The Philippines is home to a vibrant beer culture, and there are plenty of excellent local brews to choose from. In this list, we’ve compiled 20 of the best beers in the Philippines, ranging from classic brews like San Miguel Pale Pilsen and Red Horse Beer to craft beers from small-batch breweries like Nipa Brew and Baguio Craft Brewery.
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Whether you’re a beer aficionado or simply looking to try something new, there’s sure to be a beer on this list that will satisfy your taste buds.
Filipinos have a strong appreciation for beer, and it is a common beverage of choice for many social gatherings and celebrations. Whether it’s a simple get-together with friends or a big fiesta, beer is often served as a way to relax and enjoy good company. Additionally, with the hot and humid climate in the Philippines, beer is a refreshing and thirst-quenching option that can provide relief from the heat.
If you’re looking to try some of the best beers that the Philippines has to offer, here are some of the most highly recommended beers to try when in the country.
1. San Miguel Pale Pilsen
San Miguel Pale Pilsen is one of the most popular beers in the Philippines, and it has been a staple in the local beer scene for over a century. Its popularity can be attributed to its smooth and refreshing taste, as well as its accessibility – it is widely available and affordable.
Filipinos enjoy San Miguel Pale Pilsen in a variety of ways. Some prefer it ice-cold, straight from the bottle or can, while others like it poured into a glass with ice.
It is often enjoyed with food, particularly grilled meat, and is a popular choice for social gatherings and celebrations.
In fact, San Miguel Pale Pilsen is so beloved in the Philippines that it has become a cultural icon, and is often featured in music and movies as a symbol of the Filipino way of life.
2. Red Horse Beer
Red Horse Beer is another popular beer brand in the Philippines for its high alcohol content and bold flavor. It has gained a loyal following among Filipinos, particularly among younger drinkers and those who prefer a strong and robust beer.
One of the reasons for Red Horse Beer’s popularity in the Philippines is its affordability, making it a go-to choice for budget-conscious drinkers.
Additionally, the brand has successfully marketed itself as a beer that embodies a sense of boldness and adventure, which has resonated with many Filipinos.
Filipinos typically enjoy Red Horse Beer in a casual and relaxed setting, often paired with popular street food such as grilled meat or fish.
It is also a popular choice during social gatherings like parties and barbecues, where it is consumed with friends and family. Some Filipinos even consider it a “challenge beer” and compete with friends to see who can finish a bottle the fastest. If you’ve grown up in the Philippines, we’re pretty sure that you can relate to this.
3. San Miguel Super Dry
San Miguel Super Dry is a popular beer in the Philippines due to its crisp, refreshing taste and its smooth, easy-drinking nature.
This lager is brewed using a special process that results in a light, dry beer with a balanced flavor and aroma.
It is particularly popular among Filipinos who prefer a beer with a lower alcohol content and a clean finish.
Filipinos typically enjoy San Miguel Super Dry in a variety of settings, from casual hangouts with friends to larger social gatherings.
It is often served cold and paired with popular Filipino dishes such as adobo, sisig, and grilled meats. Many people also enjoy drinking it while watching sports or playing card games.
4. San Miguel Premium All-Malt
San Miguel Premium All-Malt has a smooth and full-bodied taste that is derived from using only high-quality malted barley in its brewing process.
It has a golden color and a clean, crisp finish that makes it a refreshing choice for any occasion.
It is also a great choice for those who prefer a beer with a higher alcohol content compared to other beers from the San Miguel brewery.
5. San Miguel Cerveza Negra
San Miguel Cerveza Negra is a popular beer in the Philippines due to its rich, dark flavor and smooth finish. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a slightly more sophisticated and complex beer.
This beer is best enjoyed ice-cold and paired with hearty, savory dishes like grilled meats or spicy appetizers.
The caramel and roasted malt notes of the beer complement the savory flavors of the food, creating a delicious and satisfying combination.
6. San Miguel Light
San Miguel Light is a popular beer in the Philippines due to its low calorie and low alcohol content, making it a healthier alternative to regular beer.
It has a crisp and refreshing taste, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a lighter beer that’s easy to drink.
San Miguel Light is best enjoyed cold, straight from the bottle or poured into a chilled glass. It pairs well with grilled or fried food, making it a great choice for casual meals or gatherings with friends.
7. San Miguel Flavored Beer
San Miguel Flavored Beer is popular in the Philippines due to its refreshing taste and wide range of flavors, including apple, lemon, and strawberry.
It is a light and easy-to-drink beer that appeals to both casual drinkers and those looking for something different. It is best enjoyed chilled and paired with light snacks or appetizers, making it a great choice for social gatherings or relaxing after a long day.
Its fruity flavors also make it a popular choice for those who prefer sweeter drinks.
8. San Miguel Zero
San Miguel Zero is a popular beer in the Philippines because it offers the same great taste of San Miguel Pale Pilsen but with zero alcohol.
It appeals to health-conscious individuals and those who want to enjoy a beer without the risk of getting intoxicated.
San Miguel Zero is best enjoyed cold, straight from the bottle or poured into a glass with ice. It pairs well with many Filipino dishes, such as grilled meats and seafood, as well as with savory snacks like peanuts and chips.
9. Tanduay Ice
Tanduay Ice is best known for its sweet, fruity taste and high alcohol content. It is a pre-mixed cocktail that combines Tanduay Rhum, a locally produced rum, with various fruit flavors such as apple, lemon, and grapefruit.
Tanduay Ice is popular among young adults and is often enjoyed at parties or as a refreshing drink on a hot day.
It is best served chilled and over ice, and can be paired with spicy or savory snacks for a perfect balance of flavors.
10. Tanduay Rhum and Cola
Tanduay Rhum and Cola is popular due to its sweet and refreshing taste, affordability, and accessibility.
It is a convenient pre-mixed drink that is perfect for casual gatherings and night outs with friends.
To best enjoy Tanduay Rhum and Cola, it is recommended to serve it chilled or with ice, and to pair it with spicy or savory food to balance the sweetness of the drink. It is also a great mixer for creating unique and flavorful cocktails.
11. Colt 45
Colt 45 is a popular beer in the Philippines due to its high alcohol content and affordability. It has become a favorite among young adults looking for a strong beer to drink at parties and gatherings.
Colt 45 is best enjoyed when served ice-cold and paired with flavorful dishes like spicy fried chicken, grilled pork, or pizza.
Its bold and robust taste makes it a great option for those who prefer a stronger beer with a kick.
13. Baguio Craft Brewery
Baguio Craft Brewery has made a name for its unique and flavorful local craft beers. The brewery is known for using local ingredients such as Benguet coffee and Sagada oranges to create distinctive and delicious brews.
To best enjoy Baguio Craft Brewery’s beers, it is recommended to visit their taproom in Baguio City and sample their selection of seasonal and specialty beers. Pairing their beers with local cuisine like grilled meat or sisig can also enhance the drinking experience.
14. Monkey Eagle Brewery
Monkey Eagle Brewery offers unique and flavorful craft beers that are brewed in small batches using high-quality ingredients.
Their beers have won multiple awards and are known for their complexity and depth of flavor.
To best enjoy Monkey Eagle Brewery’s beers, it’s recommended to pair them with flavorful and savory dishes like grilled meats or spicy Asian cuisine.
Their selection of beers includes both traditional and experimental styles, so there’s something for every taste preference.
15. Fat Pauly’s Handcrafted Ale
Fat Pauly’s Handcrafted Ale offers a variety of flavors and styles to suit different tastes and preferences. Some of their best-selling products are the Iligan Pale Ale, the Smoked Porter, and the Sunburst Mango Wheat.
Fat Pauly’s Handcrafted Ale is brewed with natural ingredients and no preservatives, giving it a fresh and authentic taste, making them among the best beers in the Philippines. The best way to enjoy Fat Pauly’s Handcrafted Ale is to pair it with Filipino dishes such as sisig, lechon, or adobo, and share it with friends and family.
16. Crazy Carabao Brewing Company
Crazy Carabao Brewing Company is a craft beer brand that offers a variety of flavors and styles to suit different tastes and occasions. It is popular in the Philippines because it uses local ingredients and supports local communities.
The best way to enjoy it is to pair it with Filipino dishes, such as sisig, adobo, or lechon, and share it with friends and family. Crazy Carabao Brewing Company is more than just a beer, it is a celebration of Filipino culture and craftsmanship.
17. Nipa Brew Craft Beers
Nipa Brew Craft Beers has gained a loyal following in the Philippines due to its unique and innovative approach to brewing beer.
Founded in 2015, the company prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, such as calamansi and dalandan, to create distinctive flavors that capture the essence of Filipino culture. Nipa Brew also promotes sustainability, using eco-friendly practices in their production process.
To best enjoy Nipa Brew Craft Beers, it is recommended to serve them chilled and paired with local Filipino cuisine, such as adobo or sisig.
Each beer has its own unique flavor profile, ranging from light and refreshing to bold and complex, making them a great choice for both casual drinking and more sophisticated palates.
Nipa Brew’s commitment to quality and sustainability has made it a popular choice for beer enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers alike.
18. Brew Kettle Beer
Brew Kettle Beer is a popular choice among beer enthusiasts in the Philippines for its distinct and flavorful taste.
Its unique brewing process involves using high-quality malted barley and hops imported from Europe, resulting in a beer that is both rich and refreshing.
The brewery also offers a variety of flavors and styles, including pale ales, stouts, and wheat beers.
To best enjoy Brew Kettle Beer, it is recommended to serve it chilled in a glass that has been pre-cooled in the freezer.
This helps to enhance the flavors and aromas of the beer. It can be paired with a variety of food options, including spicy dishes, grilled meats, and seafood.
19. Black Mamba Brewery
Black Mamba Brewery has quickly gained popularity in the Philippines for its unique and flavorful craft beers.
Founded in 2014, the brewery uses high-quality ingredients to create a range of innovative and exciting beers that cater to different tastes.
Their beers are known for their distinct character and creative flavor profiles, making them a favorite among beer enthusiasts in the country.
20. Hoegaarden
Hoegaarden is popular due to its distinct taste and refreshing qualities, making it a perfect drink for the country’s hot and humid climate. Its unique blend of wheat, barley, and coriander creates a sweet and citrusy flavor, which appeals to the Filipino palate.
To best enjoy Hoegaarden, it is recommended to serve it cold, preferably at a temperature of 3-4°C. The beer is usually poured into a tall, slender glass, with a slice of orange or lemon added to enhance the citrus notes.
The proper way to drink Hoegaarden is by taking small sips, allowing the flavors to fully develop on the tongue. Its light and crisp character makes it an ideal drink for social gatherings and pairing with a variety of Filipino dishes, such as sisig and adobo.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Philippines’ beer culture is not only diverse but also vibrant, with a plethora of beer options available to satisfy even the most discerning beer lover.
From classic brews like San Miguel Pale Pilsen and Red Horse Beer to small-batch craft beers from local breweries, there’s a beer for everyone on this list.
So, if you’re looking to try something new or explore the country’s rich beer scene, be sure to give these 20 best beers in the Philippines a try. Cheers to good beer and good times!
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