(As published on Hardware Zone Magazine's November 2015 Issue)
Pinoys are certified beer lovers. From simple hangouts to
big parties, beers are always a part of almost every Filipino gathering. Typical
beer drinkers consume highly commercialized local beers; but these days, the
craft beers produced by local microbrewers are gradually changing the drinking
scene.
With the emergence of locally produced craft beers in the local
alcoholic beverage industry, the Filipinos are offered with a more diverse
selection when it comes to flavors and beer profile.
As defined by the Brewers Association, craft brewers are
those that are small, independent, and traditional. Craft beer may be produced in
small volumes but it actually steps up the Filipino beer game. These local
craft beers can actually go up against imported beers because of their
world-class quality.
I recently got to visit the state of the art brewing
facility of a new local craft brewer in Imus, Cavite. While other microbrewers
do brewing manually and in small workspaces, Great Islands Craft Brewery uses
high-tech equipment in a big work area, making it the biggest craft brewery in
the Philippines.
Great Islands presents a wide range of beer flavors. Two of
its seasonal flavors are the Halo-Halo Ale, inspired by the famous Filipino
dessert that is perfect for summer, and the Bicol Express Wild Chili Ale,
inspired by the famous spicy dish from the Bicol region. Its all-year round
flavors are the 7107 Wheat Ale and its bestseller, the Pearl of the Orient
Indio Pale Ale. The latter goes perfectly with Filipino “pulutan” such as
Sisig, Crispy Pata, and Adobo.
You can now enjoy these interesting local craft beer flavors
in the following establishments: The Bottle Shop, The Perfect Pint, Chihuahua, Buffalo
Wings and Things, Big Bad Wolf, and Belle and Dragon.
