The craft beer scene in the Philippines is really booming. In the past few years, I’ve seen a rise in the number of microbreweries and locally-brewed beer being offered not just in Metro Manila, but around the country. One of the things I try to do when I travel is to check out these local microbreweries and taprooms and hunt for unique craft beer.
The widest variety can be found in craft beer bars in Manila (mostly concentrated in the Poblacion area of Makati) and several notable places in Cebu City in
According to the Craft Beer Association of the Philippines (CBAP), as of 2019, there are at least 60+ local breweries including Craft Brewpubs, Nano / Microbreweries and home brewers with over 250+ Craft Beer Styles in the Philippines.
For easier navigation, this list is now arranged by the three island groups (Luzon, Visayas
Table of Contents
LUZON
Alamat Craft Brew
Alamat Craft Brew is a limited batch craft brewery with beers inspired by Filipino Folklore and Mythological Characters and creatures. Beer variants include Balete Pale Ale, Ansisit Session IPA and Kapre Roasted IPA (Limited Edition) to name a few.
Where to try it: Exact location of taphouse in Marikina only revealed by request. Bottles are also available at The Bottle Shop Fort & Magallanes and Tweedle Book Cafe in Quezon City. 106B Sct. Gandia St, Diliman, Quezon City. Facebook: Alamat Craft Brew
Baguio Craft Brewery (Baguio City)
Launched in June 2014, Baguio Craft Brewery is a Baguio-based brewery that serves a wide range of fresh, handcrafted beers. Their flagship line of Mythic Beers was inspired by the Five Realms of Ifugao Mythology: Pugaw India Pale Ale, Dalom Brown Ale, Daya Lager, Lagud Strawberry Beer
Where to try it: The Tasting Room at Baguio Craft Brewery, RKC Building, 120 Marcos Highway, Km 4 (Ben Palispis Highway), Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines. Facebook: Baguio Craft Brewery
Bacuit Bay Brewhouse (Palawan)
Bacuit Bay Brewhouse is a small craft brewery based in Liminangcong (in the middle of Taytay and El NIdo), Palawan, Philippines. While they currently don’t have a store or taproom, they make and supply kegs of beer to a few restaurants and hotels in Palawan and bars in Manila.
Where to try it: Bacuit Bay Brewhouse is now available at Artisans Restaurant & Bar and Deep Forest Garden Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Facebook: Bacuit Bay Brewhouse
Baler Brewing Co. (Baler)
Baler Brewing Co. was founded in 2015 by two
Where to try it: Baler Brewing Co. is located inside Charlie Does on Buton Street (Cor. Alley 1), Sabang Beach, Baler, Aurora (behind Costa Pacifica). www.charliedoes.com
Blackwhite Craft Brewery (Batangas)
Blackwhite Craft Brewery is the first and only craft brewery in the province of Batangas. Inspired by the DIY ethos of Hardcore Punk, Blackwhite Craft Brewery goes against the grain and creates an artisanal beer that is 100% vegan.
Where to try it: Dreamland Arts & Crafts Cafe, Mabini, Batangas. Facebook: Blackwhite Craft Brewery
Bulul Brewery (Pampanga)
Bulul Bewery started as a homebrewing company and officially launched in October 2016. Their brewery is based in San Fernando, Pampanga. Bulul refers to a carved wooden figure used to guard the rice crop by the Igorot peoples of northern Luzon, as seen in their logo. Beer variants include Wheat Ale, Brown Man Ale, Honey Ale, Kudeta IPA, Trigo, Vanilla Bourbon, Pumpkin.
Where to try it: Bulul Brewery is based in San Fernando, Pampanga but is also sold in various beers in places like like Pierre’s Craft Beer & Liquor Cellar, Spektral Beer Lounge & The Podium Boutique Hotel in Baguio City. Facebook:
Calle Brewery (Vigan)
Calle Brewery is a new brewery based in the historic city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. They serve a range of beers named after Pinoy cultural icons along with a range of slow-cooked barbecues, Smoked Spareribs, Pulled Pork, Dirty Rice and more. Calle Brewery is located along Casa Lourdes, about a block away from Calle Crisologo, the 15th Centrury Spanish street, a UNESCO World heritage site in Vigan. They offer beer flights and brewery tours.
Where to try it: Calle Brewery. #11 Calle Encarnacion, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Facebook: Calle Brewery
Cerveza Sagada Craft Brewery (Sagada)
Cerveza Sagada is Sagada’s first homemade craft beer available in Sagada Cellar Door, which also sells imported wine and beer brands aside from the homemade craft beer. The beers (Alig, Gusi, Tumok, Kapi, Amber, IS, WB, Porter) use local ingredients from the Cordillera region. Gusi Violet Ale with
Where to try it: Sagada Cellar Door, Wine Cellar and Beer Bar, Lallalai, Sagada (right above Sagada Pottery), Mountain Province, Philippines. Facebook: Cerveza Sagada Craft Brewery
Craftpoint Brewing Company (La Union)
Craftpoint Brewing Company is one of the first craft breweries founded in the country with the shared passion of creating innovative but delicious beers. The brewers
Where to try it: Craftpoint beers are available on tap at Curious Creatures Taproom, MacArthur National Highway, Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union. Facebook: Craftpoint Brewing Co.
Crazy Carabao Brewing Company (Laguna)
Crazy Carabao Brewing Co. (CCB) aims to deliver the freshest and finest locally made boutique beers to quality establishments throughout Metro Manila and beyond. Beer variants include Tarsier Wheat Beer, Kalinga Kolsch, Tuff Tuko Pale Ale, Exit Wounds IPA and Lapu Lapu Lager.
Where to try it: Crazy Carabao Brewery is located at Lot 5 Bldg. 14 Daystar Sta. Rosa Industrial Park, Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa Laguna. www.crazycarabao.com
Crow’s Craft Brewing Company
A limited batch brewing company that aims to provide consumers with high-quality craft beer. Non-conformist and only true to itself. Beer variants include Amarillo (Single-hop smash-brew series Imperial IPA), Stoned Crow IPA, De Puta Madre Double XX IPA, Crows Simcoe Smash (Single-hop smash-brew Imperial IPA, Crow’s Nest Pale Ale, Morena Clara Amber Ale.
Where to find it: Beers are available at The Bottle Shop Fort & Magallanes and Bar Pintxos Tapas bar in Alabang. Facebook: Crow’s Craft Brewing Co.
Desert Fathers Brewing Co. (Cavite)
Desert Fathers is a sustainable local brewery based in Cavite committed to producing the highest quality of handcrafted beer. Classic beers include Abbey Ale, St. Patrick’s Porter, Farmer’s Ale and Monk’s Ale. Seasonal ales include Bignay Pale Ale, Langka Pale Ale, Mango Pale Ale and Pineapple Pale Ale.
Where to try it: The Weekend Farmer (a 1.6 hectare organic farm in Alfonso, Cavite). Facebook: Desert Father’s Brewing Co.
Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits
Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits, which launched in March 2018, specializes in craft beer, craft spirIts and hard cider. Their original lineup on tap includes Elias Pilyo IPA, Elias Bad Blonde, Mango Hard Cider and Guyabano Hard Cider.
Where to find it: 13 Ubay Comfort Street Dining, Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City. Facebook: Wicked Elias
Engkanto Brewery
Engkanto Brewery aims to bring back forgotten Philippine folklore into the daily lives of the modern Filipino with their line of high-quality craft beers that fit the average Filipino’s palate and pocket. Beer variants include Lager, Blonde, Pale, IPA, Double IPA, stout with coconut and dalandan ale.
Where to try it: Polilya, 5658 Jacobo Street, Corner Don Pedro, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila. http://www.engkantobrewery.com
G Point Craft Beer
Established in 2011, G Point Craft beer is a line of micro-brewed house beers served in G Point Smorgasbord and Bar in Ermita, Manila. G Point, which is slang for “gimmick point” evolved from a floating bar and restaurant before it became a full-blown bar and restaurant. Beer variants include Black Bitch Scottish Porter, Pirate IPA, Wild Ride, Bumpy Butt Single Malt Ale, Hippy Cider Ale.
Where to try it: GPoint Smorgasbord & Bar, 510 Padre Faura, Manila, Philippines. Facebook: G Point Bars
Great Islands Craft Brewery (Cavite)
Great Islands Craft Brewery was born in early 2009 with the goal of making world class beers with local aromas, flavors, and personality. This microbrewery produces a line of culture-themed beers using local Filipino ingredients and flavors. Some beers include Pearl of the Orient Filipino Pale Ale, 7107 City Ale, Bicol Express Wild Chilli Ale, Sinturon ni Hudas Ginger Chilli Beer, Puto Bumbong Ale and Halo-Halo Ale.
Where to try it: Great Islands Craft Brewery, 9030 Aguinaldo Highway, Barangay Anabu, Imus, Cavite. Beers are also sold in Gilmore Wines & Spirits, 17 Gilmore Avenue, 1112 New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines. Facebook: Great Islands
Ibalon Craft Brew (Naga City)
Ibalon Craft Brew is the first and only home-brewed craft beer in Bicol. Living the spirit of the Bicolano myth Ibalon, they offer home-brewed craft beer brewed infused with local ingredients. Beers are named after the characters in the Ibalong Bicol epic. They offer 4 flavors including the signature Handiong Sili Beer infused with native siling labuyo, Baltog India Pale Ale (IPA), Bantong Pale Ale and Oriol Coffee Chocolate Stout flavored with Bicol Cacao and coffee beans.
Where to try it: Ibalon Craft Brew (across Villa Caceres Hotel and beside Red Cactus), Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City, Camarines Sur. Website: Ibalon Craft Brew
Joe’s Brew
Joe’s Brew is a home grown, family run business that started in 2014. The company looks to foster a bigger appreciation for craft beer in the Philippines. Beer variants include Fish Rider Pale Ale, Sierra Madre Wheat Ale, 34th Pursuit IPA, Soothsayer Pale Ale, Sunsweeper Double IPA, Meet Joe Black and Poblacion Common.
Where to try it: House of Joe’s, 5834 Matilde Street, Poblacion, Makati. Facebook: Joe’s Brew
Juan Brew
Juan Brew is the first fully solar-powered craft beer brewery in Southeast Asia. They are also a leading supplier of quality beer-making equipment and ingredients which are distributed to other Philippine craft breweries and homebrewers via their online web shop. Beer variants include Juan Brew Pale Ale, Juan Brew India Pale Ale, Juan Brew Bavarian Wheat Ale and Juan Brew Dry Stout.
Where to try it: Juan Brew, Lietz Industrial Complex, Edison Avenue (P. Leviste), KM 14 SLEX, 1709 Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines. http://juanbrew.com
Kapitolyo Brewing Company (Pasig)
Kapitolyo Brewing Company is a brewery located in Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City that produces unique styles of beer in small batches for the local market. The brewery currently has a 300L brewhouse with five 300L uni-tanks fermenters and will sell its products inside the restaurant and to select beer bars locally.
Where to try it: BeerHouse Kapitolyo. 16 United Street, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City (across Ace Water Spa). Facebook: Kapitolyo Brewing Company
Katipunan Craft Ales
Katipunan Craft are 4 Ateneo High School classmates who met in 1998, who started in a home-brewing set-up in Katipunan Ave. They celebrate classic beer recipes with a local flaor, as seen in their logo and packaging. Their flagship line is the Indio Pale Ale, though they continue to experiment on seasonal recipes to add to their lineup. Beer variants include Indio Pale Ale, Signal 1 Stout, 1 Porter Road, Dear Fred, Weizenburg, Three Hops and a Hop IPA.
Where to try it: View beer locator here. Facebook: Katipunan Craft Ales
Mitchell’s Backyard Brewery
Mitchell’s Backyard Brewery focuses on serving fresh, delicious, and honestly brewed craft beer that will appeal to both casual drinkers and beer geeks alike. Their beer line-up includes Hoptoberfest, Honey Wheat, Citrus IPA, Belgian Wheat, Mocha Stout and a seasonal Christmas Beer.
Where to try it: Mitchell’s Backyard Brewery beers are available in all branches of Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza (Katipunan Ave., Salcedo Village, The Podium and Serendra). Facebook: Mitchell’s Backyard Brewery
Nipa Brew Craft Beers
Nipa Brew Craft Beers are all about adventure, with the brewers daring to find new flavors and new experiences both in life and in beer. Their beer line-up includes Tropic Haze, Sun Stoked, Bliss Point, Midnight Blur and Drop Zone.
Where to try it:Nipa Brew now has its own tap room and brew house at #9639 Kamagong Street, San Antonio Village, Makati. View beer locator here. www.nipabrew.com.
Monkey Eagle Brewery (Tagaytay)
Monkey Eagle Brewery is dedicated to producing the best quality craft beer in the Philippines. Their variants include Saison Farmhouse Ale, Blue Wheatch Wheat Ale, Burning Matt Pale Ale and Potion 28 IPA. They also have a General Luna Blonde Ale inspired by and exclusive to the island of Siargao in Surigao del Norte.
Where to try it: Monkey Eagle Brewery Beers are sold in Hillside Market Tagaytay and available at The Bottle Shop Fort & Magallanes and various bars in Manila. General Luna Ale is available in Siargao (Bayud Siargao, Kermit Siargao and Harana Surf) Facebook: Monkey Eagle
Palaweno Brewery (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)
Founded in 2013, Palaweño Brewery is Palawan’s first and only craft beer. It’s also the first female-led craft brewery in the Philippines. Their line of craft beers are named “Ayahay” which means relaxed, which captures the laid-back style of the island and the beers. Beer variants include Ambog Ale (American Amber Ale), Palawan Wit Belgian Wheat Beer, Palaw’an Honey Kolsch, Ayahay IPA, Hunter Honey Nut Brown Ale, Mango de Palawan (seasonal)
Where to try it: Palaweno Brewery’s Tap Room. 82 Manalo Street, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines 5300. www.palawenobrewery.com
Pedro Brewcrafters
Founded in 2014, Pedro Brewcrafters is a microbrewery brewed in San Pedro City, Laguna that is a product of weekend brewing sessions which became a business among friends. They now have a tap house in Poblacion where you can try their flagship beers including Endless Summer Wheat Ale, Procrastination Pale Ale, Elementary, English Ale
Where to try it: Pedro Taphouse. 5910 Matilde, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila. View BEER LOCATOR here. Website: www.pedrobrewcrafters.com
Pivo Praha
Privo Praha is a microbrewery based in Makati that brews beers using 100% pure malt and fresh Czech hops. Beer variants are Classic, Dark Beer, German Weizen
Where to try it: Bravo Sports Bar and Pivo Praha Microbewery, 1331 Angono Street; Makati (across Makati City Hall). Facebook: Pivo Praha
Pinatubo Craft Brewery (Angeles City, Pampanga)
Pinatubo Craft Brewery is the first craft beer microbrewery in Angeles City, Pampanga founded in 2015. All beer variants are brewed according to the German Beer Purity Law. Beer variants include Pinatubo Craft Dark Angel, Pinatubo Craft Crown Lager, Pinatubo Craft Golden Nectar, Pinatubo Craft Twister Ale, Pinatubo Craft Sunrise Wheat, Pinatubo Craft Brainstorm IPA and Magma Bock.
Where to try it: Pinatubo Craft Brewery. 355 Yukon Street, Riverside Sub., Friendship, Angeles City (near Clark). http://www.bierkueche-angeles.com/
Santiago Brewery & Malthouse (Antipolo)
A brewery found in the mountains of Antipolo, Rizal. Santiago Brewery takes pride in brewing with their own malts, locally malted by their own malting division. Their beer lineup includes Habagat Red Ale, Buhawi Imperial Stout, Ipu-Ipu Indian Pale Ale and Amihan Pale Ale.
Where to try it: Santiago Brewery & Malthouse. 217 C. Lawis ext.,
The Brewery at the Palace
The Brewery at the Palace is a bar and restaurant in Bonifacio Global City that serves in-store brewed beer and flavorful bar chows. Beer variants include IPA, Weissbier, Pilsner, Fighting Irish Red Oak Ale and Uptown Ale.
Where to try it: 10th Avenue corner 38th Street, Uptown Parade, Bonifacio Global City, 1630 Taguig, Philippines.
The Laughing Carabao (Tarlac)
The Laughing Carabao Brewery is Tarlac’s first Craft Brewery with a line of beers highlighting local agricultural products. Beer variants include White Mango Ale (using mangoes harvested from farmyards of Bamban, Tarlac), Inuruban Pale Ale (inspired by a local delicacy made of sticky rice, young coconut and sugar) and Coconut Stout.
Where to try it: 50 Zamora Street, Paraiso, 2300 Tarlac City, Tarlac. You can also order beers online through their shop: https://tlcbrewph.com/shop/
The Professor’s Brew
Previously only available in a homebrew set-up, the beers are unique concoctions by Carlo Ng, a Chemistry professor who got interested in the science behind brewing and the chemical complexities of the flavor component. Beer variants include Brown Ale, IPA and Chocolate Chili Porter.
Where to try it: Blue Rocket Kitchen + Cafe, 79 Scout Reyes corner Scout Lozano, Bgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City. Facebook: The Professor’s Brew
VISAYAS
ABC Craft Beers (Siquijor)
ABC Craft Beers is Siquijor’s first and only craft beer brewer, producing three types of beers: American Pale Ale, Indian Pale Ale and Belgium Blonde Ale.
Where to find it: Baha Bar and Republika Bar, Maite, San Juan, Siquijor. Facebook: ABC Craft Beer
Amigos de la Playa (Boracay)
Established in 2017, Amigos de la Playa is a collaboration of three friends who aim to create top quality craft beer and educate patrons on what “good beer” should be, and provide locals and tourists of Boracay, locally brewed, all-organic, delicious, quality craft beer, at an affordable price. Their beers include Del Sol Blonde Ale, Puka Beach White India Pale Ale, De Cuatro Pale Ale and Pendejo Double India Pale Ale.
Where to find it: Since Boracay’s closure, they’ve been supplying kegs to some craft beer pubs like Spektral Beer Lounge in Manila. Facebook: Amigos de la Playa
Birdie Num Num Tropical Brewery (Dumaguete)
Birdie Num Num Tropical Brewery is a brewery based in Banilad near Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental. Some variants include Hoppin Mad Double IPA, Yardwork IPA, Shri Bakshi Pale Ale, Sweet’n Honey Ale, Wheat For A While, Belinda Blonde, Kuan Light Pale Ale, ExBeerimentals, and Finbeer Stout (only at Finbar).
Where to find it: Fin Bar, National Highway corner Washington Street, Dauin, Negros Oriental and Fin Bar at The Flying Fish Hostel, Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City. Facebook: Birdie Num Num Tropical Brewery
Brewery Gastropub (Iloilo)
Brewery Gastropub is the first bar in Iloilo City that offers a wide selection of imported and local craft beers including a few in-house brews like Iloilo Pale Ale and Dinagyang Pale Ale. They also have branches in Bacolod and Cebu.
Where to try it: Brewery Gastropub Iloilo. Pison Avenue San Rafael St., 5000 Iloilo City, Philippines. Facebook: Brewery Gastropub
Cebu Beer Factory (Cebu)
Cebu Beer Factory aims to make accessible premium French recipes for the price of a local product manufactured in the Philippines. The 4 main beer variants include White Lady Classic Wheat Beer, Green Donkey Very Strong Beer, Buddha Beer and Black for Men Strong Dark Beer. They also have flavored beers in novel flavors like Tiramisu, English Marmalade, Grapefruit, Raspberry and Caramel, to name a few.
Where to try it: Cebu Beer Factory. 976 Veterans Drive, Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines. View beer locator here.
Cebu Brewing Company (Cebu)
Cebu Brewing Company offers hand-crafted beer blending 93% of Cebu’s perfect brewing water with the high quality ingredients. They have a Philippine IPA and interesting beers like Mango Ale (using Cebu’s famous mango), Coconut Ale, Calamansi Ale, to name a few.
Where to try it: Cebu Brewing Co. Taproom, Crossroads, Banilad Cebu City, Cebu 6000 Philippines. www.cebubrewing.com
Illusion Brewery (Bacolod City)
Illusion Brewery is a line of gourmet beers inspired by magic that you can get on tap at The Trapdoor, the Philippine’s first magic-themed pub located in Bacolod City. Their flagship Pale Ale and Cream of Smiles Cream Ale, a light tasting beer but with a hint of vanilla. Other beers variants include Stout Drakula, Bullet Catch, Saludo, Nothing Spectacular and Card Catcher.
Where to try it: Illusion Brewery. The Trap Door Tasting Room. 22nd Street, Bacolod City. Facebook: Illusion Brewery
Negros Island Craft Brewing Co. (Bacolod City)
Negros Island Craft Brewing is one of the the first craft beer brewers in the Philippines. Behind the brewery is Bacolod-based Felix “Bogs” Hagad, an architect and long-time homebrewer, who started brewing commercially in 2007, years before craft beer boomed in the country. Beer variants are Bogsbrew, Primo, Kawayan Ale, Xmas Oatmeal Porter and Negros Pale Ale.
Where to try it: Cafe Bob’s Deli Shop, 21st Street, cor. Lacson Street, Bacolod City. Bogsbrew beers are also available in CAB Cafe in Kapitolyo and Cubao (Manhattan Parkway, Araneta Center). Facebook: Bogsbrew Craft Beer
The Cebruery (Cebu)
The Cebruery is a Cebu-based brewery that launched in 2014 specializing in “artisanal, uncompromising, and innovative products – just the way beer should be.” Beer variants include Boracay Blonde Ale, People Power Pale Ale, Dumaguete Dubbel, Chocolate Hills Porter, Guimaras Gose and Las Islas Pilipinas Pale Ale.
Where to try it: Cebruery Artisanal Ales and Lagers, P.J.Burgos, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines. View Beer Locator here. http://thecebruery.com/
Turning Wheels Craft Brewery (Cebu)
Founded in February 2014 in Cebu City, Turning Wheels Craft Brewery is Cebu’s first craft beer. The microbrewery specializes in handcrafted American style ales using local and imported all natural ingredients. Beers have distinctively cycling-themed names like Derailed IPA, Skyline White IPA, Single Track IPA, Turning Point Double IPA, Single Speed Imperial Stout
Where to try it: Turning Wheels Brewery. P. Almendras St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines. Facebook: Turning Wheels Craft Brewery
MINDANAO
Fat Pauly’s Hand-Crafted Ales & Lagers (Iligan City)
Fat Pauly’s Hand-crafted Ales & Lagers from Iligan City, Lanao del Norte makes fresh home-brewed beers using both the finest imported brew grade malt and some local indigenous ingredients such as Timoga Spring waters, and wild Putyukan Honey. Beer variants include Ilaya Pale Ale, Desert Rose, Lumad Strong Lager, Mont Lelong Smoked Mocha Porter, Smashin’ Pumpkin, Maharlika Kayumanggi Ale, Iligan Single Hop Origin Pale Ale & Zamboanga White.
Where to try it: Fat Pauly’s Taproom and Pub is located in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. It’s also available on tap at Harley’s Food & Craft Beers in Zamboanga City. Facebook: Fat Pauly’s Handcrafted Ales & Lagers
Harley’s Food + Craft Beer (Zamboanga City)
Harley’s is a motorcycle-themed pub in Zamboanga City that serves Asian Halal food with a pub serving an array of local craft beer from Mindanao. They carry the same variants as Fat Pauly’s of Iligan and some specials. One unique brew to look out for is the El Chonggo Blanco White Wheat Ale, a special brew for Zamboangueños infused with a hint of cloves, oranges and bananas.
Where to try it: Harleys’ Food and Craft Beers is located in Yubenco, Tetuan Zamboanga City. Facebook:Harley’s Food and Craft Beers
BEEReaucracy BAR (Davao City)
Great watering hole that offers the widest selection of local and imported craft beer in Davao. They have over 125 beer variants available here including some great local craft beer from the region. This is not your typical nightlife club or bar, but is a great watering hole for beer geeks to unwind and enjoy quality brews.
Where to try it: BEEReaucracy Bar, Polo St. corner De Guzman St., Obrero. Door 3 RLE Tan Building, Davao City, Davao. Facebook: BEEReaucracy Bar
TOP CRAFT BEER BARS IN MANILA
Aside from the taprooms where local brewers serve their own beer, there are other spots where you can find a wider range. For serious craft beer hunters, your best bet is to visit the top craft beer bars in Manila. You can find also find craft beer sold in bottles at various pubs, cafes
- Pierre’s Craft Beer & Liquor Cellar, Quezon City
- Spektral Beer Lounge, Makati
- The Bottle Shop by Global Beer Exchange, Fort Bonifacio Global City
- The Bottle Shop, Magallanes
- Alamat Filipino Pub + Deli, Poblacion
- The Perfect Pint, Makati
- The Brewery at the Palace
BEER EVENTS, FESTIVALS & BAZAARS
I’ve come across some of home-brewed beer sold in bazaars and events, but these are very hard to find commercially. Your best option is to wait until there’s a big craft beer event like the MNL Craft Beer Festival (usually Summer and October) to sample or buy bottles for takeout.
You could also look up the individual Facebook pages of the brewers to inquire where you can find them or get them delivered through services like The Philippine Craft Kings (PCK) or Barley & Craft, a subscription-based beer club that delivers right to your doorstep.
- 63 North Brewing, Manila
- Beer Bros Craft Brewing Co., Quezon City
- BelAle Inc., Paranaque City
- Boondocks Brewing, Quezon City
- BrewLab 2021, Quezon City
- Cerveza Palanyag, Paranaque
- Munting Ilog Craft Brew
- Hideout Craft Brewery, Quezon City
- Sikatuna Craft Brewery
- Sunset, Pampanga
- Weekend Craft Ales, Quezon City
NOTE: This is an evolving list.
I’m trying my best to keep the information updated (but it’s so hard to keep track of all the new brewers and hunt down the beers). If you’re a brewer and would like to correct information
For more information on Craft Beer in the Philippines, please like the Philippine Craft Beer Community on Facebook and check out Craft Beer Asia: Philippines
Additional unwatermarked photos used courtesy of respective breweries.
When we dined at Penpen’s at Cubao X, Lauren ordered Bogsbrew. We shared the one bottle but still wasn’t able to down it all. Guess its new to our taste, but its interesting to have a drink at each of these craft beers.
mukhang masarap ah.. hehehe
Masarap 🙂
Hey Marky, you & Lauren have tried it din pala. Found Bogsbrew & Primo more drinkable the second time around. I agree it’s an acquired taste though the flavors are pretty distinctive! 🙂
Magandang Araw! Maaari kayang i-take home yung mga bote ng lokal kraft beer? kami kasi ay umiinom at nangongolekta ng mga bote ng aming nainom. Maraming Salamat!!
Hi Tupe. Nakapag-uwi ako ng mga bote ng Katipunan Craft Ale at Pivo Praha (may extra deposit lang). Hindi ko pa na-try mag-uwi ng Bogsbrew/Primo pero pwede naman siguro. 🙂 Pwede rin mag-take out ng beers sa Distillery at Eastwood and Pivo Resto Bar in Ortigas. Complete collection at: http://goo.gl/UdC3z
This I’ve got to try. Not much of a beer drinker here, but you got me curious. Besides, most of my foreigner friends love beer!
beer drinker here, but currently out of circulation. haha. I hope to try these soon! thanks for posting! 🙂
Take them to Bravo Bar sometime. Am sure they’ll love the beer 🙂
You’re welcome Kim! 🙂
bigla naman ako namangyan. haha. meron palang craft beer dito sa pinas. matikman nga yan
Hey Nik, was surprised to find the Pinoy craft beers. Hope there’ll be more in the future. Heard about some small microbreweries in other provinces that I need to hunt down 🙂
Hello!
This is an awesome post. Very very helpful, interesting and educating all at the same time. I was wondering if you knew a way for me to contact owners/suppliers of Bogsbrew. Thank you!
This is love. Didnt know we had these in the PHilippines. Thanks for the post!
Hey Cams, great to hear from someone willing to try out local craft beers. Still trying to hunt down some other local brands. Have heard of a few more 🙂
I know one but it’s still under construction, and I’m really excited about it. Will let you know when it’s up. 🙂
Are there any craft/microbreweries in Cebu?
Hi Dan, not aware of any microbreweries that produce their own craft beer in Cebu, but I heard Irie Gastropubliko (Skyrise 4, Cebu IT Park) serves imported craft beer like Stone, Rogue, Hitachino and other brands.
Awesome that you bring these beers to the light. Hopefully the craft beer takeover will consume the dull flavors of san mig and asia brewery as commercial beers are in many other countries when microbreweries pop up.
Hi Mike! I agree. Interesting craft beer scene right now in the country. I hear there are a couple more microbreweries opening up soon. 🙂 Can’t wait to try out new local craft beers soon.
Hi Kara! Pa-share nito ha, my husband is making craft beers too 🙂 Thanks heaps!
Hey Kala. Wow! That’s so cool. Please let me know if the beers are commercially available so I can buy and add them to my beer collection 😀
Wow, I didn’t know these beers exist… Do you happen to know where they’re served by the bucket? It will be a great experience to drink these beers with my beer-loving friends. hahaha
Craft beers are not usually served by the bucket, but you can try most of these out at Barley Gastropub in Sgt. Esguerra, Quezon City and The Bottle Shop by Global Beer Exchange in Paseo de Magallanes. Check out their FB pages for more details & prices 🙂
I was thrilled to find your review!I I love craft beer! I haven’t been home to the Philippines in 5 years, coming home December 2014, I am preparing myself for eating and drinking coma. I am so happy to know we have started a craft beer revolution back home! I am using your blog to help me figure out what to do and where to take my family. Any suggestions too would be helpful!! Thank you!
Hi Cookie, great to hear from a fellow craft beer enthusiast. Eating and drinking coma sounds like a great plan 🙂 I’d highly recommend you take your family to Barley Gastropub and/or Global Beer Exchange since they have the widest selections of Pinoy craft beers (+ lots of imported brands) when you come home. There are a few more breweries that are opening soon, which I’ll be adding to the list as soon as I try them. Cheers!
Hi Maui, I’m not sure if I ever replied to your query by email, but here’s the contact info for manufactures of Bogsbrew: Felix H.Hagad, Contact Info: bogsbrew@gmail.com, +63-920-9041978, +63-34-4330685
more breweries?! That’s great! I live in New Jersey, an hour south to me is Philly and an hour north is NYC. Philly has a lot of breweries and I enjoy going my weekend brewery jaunts. If you get a chance to come here I will share with you places I have been too and enjoyed. I have recently had a chocolate peanut butter stout from DuClaw Brewery which is Maryland based, but this particular beer could be purchased in Philly, and its called Sweet Baby Jesus! LOL.. it was really good!
*nix going.. LOL
Hello, My family from the U.S. is coming to Manila for 1 day in February. They like craft brew. Where should I take them? Any chance we can chat with brew masters? How can that be arranged?
Hi Donna, your best bet would be to go to Global Beer Exchange in Paseo de Magallanes. They hold a Homebrewers night there every Thursday.
Thanks for the information. Unfortunately we will only be in town on a Friday, so we’ll miss the Thursday eve conversation 🙁 We will still check out the place you mentioned. Thanks for the info. Donna
Hello po. Pwede po malaman kung saang bar na puro flavored beer ang binebenta? along quezon city po. Thanks..
Hi Richard. There’s a good selection of flavored beer in Pino Resto Bar in Malingap St, Teachers Village, QC. In Eastwood, check out Rue Bourbon & Bone and Barrel Bistro.
Xavierbier ba? 😉
Gokigenyou 🙂 I always check this blog out from time to time to get updated on the local craft beer movement and their products.
I did some exploring and found that Gilmore Wines serves a variety of craft beers both locally and internationally. In relation to this post, I found Katipunan, Craft Point. Nipa and Great Islands beers in their lines. I only managed to try Great Islands’ POTO beer (as I also had to try international varieties) and I find it pretty hoppy and citrusy, and best taken with pulutan.
I also found that CAB Cafe at Cubao serves Bogsbrew, and I found the Primo and Kawayan ale interesting and easy to drink.
My elder sister also got some beer on tap at Baguio Craft Brewery and took home a Pugaw and a Message in a Bottle, with which we shared and enjoyed.
All in all, I appreciate the growth of local craft beer – to the point that I’m dreaming of having a brewery of my own XD But creativity and time has its limits, so I’d stay with appreciations 🙂
Great article! Just wanted to let you know that Brewery Gastropub (it’s a restaurant, not an actual brewery) in Iloilo City has a large selection of local Philippine craft beers plus lots of imports. Fat Pauly’s beers, Bogs Brew, lots more. 3 draft beers, 2 are currently local beers. Contact me if you would like more specific information as I am a Seattle Washington beer geek who just moved here and I will be traveling to most areas in search of beer.
Hi Julius, great to hear that there’s a CAB Cafe in Cubao! Did not know they had a branch there. Recently went to the one in Pasig just to get a bottle of Tropic Haze (which I added to the post). Will check out Gilmore Wines sometime as well to stock up on others I haven’t tried. Really interested to check out new line of beers from The Cebruery as well.
Hi John, wow thanks for that info! Will definitely check it out next time I head to Iloilo. I see you’ve already tried the 2 craft breweries from Cebu. Definitely recommend you visit Baguio (for Xavierbier) and Palawan (Palaweno Brewery) for a beer tour. And of course Global Beer Exchange in Magallanes and The Perfect Pint if you’re passing by Manila. Cheers! 🙂
CAB Cafe in Cubao is along General Malvar (at Isetann) by the way
Thanks JUlius, went to CAB Cafe in Cubao last night and tried out Bogsbrew’s NPA. Another addition to growing beer collection. 🙂 Thanks for the tip!
Snaps – sports bar in Sofitel Philippine Plaza used to have GPoint draft beers when I was there some 3 months ago. So worth checking if someone is near.
Hi Sinisa, thanks for the tip! Will check it out if ever I go to the area.
I recently found and bought a bottle of Katipunan Craft and an interesting ginger ale at The Clean Plate in Trinoma while serving other organic food either on the go or dine-in. Hopefully they include other craft beers soon. 🙂
Get out of your comfort zone and try Craft Beers. 🙂
Nice! We don’t really drink beer (or any alcoholic beverage for that matter), but these homegrown brews seem really interesting. We’ll try these out on our next Sagada visit.
Cheers, Bier Ranger! 🙂
You guys don’t drink beer? Why not?! Haha. Anyway, aside from the distinctive taste of craft beers compared to mass-produced beers, I really love the packaging and labels of these local brands. You can enjoy an aspect of Pinoy culture (and local ingredients/favors) through beer. 😀
Thanks Julius, will check out The Clean Plate in UP Town Center, baka meron din. 🙂 Backyard Kitchen & Brew there also has a good selection for QC based folks.
Found Crazy Carabao Beers at the Landmark in TriNoma earlier this day. Bought Tarsier and Kalinga to taste them. Will try Tuff Tuko and Exit Wounds on a later visit (hopefully stocks are available by then)
Thanks for the tip, Julius! Love all 4 of Crazy Carabao beers.
Wow. I now have a one stop reference for a not-your-ordinary beer hunting. Wondering how you found and compiled these havens into an amazing post. It’s great! 😀
Hi DJ, it’s become an obsession :p Which reminds me, I have to update this post. Lots of new beers to try. Hard to keep up. In case you’re interested, there’s going to be a Brewfest MNL from July 15-17, 2016 at Century City Mall where a lot of these unique beers will be available in one venue. 🙂
Wooow. I used to park my motorcycle there when I go to work, you know, scarcity of parking lot in Makati haha 😀 Anyways, will you be there? I’m a fan 🙂 can you please sign my copy of Enrich Magazine? hehehe
Have a trip that weekend unfortunately, so will miss it. Sayang nga 🙁 Haha, autograph talaga? 😛
Hi,
Would like to ask if you noticed the majority of draft beer drinkers in Metro Manila. Are they mostly foreigners or most of them are Filipino youth?
Hi Doms, you mean craft, right? While the scene used to be dominated by foreigners, there’s been increasing interest in craft beer among younger Filipino youth the past 2 years. Craft beer is now being served in bars, restos and food parks targeting millennials. During the last Philippine craft beer Festival (BrewFest), it was a good mix of foreigners and locals. More younger Pinoy entrepreneurs are starting to get into homebrewing.
Thank you for answering. I actually wanted to open a bar that serves both craft, draft & local beers that’s why I was curious. How would you rate the targeted millennials. Are they sufficient in numbers to support a thriving business or would an entrepreneur still target foreigners?
Hey Doms, for majority of Pinoys, I think the strongest market will always be for local beers because of the cost. 1 bottle of craft beer still usually costs about 3 or more bottles of local beers. But there have been a number of bars opening lately specializing in draft & craft beer especially in the BGC/Makati area, where there is a mix of foreign clients and those with more spending power. You might want to ask members of the Philippine Craft Beer Community for their advice. 🙂
Thank you Kara. More power to you adventures. Looking forward to other beers to hunt based on your reviews. Thanks.
Big props for not only making this list but also keeping it updated!
So far I have tried most of the brews by Cebruery, a few from Juan’s brew, Pedro & crazy Carabao. Tracking them down can bit of a challenge especially outside of Manila.
Thanks Vagrant One! Yes, it can be a bit of a challenge tracking down these beers. Your best bet would be to attend one of the Craft Beer Festivals because a lot of the hard to find ones from the regions come together there. There was a recently held Craft Beer Festival in Angeles, Pampanga.
I will be spending the holidays in the Philippines, arriving next week! I am so looking forward to trying the bars in Manila! Thanks for this list!
Hi Cookie! You’re welcome. The most commonly available (commercial mass-produced) beers in the country are San Miguel & Red Horse, but I hope you do get to try these craft beers as they’re really so much better. Hope you enjoy your beer tour of the Philippines 🙂
HI Kara, i just wanted to ask if you have any idea by any chance as to where i can find and buy empty beer bottles. I myself is actually brewing a craft beer and also wanted to showcase it by presenting it in a bottle and try selling it in my area first. Any advise will be much appreciated.. thank you.
Hi Patrick. Juan Brew sells bottling supplies & beer making equipment though amber beer bottles are currently listed as out of stock in their online shop. You can also try MGM Premium Beverages or Lazada.
Great Google map! 🙂 , I usually try a good amount of my craft beers at time out bar in cebu city. A bit of a dive but pretty good food and the owner takes pride in serving craft beers and claims to have the biggest selection of craft beers in the city, and I think I’d have to agree with him.
Hi Trevor. Thanks for the comment 🙂 Will check out Time Out Bar on FB and add them to the map.
Hi Kara,
I noticed that you haven’t posted about craft beer in a while, is this still an interest of yours? Best regards, Brian Pipe
Hi Brian, yes craft beer is still very much an interest of mine. While I haven’t had the time to update this very long post as there have been so many developments during the pandemic, I still include craft beer spots in my regular food lists and travel guides. I recently wrote about a new craft beer spot in Tagaytay. Check out some recent beer articles. Thanks for the comment!