Lucky Buddha 6Pk

Lucky Buddha 6Pk is a six-pack of 4.8% ABV Asian-style lager brewed with malt, hops, rice, and water at Qiandao Lake in China. Instantly recognizable for its iconic Laughing Buddha–shaped bottle, this import lager from Hangzhou Qiandaohu Beer Co. (also known as Cheerday Brewery) has amassed more than 128,000 ratings on Untappd, earning a solid following among fans of light, easy-drinking Asian lagers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.8%  |  Origin: Qiandao Lake, China  |  Style: Asian Lager  |  Brewery: Hangzhou Qiandaohu Beer Co. (Cheerday Brewery)  |  Format: 6-Pack

Production & Heritage

Lucky Buddha is brewed and bottled at the shores of Qiandao Lake—also called Thousand Island Lake—a vast freshwater reservoir in Zhejiang Province, China. The recipe follows a straightforward Asian lager approach: malted barley combined with rice for a lighter body, balanced by a restrained hop addition. The result is a highly carbonated, clean-finishing beer that leans on the adjunct grain character rice provides. The brewery's most talked-about detail is the bottle itself, molded in the shape of a seated Laughing Buddha holding a gold ingot above his head—a symbol of good fortune that has made the packaging nearly as popular as the beer inside.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light honey and malt lead the nose, followed by subtle hop notes. A faint earthiness rounds out the scent profile without overpowering the delicate grain sweetness.

Taste: The entry is clean and gently sweet, with earthy malt mingling with soft citrus hints of lemon and grapefruit. Mid-palate, the rice adjunct keeps things light and smooth, while a touch of wheat-like grain and honey sweetness emerges. Carbonation is brisk, giving the beer a lively, refreshing quality.

Finish: Short and silky, with residual malt sweetness fading quickly. The crisp carbonation scrubs the palate clean, leaving minimal bitterness.

How to Drink Lucky Buddha

Serve cold—ideally between 38°F and 45°F—straight from the distinctive bottle or poured into a pilsner glass to appreciate its pale golden color and foamy head. This lager's light, rice-driven body makes it a natural match for food-forward occasions. Try it alongside a Michelada, where the mild malt sweetness complements tomato juice and lime. It also works in a Beer-garita (beer blended with frozen margarita mix), adding effervescence without heavy bitterness. For a simple twist, build a Shandy with fresh lemonade—the existing citrus undertones in the lager amplify the combination.

Best For

• Pairing with Chinese, Thai, or Japanese takeout nights
• A conversation-starting gift for beer collectors who appreciate unique packaging
• Warm-weather backyard gatherings where a light, refreshing lager is key
• Introducing friends to imported Asian lagers beyond the usual suspects

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lucky Buddha taste like? Lucky Buddha is a light-bodied Asian lager with earthy malt sweetness, subtle honey and citrus notes, and a crisp, highly carbonated finish driven by the rice in its recipe.

How does Lucky Buddha compare to Tsingtao? Lucky Buddha is generally considered milder and slightly sweeter than Tsingtao, which tends to carry more pronounced hop bitterness and a drier finish; both are Chinese-brewed lagers that use rice as an adjunct grain.

Is Lucky Buddha good for beginners? Yes—its low bitterness, light body, and clean malt character make it one of the more approachable import lagers, suitable for drinkers who prefer a mild, easy-going beer.

Where is Lucky Buddha made? Lucky Buddha is brewed and bottled by Hangzhou Qiandaohu Beer Co. (Cheerday Brewery) at Qiandao Lake—also known as Thousand Island Lake—in Zhejiang Province, China.

What foods pair well with Lucky Buddha? Dim sum works well, as the beer's carbonation cuts through steamed dumpling richness. Sushi and sashimi benefit from the lager's neutral, clean profile. Spicy Thai curries are balanced by its mild sweetness. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette echo the beer's lemon and grapefruit hints. Grilled shrimp or chicken satay match the subtle malt backbone without competing for attention.

What sizes does Lucky Buddha come in? The most widely available format is a 6-pack of individual bottles (typically 11.2 oz / 330ml each); single bottles are also commonly sold.

Is Lucky Buddha worth the price? Lucky Buddha positions as an affordable import lager, sitting in the same value tier as other popular Asian beer brands; the collectible Laughing Buddha bottle adds novelty that many buyers consider a bonus at its price point.

Why Lucky Buddha?

In a crowded field of Asian import lagers, Lucky Buddha distinguishes itself through one of the most memorable bottle designs in the beer world—a full-figure Laughing Buddha molded in green glass. Beyond the packaging, the beer itself delivers a straightforward, rice-adjunct lager brewed with Qiandao Lake water, giving it a clean, slightly sweet character that pairs naturally with a wide range of Asian cuisines. With over 128,000 Untappd ratings, it has built genuine consumer recognition far beyond its Zhejiang Province origins. For anyone seeking a light, approachable import with genuine conversation-piece appeal, the six-pack format makes it easy to share the experience.