Oktoberfest may be over but our collective appetite for beer doesn’t stop there. In fact, this historic drink—apparently the third most popular after water and tea—has seen a renaissance driven by the creativity and innovation of craft breweries. This beer revolution is the highlight at the Alchemist Beer Lab at The South Beach Hotel, which takes experimentation further with infusion towers that allow for your choice of ingredients to be melded into the beer itself.

We speak to the man in charge, head bartender Barnaby Murdoch, who comes to the Alchemist with over a decade of experience working for notable establishments such as Kitts Club, Rudy’s Revenge, and Rubicon in London as well as the defunct Bartini’s in Singapore. “What I love about beer is that there’s something for everyone, from light lagers to bitter IPAS, dark rich stouts to porters. I work with beer almost every day, and there’s always something to discover,” Murdoch shares. Read on to find out more on the most creative pint in the city.

The first thing you crave in the morning:
Black coffee. The first thing I do when I get up is brew a strong cup of joe to give me a slap on the face and get my day going.

What do you love about Singapore’s bar scene?
I’ve been here for over five years now, and have witnessed it grow exponentially. Today, there are places that give establishments in London and New York a run for their money. This pushes me as a bartender—I always need to up my game especially as customers become more discerning.

What makes the Alchemist Beer Lab so different?
It’s an exciting concept, even for me, because it offers a new dimension on enjoying beer. We have 16 infusion towers, eight are dedicated to craft beers from Little Island Brewing Co. The rest are infusion towers where ingredients including botanicals, fruits, nuts, spices, coffee, and chocolate are placed in chambers, compressed gas is released and beer is injected with the chosen flavour creating endless options. It’s really unique and so far, I haven’t met someone who couldn’t find a drink they liked.

Any favourites you’d recommend?
The light and refreshing Sister Golden Ale, and the award-winning That Old Black Magic. For the bolder drinker, I suggest 50 Shades of Pink, Somerset cider with pink guava or Obama; the latter’s Old Black Magic stout infused with vanilla, marshmallow, and mint.

How do you best enjoy beer—sip or chug?
Like anything you enjoy, it really comes down to personal preference. Just drink it in the right temperature, no lower than 8°C, to experience the full aroma and flavour profile.

If you could have a drink with someone, who would it be?
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton would be entertaining, even better if you include Obama!

Describe your perfect night out:
In my industry, work is considered a night out. I’m much more inclined to finish my day with sumptuous food, ice cold beer, and good company... maybe I’m getting old.