3. Palaweño Brewery
“We literally drank our mistakes away and made a lot of friends along the way,” – this is how Malu Lauengco described how she and Ayah Javier journeyed towards the birth of Palaweño Brewery. Like other brewery success stories, it all started with an idea that was lead to fruition with passion. They would gather their friends, make them taste their beers, and collect insights on how to improve. Today, while they have technologically advanced brewing system, they have remained traditional at their very core. Proof of this is the fact that their bottles of beer are filled by hand. They also craft their own labels.
Palaweno’s Line of Craft Beer
They currently have five styles of craft beers, collectively known as Ayahay Craft Beers. Ayahay, by the way, means to chill or relax, perfect to what Palawan embodies as a world-class tropical holiday destination. The Palawan Wit, a Belgian-style wheat beer, started it all. Being their pioneer brew, this has provided the brewers with the inspiration to create more beers to cater to the diverse palates of its market. For those who prefer hoppy beers, their Ayahay IPA is worth the try. The Ambog Ale, on the other hand, is an American Amber Ale with robust and refreshing flavor. Meanwhile, Hunter, a honey nut brown ale, and Palaw’an, a honey kolsch, both use local-sourced honey.
Beer + Beach = Never a Bad Combination
Their beers can be found in different parts of Palawan, mostly in Puerto Princesa. In Manila, you can have a taste of their brews at the Perfect Pint and The Bottle Shop.
If having a taste of their beer is not enough, why not book a microbrewery tour? A first of its kind in the country, Palaweño Brewery is opening the doors of their microbrewery in Puerto Princesa to anyone who is passionate about craft beers.
2. Joe’s Brew
In 2012, Joey Viray studied craft beer making at the University of California – Riverside. Armed with burning passion and new knowledge, when he returned to Manila, he got started with brewing his own beer along with his siblings, Marco Viray and Mica Viray – Aguila, and best friends, Franco Alido and RG Gamboa. From what started as a small backyard brewery, Joe’s Brew was born and they now have a much bigger and modern brewery in Paranaque.
Fish Rider Pale Ale
From their current line of beers, the bestseller is the Fish Rider Pale Ale, a strong and flavorful brew with copper color. It has an orange, citrus-like aroma and a hint of grapefruit, which is similar to what you will experience from a caramel malt. It can be best paired with grilled red meat and sandwiches.
Sierra Madre Wheat Ale
Another sought-after beer from their lineup is the Sierra Madre Wheat Ale. The flavor of this golden beer can perfectly complement the taste of fried dishes, especially fish. It is less bitter than the Fish Rider Pale Ale, making it ideal for beginners. It has a floral and fruity profile, which is perfect for light drinking.
For those who prefer the bitterness of an IPA, Joe’s Brew recently introduced 34th Pursuit IPA, which was named after the 34th Pursuit Squadron from World War II. It was made to honor the memory of the grandfather of the Virays, Colonel Ramon Zosa. According to the brewers, the beer was made to be as robust as the squadron of their late grandfather.
Grab any of their beers from Nolita, Hungry Hound, ABV, Tambai Snackhouse, The Sapphire Lounge, Borough, Big Bad Wolf, and Smoky Bastard, among others.
1. Great Islands Craft Brewery
The Great Islands Craft Brewery is the brainchild of a group of friends who share the same passion not just for any kind of beer, but for great beer. Allan Agala, finished beer courses from the World Brewing Academy / Siebel Institute of Chicago, which is known as the most prestigious in America. Mags Villafuerte, on the other hand, is one of the co-founders of The Beer Club of Manila and owner of Gilmore Wines and Spirits. Mario McDermott, meanwhile, is a microbiology scientist from EuroMed Laboratories. The three, along with good friends, embarked on a journey that lasted almost three years to create the perfect recipe before they are able to formally introduce the Great Islands Craft Brewery.
Pearl of the Orient Filipino Pale Ale now available at Belle and Dragon
In the past years, the brewery was able to come up with more than 20 kinds of beers, a result of their incessant quest towards perfection and captivating the palates of Filipino beer-lovers. Their bestseller is the Pearl of the Orient Filipino Pale Ale, a naturally carbonated, unfiltered, and unpasteurized beer. Another beer that is available year-round is the 7107 Wheat Ale, a strongly-malted beer with a hint of coffee. Seasonally, they also release, with one of the most intriguing being the Bicol Express. The latter is a chili ale brewed with local chilies, providing the drink with a spicy flavor.
The breweries most in-demand beer, the Pearl of the Orient Pale Ale matches perfectly with crispy pata, adobo, and sizziling sisig, typical of how a Filipino drinker pairs beer with food. The beer’s carbonation and bitterness complements oily and salty dishes.
Great Islands’ Brewery
Some of the establishments that are currently serving their beers include Chihuahua, Woody’s Texas Bar-B-Q, The Bottle Shop, The Perfect Pint, Bar Pintxos, Belle and Dragon, and Buffalo Wings and Things.
Mags Villafuerte shares that they are one with the goal of other brewers towards changing the one-dimensional perspective of Filipinos about beer through the introduction of different styles and flavors that will encapsulate Filipino flavors in a well-loved drink.
Have you tried any of these craft beers? What is your favorite?
*** All photos have been provided by the brewers or taken from their respective social media accounts.
