5 Philippine Microbreweries Changing the Way You Can Enjoy Beer

When in Manila, you will have an abundance of choices when it comes to alcoholic drinks that you can
enjoy, although it is as fact that none would be as omnipresent as beer. A typical drinkers table would
have a few bottles of San Mig Light or Pale Pilsen (Red Horse for those who prefer a stronger kick),
consumed even in the most trivial of conversations. The drinking scene, however, is gradually changing.
Where is this shift leading? I believe, towards the craft beer revolution. The latter, although still in its
infancy, is slowly gaining popularity, especially for those who have refined tastes for their drinks, or
simply those people whose beer bellies have been filled with too much fizzy, watery beer.
Craft beer is replete in terms of characteristics that make it different from the highly commercialized
beers that are produced by the bigwigs in the alcoholic beverage industry. One association of brewers
define craft beer as being made by a brewery that is small, independent, and traditional. They are
promoted to be as diverse wine in terms of the selections that are available and often paired with
gourmet food. In spite of their small-scale production, these beers are distributed in various
establishments. When in Manila, if you want to check them out, you can head to The Bottle Shop if you
are from the south, or Barley Gastropub if you are from the north.
In the Philippines, more and more small-scale breweries are sprouting here and there. Some, as a result
of mere curiosity and the desire to experiment. Others, however, have taken it into a higher level by
introducing their own line of fine crafted beers to the public. Now, allow me to introduce you to some of
the microbreweries in the country that you should know about, including their creations that would
soon make you drool.

Katipunan
Brett Lim, Raffy Taruc, Kyo Miura, and Miguel Buling first met during their high school years in Ateneo
de Manila. Although they have been separated in their college years, the four would often find
themselves reconnecting with each other and basically talking about one thing that they love: beer.
While drunken conversations of others would often be about having their own bar someday, these four
had a different thing in mind and that is to make their own beer.
Raffy got a book from the US about brewing. Brett, on the other hand, while working in Singapore,
sourced supplies from a brew shop near his place. They started brewing a few bottles, hoping that they
will master the trick one day. As Brett would say, it wasnt the best beer, but it was our beer.
After about a year, the group was finally confident that they can show-off their products. They brought
it in one bar and it sold like pancakes that night. This signaled the start of their journey towards craft
beer revolution. Their products have grown since then, and so is the market for craft beer. According to
Brett, while the ride has been amazing so far, they are still continuously learning about brewing and the
specific profile that would sell best for the local market.
To date, their best seller is the Indio Pale Ale (4.8% ABV), which also happens to be their first recipe. It is
available year-round. It is made with the use of basic water, yeast, malts, and hop. It was originally
patterned from an American Pale Ale recipe, but they felt that they had to cut down on the hops, and
instead make it maltier. Pair it with fried meats and you will surely be in for a treat!
Aside from the Indio Pale Ale, another must-try is the Dear Fred (4.8% ABV), which is in collaboration
with Yardstick Coffee. Craft beer + craft coffee. That would be the simplest way to put it. Other brews
include Signal Number 1 and Weizenberg.
Fat Paulys
Paul Stuart del Rosario used to hang out in a small tavern called Beers Paradise in Polaris, Makati. For
more than a week, along with his brother, they frequented the place, learned more about beer culture,
and trained their palate about different brews. He soon found himself collecting beer bottles and
stepped up the challenge by making his first batch of homebrewed beers in April, 2010.
Fat Paulys Hand-Crafted Ales and Lager is inspired by baselines of traditional recipes. This, however,
does not mean that their profiles are conventional. According to Paul, their finest brew-grade
ingredients are sourced from Germany, Belgium, and U.S. They are combined with ingredients that are
available locally, such as strawberries, lime, mangrove barks, wild honey, and even natural spring water.
From what he uses with his beers, he surely does not seem to be kidding when he said that he is making
anything except boring beers.
My personal favorite is their Iligan Single Hop Origin Pale Ale. This intensely hopped ale with a sweet
finish can be best consumed with steaks and cheese. Another favorite of mine is their Diwata White
Wheat Ale, which was brewed with lime and peppercorns. What I liked most about this beer is the
perfect combination of spicy and floral notes, allowing it to finish with a kick. When I met Paul once, he
asked me to try their Mont Lelong Smoked Mocha Porter (6.8% ABV). This is a very unique concoction
with smoky aroma and rich flavor.
Based on what I have seen, Fat Paulys has the most diverse selection of craft beers amongst local
breweries. It does not stop there. Paul reveals his ongoing collaboration with Chef Justin Yenko to
produce and market Baby Rockets Hand-Crafted Soda. Meanwhile, Stuart Bros. Craft Spirits Co. will also
be soon on its way, which will surely excite those who are into premium rums and warm weather
whiskeys. As Paul puts it, I do not limit myself or my patrons. That is why I always have something to
bring to the table. Some are highly acquired. Some are generally acceptable. Some are outrageously
robust. And some are exquisite.
Baguio Craft Brewery
Although local at its very core, Baguio Craft Brewery started when Chris Ordas, currently the President
of the microbrewery, met with Ryan Garcia in Seattle in 2011. The two talked about starting their own
brewery in the Philippines. Soon, Mico Cortez, Michael Anderson, Alex Basa, and their Head Brewer,
Arnold Miguel, joined the team.
It was in May 2014 when the brewery started fully-operational. From Baguio City, their beers are now
being distributed in different places all over Metro Manila. According to Mico, who is in charge with
their marketing efforts, they strive towards recreating the vibrant Western craft beer culture here in
our country a culture where beer is not just about getting drunk, but about belonging to a community
exposing your palate to new sensations, and taking pride in our craft.
Currently, their bestseller is the Pugaw IPA (7%), which is characterized by its high hop flavor, with
citrusy and piney notes. It is a tribute to the soil where two of the main ingredients are grown hops
and grains. It is perfect to be paired with grilled meats and sausages. It is a part of their Mythic Beers
line, which draws inspiration from Ifugao mythology.
Aside from their Mythic Beers, they also have their Legends line, which consists of their seasonal beers.
One that will surely tickle your taste buds is their Message in a Bottle Black IPA (7.6%). This is made with
the use of roasted grains, which give it a bitter taste and dark color. If you are into hoppy beers, the Hop
Attack Imperial IPA (8.3% ABV) will prove to be a good choice. It is currently the most bitter from their
brews and the one with the highest alcohol content. If you are into sweet beers, I highly recommend
their Ripe Passion Fruit Beer (5.4% ABV) and their Ida Raspberry Beer (5.4%).
Craftpoint
When Craftpoint Brewing Co. started in May 2013, Marvin Moreho, Aldous Bernardo, and Chip Vega
were united with what they want to do to build a lasting business with the use of their passion in
creating great craft beer experiences. From what used to be their informal friendship and meetings
every last Thursday of the month, the brewery is growing to be one of the best in the business today.
One of the regular beers from Craftpoint is the Liberation Pale Ale (5.5% ABV), which is also my personal
favorite. As it is named, it is meant to liberate drinkers and to be taken in its complexity. The assertive
flavor of this beer will surely be perfect when paired with steaks, burgers, meat dishes, and spicy curries.
For those who are just starting to discover the wonderful world of craft beer, I suggest that you try their
Summer Sessions Blonde Ale (4.7% ABV). It is smooth and light, without aggressive flavors, but will
surely give you a taste of what craft beer should be like. It is perfect when having a light meal, such as
when enjoying your salad, chicken, or fish.
They also have seasonal brews, which are made in collabrewation with the places where they are
available. Some of the choices include: Big Bad Beer Brown Ale available at Big Bad Wolf; Hounds Bark
Mangosteen Sour Beer available at Niner Ichi Nana and Hounds Bark; Mr. Braumeister Dry Hopped
German Pale Ale available at Prost Braumesiter, and Day Coffee IPA and Night Mocha Porter, available
at EDSA Beverage Design Studio and The Curator.
If you feel like tasting their beer is not enough, why not join their awesome team? According to Chip,
they are currently on the lookout for their very first Marketing Associate. This is now your chance to be
part of one of the best microbreweries in the country and the growing craft beer industry.
GPoint
When Morgan Kallefjord stared Gpoint Brewery three years ago, he had the dream of showing beer
lovers how a real hoppy and tasty beer would taste like. Inspiration was drawn from British style of pale
ales using natural resources. According to Morgan, he has grown tired of having a limited selection of
beers in the country, which fueled his desire to introduce his own brews in the local market.
Currently, their bestseller is the Pirate IPA. This British IPA has a lighter body as against American IPAs,
which is also because of its lower alcohol content. In spite of having lots of flavor, this beer is meant for
easy drinking, allowing you to stick with it for a long time. This beer has hints of lychee, passion fruit,
and peach. It is perfect when paired with cold cuts, burgers, and pizzas.
If you have been drinking craft for quite a while, I highly recommend that you try their Flame Out Ale. It
is bursting with flavors and hops. Real hopheads can savor its irresistible and appealing flavors of
tropical fruits, rock melon, red currant, citrus, and raspberries. Beginners, be warned! It is the hoppiest
that they have. Pair it with spicy tacos and you will surely consume more than what you intend to have.
As an introductory beer for those who would like to experience craft, their Extra Special Bitter will be
perfect. Do not be fooled by its name. It is not actually bitter, but a bit milder and lager-like. It is good to
be paired with fish and chips. For sushi and seafood, the Wild Ride IPA is the ideal drink, which has hints
of herbs, pineapple, and grapes. This will be reminiscent of Tagaytay, from where the beer originates.
And yes, theres a beer perfect for desserts like cheesecakes. It comes in the form of Gpoints Black B-
Hound.

What craft beers from local microbreweries have you tried? Let us know!