The Esquire Checklist: Filipino Craft Beers You Should Try
Cerveza Sagada
Sagada
A craft beer that sources their ingredients from the cordillera region. Imagine a beer using mountain Province purple rice, as is the mix in their Gusi Violet Ale with balantinao.
www.facebook.com/CervezaSagada2014
Laughing Carabao
Tarlac
How about an Inuruban Pale Ale, inspired by our local dessert of sticky rice, young coconut, and sugar?
Perfect Pint
Manila
Head over to their restaurant in Bonifacio Global city for a flight with food pairing.
Molito Commercial Center, Madrigal Avenue, Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Greenbelt 2, Makati City
Baguio Craft Brewery
Baguio
Our favorite has got to be the Zigzagger—brewed with Sagada oranges and the strongest beer in their line.
www.facebook.com/BaguioCraftBrewery
Turning Wheels
Cebu
One of this metropolis’ first home breweries, we like the crisp taste of their beer range.
www.facebook.com/TurningWheelsBrewery
Pinatubo Craft Beer
Pampanga
Nice floral flavor and an even nicer hit. this Pampanga beer tastes more complex than the others.
www.facebook.com/PinatuboCraftBeer
Bogs Brew
Bacolod
Clean, crisp and smooth, Bogsbrew goes down easily and tastes pretty light.
Nipa Brew
Manila
When you’re trying craft for the first time, Nipa Brew will ease you in. Think of it as the beer for beginners. Their Tropical Haze, a wheat beer with fruity notes, is a keeper.
Fat Pauly's
Iligan
A brewer with over 20 different types of beer, this brewery has one of the most extensive collections to date.
www.facebook.com/FatPaulysHandCraftedAlesLagers
Craftpoint Brewing Co.
Manila
Their range is a little bit on the stronger side, but the Blonde Ale is perfect for sipping by the beach.
www.facebook.com/CraftpointBrewing
Bulul Brewery
Manila
Only served on tap for now, Bulul Brewery’s Pumpkin beer is sweet and delicious.
Juan Brew
Manila
Good to note: they make their beer with machines powered by the sun. If that isn’t reason enough to support them, the beer should be.
Sikatuna Craft Brewery
Manila
Full-bodied and flavorful, their oatmeal stout tastes like coffee.
www.facebook.com/sikatunacraftbrews
Joe's Brew
Manila
Head to their pub in Poblacion, which serves their entire line on tap—medium-bodied and refreshing.
Crazy Carabao
Laguna
Crazy Carabao’s range has everything from wheat beer to an IPA. Recently, they just also launched their lager, the Lapu Lapu.
Great Islands Beer
Manila
One of the first players in the craft beer game, their adventurous flavors make this brand stand out. try the hani Luya—salabat-inspired ginger honey beer.
Crows Craft Brewing Co.
Manila
A favorite among other local brewers, Crows is known its in-your-face concoctions thanks to some extra hops in the mix. The De Puta Madre is the must-try.
Engkanto Craft Beer
Manila; Laguna
This new player focuses on local ingredients to flavor their beer. Instead of pine-heavy notes, they went for brighter citrus tones.
Pedro Brewcrafters
Manila
Founded in 2014, Pedro seeks to showcase how different beers can be. Their first flavor, Endless summer Wheat Ale, remains to be the perennial crowdpleaser.
Kapitolyo Brewing Co.
Manila
They brew their own beer (Kapitolyo Brewing Co.), but they also function as a beerhouse serving an extensive collection of other brands. If you’re a beer afficionado, sign up for their brewing workshops, or their meet-and-greet events with the brewers themselves. It’s easy to settle down in this cozy neighborhood beerhouse.
