Nothing beats the feeling of taking your first gulp of ice-cold beer after a long, tiring workday. For beer lovers, it is the perfect stress buster. Whether you experience it at home to perfectly accompany your Netflix-and-chill time or in a bar with friends or colleagues, a nicely brewed beer is always a good choice. In the Philippines, there are a few notable locally brewed beers you should definitely try. Beyond the San Miguels and the Red Horses of the country, there are a handful of local craft beers that are worth taking note of. In this article, we list down some of the best locally brewed beers and where you can hunt them down.
1. Joe’s Brew’s 34th Pursuit IPA
Get your beer fix at: Joe’s Brew/House of Joe, 5834 Matilde St., Poblacion, Makati City
When a fellow beer lover concocts a would-be hit for beer fanatics, it’s a surefire win. This is probably the reason why Joey Viray of Joe’s Brew created locally brewed beers that have grown its own following. Having taken a Beer-Making course (yes, there is such!) in the University of California, Joey came up with undoubtedly delicious craft brews. One of his biggest hits? The 34th Pursuit IPA.
This particular brew was made to honor Joey’s grandfather, a fighter pilot in the 1940s, and his squadron named the 34th Pursuit. Made to mirror his late grandfather’s robust squadron, this particular brew is light amber in color. With hints of citrus and floral notes, mixed with some tropical flavor, this beer delivers a clean, hoppy taste only true blue Indian Pale Ale lovers enjoy.
2. Engkanto Stout
Get your beer fix at: The Belle and Dragon, OPL Building, 100 Don Carlos Palanca, Legazpi Village, Makati City
Engkanto is a Filipino term that directly translates to enchantment. In Filipino folklore, an engkanto pertains to magical creatures that have the capacity to charm people or render them spellbound.
The Engkanto locally brewed beers deliver just that – enchantment. It takes pride in creating local craft beers that are tailor fit to a Filipino’s palate. One such brew is the brand’s own take on a Stout.
Engkanto’s Stout is the brewery’s foray to the “dark side”. Silky and well-rounded, the beautiful dark chocolate-hued beer is intensified with the flavor of roasted barley, espresso and dark chocolate. Not for the faint of heart, this beer is meant to be enjoyed by serious brew lovers.
3. Fat Pauly’s Iligan Single Hop Origin Pale Ale
Get your beer fix at: Global Beer Exchange, Tritan Ventures Building, Paseo de Magallanes, Magallanes, Makati City
If home-based brews pique your interest then Fat Pauly from Iligan City’s craft beers should be on your must-try list. A local, provincial brewery that blends imported malt ingredients with local elements such as wild pikyutan honey and Timoga Spring water, their beers are strong and crisp – exactly how beer lovers like their brews.
Be sure to try out Fat Pauly’s Iligan Single Hop Origin Pale Ale – a beer that is crisp, refreshingly and also deceptively strong. With an alcohol content of 7.4%, this beer is a top choice for beer drinkers who are looking for a glass that’s got a little more kick in it.
4. Katipunan Craft Indio Pale Ale
Get your beer fix at: Big Bad Wolf, Forbestown Road, Burgos Circle, Taguig City
An easy favorite of local drinkers, the Katipunan Craft has been around for quite some time. It’s one of the first local craft breweries that were able to make noise with their signature brews. Katipunan Craft’s Indio Pale Ale is actually one of their first concoctions and has become an instant hit to craft beer enthusiasts.
The amber-colored fruity pale ale comes with hints of spices, and with a medium sweet and a soft bitter aftertaste, even novice beer drinkers would appreciate this one.
5. De Puta Madre Double IPA
Get your beer fix at: Alamat Filipino Pub & Deli, 2/F 5666 Don Pedro St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City
As daring as its name, Crows Craft Brewing Co.’s De Puta Madre Double IPA is a bold, malt beer that you will not easily forget. Intense in taste and aroma, this beer can be a little intimidating to newbie beer drinkers. With a buzz factor of up to 8%, a glass of this baby is best partnered with foods with intense flavors. Bring out that dark chocolate bar or that buffalo wings with some blue cheese and enjoy your De Puta Madre Double IPA!
6. Pivo Praha’s Dark Lager
Get your beer fix at: Bravo Sports Bar, J.P. Rizal St., Makati City
Pivo Praha Brewery is a joint venture between local restaurateur Ediberto Bravo and Czech-beer expert Jan Suran. The beers are made from 100% malt and traditionally crafted the way Czech beers are made.
Pivo Praha’s Dark Lager is made from 100% malt and finished off with a pack full of caramel flavors to give it a smooth, airy finish. Unlike other dark beers, Pivo Praha’s Dark Lager has the smoothness you can get from lighter beers.
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