Location
We’ve got some important news to share, and it’s all about change, growth, and finding the right path. As many of you know, we’ve been working tirelessly to bring Amara Beer Lab to life. Our original plan was to open the brewery in a beautiful countryside location, surrounded by red soil, rice fields, and the peaceful vibes of Siem Reap’s rural landscape. It was a dreamy vision—one that felt authentic and inspiring.
But sometimes, life has other plans. After careful consideration, we’ve decided to move to a new location before our official opening. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s one that we believe will set us up for long-term success. Let me walk you through the reasons behind this change.
"Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes"
( German polymath, who is widely regarded as the greatest and most influential writer in the German language, 1749 - 1832 )
1. Environmental Challenges
The countryside is stunning, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. For example, just the other day, we had a windy and rainy afternoon—something that’s not uncommon here. While the open-air setting was part of the charm, it also made it difficult to maintain the high hygiene standards we need for brewing and food preparation.
Fermentation, as many of you know, requires a clean and controlled environment. Despite our efforts—like installing microcement flooring and panels—we realized that the space wouldn’t fully meet our needs. It wasn’t a mistake in planning; it was part of the learning process. We gave it our best shot, but in the end, we knew we had to find a solution that would allow us to brew without compromise.
2. Location, Location, Location
Another factor was the countryside’s remoteness. Don’t get me wrong—I love living out here. The red soil, the delicious fruits, the rice fields, the breathtaking sunsets, and even the buffaloes my dog loves to play with—it’s all part of what makes Siem Reap so special. But when it comes to running a brewery, accessibility matters.
Reaching the countryside requires effort. Tourists and locals alike would need to actively choose to take a tuk-tuk or drive out to visit us. While this remoteness added a sense of exclusivity, it also made it harder to attract a steady flow of visitors. For a small business like ours, this was a significant consideration.
3. *************
I’ll be honest—there were some minor frustrations along the way, including some disagreements with the property owner. But I don’t want to dwell on that. What’s important is where we’re headed. This move isn’t just about finding a better space; it’s about growing, learning, and staying true to our vision.
A Fresh Start in a New Space
So, we’ve decided to move to a more central and modern location. This new space will allow us to focus on what we do best: brewing great beer and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. It’s a fresh start, and we’re excited about the possibilities it brings.
Of course, this means letting go of some activities that were tied to the countryside—like hosting events in the garden or enjoying the open-air vibe. But every ending is a new beginning. In fact, this change has already inspired us to launch an annual initiative that we can’t wait to share with you. It’s something that reflects our values and brings the community together in a meaningful way. Stay tuned for more details!