7 Best Beers in the Philippines 2024 | San Miguel, Engkanto, Heineken and More
After a long day, some of us just crave a good, cold beer that satisfies our taste buds and gives that little buzz that could help us sleep better or just makes us feel good at the moment. Beer is accessible worldwide, and in a country like the Philippines, you have a variety of choices that depends on what mood you're on.
We might not have the luxury of going bar hopping or beer taste testing at pubs nowadays, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a cold one when we feel like it. A drink as popular as a beer can get you overwhelmed with a wide range of choices. Don't worry, we've got your back! We've gathered the best beers in the country to narrow down your choices.
Quick List - Top Beers
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
How Beer Is Made
We all love the combination of the sweet and bitter taste of our favorite brew, but some of us might not be aware of how they were made. In this section, we are going to discover how this bar staple came to be. Let's begin!
Discover the Ingredients: Water, Malt, Hops, Yeast
Beer is mainly made up of water, malt, hops, and yeast. It is a fermented and alcoholic product of four ingredients. The taste of beer ranges from bitter, sweet, floral, sour, and more. The colors of the beer can be as light as gold to as dark as coffee. A beer falls on either the lager or ale category, depending on how it was fermented.
The Two Ways To Ferment Beer: Top Fermentation and Bottom Fermentation
The yeast used in making ales ferment at warmer temperatures and tends to settle at the top of the beer, it also has a higher tolerance for alcohol. The high temperature speeds up the yeast's metabolic pace that produces a great diversity of flavors. The process is called Top Fermentation. Ales tend to have more fruity or floral flavors, which are described as having richer and bolder flavors.
For Lagers, the yeast used in making them ferments in cooler temperatures and takes more time since lower temperatures slow down the metabolic pace of the yeast. The yeast tends to sit at the bottom of the liquid. The process is called Bottom Fermentation. This leads to a less flavor profile for lagers and instead more malty flavors, that are described to have a more crisp taste.
Many Prefer Beer Over Other Drinks
Beer has less alcohol per ounce compared to other alcoholic beverages, so it can be enjoyed in moderation. Also, a study proves that beer has fewer downsides leading to a bad night out. It's because beer lovers felt less aggressive and less ill when they are out and about compared to hard liquor drinkers. So for those who truly want to kick off their work shoes and unwind, this is the drink to grab.
How to Choose Beer - Buying Guide
To help you with your beer knowledge as you relax, we've gathered some information that could help you out below.
Know the Types of Beers
With beer's long history, you can guess that the taste has evolved into different versions. Some say that beer is an acquired taste, some fall in love with it instantly, while some just can't stand it! It all boils down to what you prefer.
Flavored Beers if You Want Something Easier to Drink
Are you one of those people who just can't stand the bitter taste of beer? Flavored beers are friendlier to the taste buds because they have more sugar and artificial flavors in them. So they are much easier to drink compared to the unflavored beers. Even if they taste like sparkling juice, still go easy, don't forget that they still contain alcohol!
Strong Tasting IPAs for Bitter Beer Lovers
The history behind Indian Pale Ales (IPAs) is that during the 18th century, a brewery in East London sent his pale ale with extra hops and extra alcohol content to India. This was done to preserve the taste of the beer as it traveled from England to India.
Thus, it created a more bitter brew with some hints of fruity flavors. The increased amount of hops in this brew is what makes it stronger in terms of getting you tipsy.
Pale Ales Are Lighter and Easier to Drink
Also known as Golden ale and Blonde ale, this brew also contains mostly hops but has a lower alcohol content than IPAs. They are described as lighter and easier beers to drink. The flavor profile depends on where it is originated.
For example, American-style Pale Ales (APA) are known to be bitter with touches of citrus. English-style pale ales are more on the malty and earthy flavor profile. Belgian-style pale ales are sweeter but can have a hint of spiciness. Generally speaking, pale ales are well-balanced brews.
Try Something New With Malty and Crisp Amber Ale
Also known as Red Ales, they are described as the American version of an English pale ale. The various grains used in making this brew are what creates that distinctive color. The flavor profile of this category is usually maltier, leaving a crisp impression on your mouth. Red and Amber Ale have aromas of caramel, dried fruit, and coffee. This will take your usual go-to on a higher level!
If You Want a Balanced Brew, You'll Never Go Wrong With Pilsners
An exquisitely balanced brew that has the perfect harmony of sweetness, bitterness, and spiciness. This golden lager has that crisp flavor that every beer lover craves. What makes it a real classic is that even if it's described as mostly hoppy in taste, it's balanced perfectly with maltiness. Pilsners have an ABV of 4.2-5.8%.
A Complex Dark Lager for Those Who Want a Powerful Brew
Originally from Germany and the Czech Republic, it is also known as Dunkel or Schwarzbier. The dim color comes from dark malts. This is a malty beer with hints of toasted caramel, chocolate, coffee, or molasses. This one is in the mid-level alcohol content, but still very smooth to drink because of its unique aromatic blend.
Refreshing Wheat Beer for Those Who Want To Keep It Light
A German-style beer that is made up of at least 50% wheat as their malt. Typical beers usually use barley, rye, or corn. They are described as that perfect summer drink because of their light, sweet and refreshing flavor. The color can range from pale straw to deep brown.
Rich-Tasting Stout for Fans of Roasted Malts
A dark-colored beer that has a strong roasted flavor with a mid to high range of alcohol content. Don't get intimidated by its dark color because this actually contains unfermented sugars that give off that sweet taste. This style of beer originates mostly from Ireland and England.
The Robust Flavors of a Porter Is Crafted for Chocolate Lovers
An intensely dark-colored beer that originates from the United Kingdom. Porters are usually made from chocolate, dark roasted malts, caramel, or coffee. It is described as having a milder taste of coffee than stouts and has more hints of chocolate.
Know the Alcohol Percentage
While some of us start off the night by saying, "I'll just have one bottle," that does not always go as planned for others. Alcohol level measurement is called ABV or Alcohol by Volume, which usually ranges from 3% up to 7% for beers. The amount of alcohol in beer strongly influences how it will taste. So before going for your 3rd round, make sure to read the label and sip slowly.
What Is an IBU?
International Bitterness Unit, or IBUs, was invented in the 20th century to quantify how bitter a beer is. To make the measurement objective, it's actually a chemical measurement of the parts per million of isohumulone found in a beer. Isohumulone is the acid found in hops that give off that bitter taste. The usual range of IBU will be from 5 (very low bitterness) up to 120 (very high bitterness).
It's necessary to remember that beer is a good balance of ingredients and taste. Malt and other flavors can stabilize the bitterness of the beer. So just because one beer has a higher IBU than the other doesn't automatically mean it tastes more bitter. It's still down to how balanced the beer is, personal taste preference, perceived bitterness, and flavor.
Broaden Your Beer Experience With Local Craft Beers
Craft beer refers to a beer that has been brewed by a small-scale, independent, and traditional brewery. It basically means that the beers are not made by a huge corporation. Think of it as beers made with more TLC compared to having mass-produced beers made by big companies.
When looking for a craft beer, try the ones that truly fit the category of the small and independent breweries. This would make it easier for you to ask about ingredients and exciting combinations of brew they have in the house. This would make you feel confident in the craftsmanship the brewers put in their beer because they will be very involved in making sure it's of high quality.
Pick the Right Packaging for Your Beers
Watching those TV scenes where people smash beer bottles or break beer cans on their heads as a sign of victory may be overdramatic. But what is really the better choice when it comes to beer packaging?
Bottles May Affect Your Beer Quality When Hit By the Sun's Rays
Most beer bottles are brown, green, or clear glass. Both green and clear glass are notorious for letting light in a bottle, but dark brown glass blocks about 99% of light. The UV rays from the sun can affect the taste and quality of the beer, causing it to taste spoiled. It’s best to keep your bottled beers away from the light, which means it might not be a good idea to bring them to the beach.
Canned Beers Are Easier to Transport
A lot are worried about the taste of metal when they are drinking canned beers, but there is actually a lining inside that prevents the beer from having contact with the metal. The “taste of metal” is most probably caused by smelling the can when drinking from it. The best solution for this is to pour your beer into a glass.
Beer cans are opaque so it’s safe from the UV rays and it will preserve the taste of your beer. Cans are also more portable since it’s lighter, easier to open and less fragile compared to bottles. If you’re thinking of bringing beers to your next trip, then cans would be your best choice.
10 Best Beers to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | San Miguel Pale Pilsen | | Rich, Well-Balanced and Full-Bodied Flavor Beer | |
2 | San Miguel San Mig Light | | The Country’s Leading Low-Calorie Beer | |
3 | San Miguel Red Horse | | The Beer That Is Palaban Like You | |
4 | Monkey Eagle Psychedelic Blonde | | Perfect Drink for a Sunset Session | |
5 | Nipa Brew Drop Zone｜4-pack | | Broaden Your Beer Horizons With This Deep Hop Taste | |
6 | Heineken Heineken | | The Truly International Beer | |
7 | San Miguel Flavored Beer | | Easy Choice for Starters |
Rich, Well-Balanced and Full-Bodied Flavor Beer
This is the beer that Filipinos are very excited to make foreigners try because of its rich, well-balanced, and full-bodied flavor. This golden lager is smooth to drink with its just-right bitterness and a sure sight to see in inumans and celebrations all over the country.
The classic brown bottle also makes it nostalgic for family members who have too many stories to tell with its distinct design. Did we mention that this is one of the few beers in Asia that received the highest Grand Gold Quality Award from the Monde Selection? Not just once, but more than 75 awards from this international institute alone. Now, that is top-quality beer.
The Country’s Leading Low-Calorie Beer
Thinking twice about getting a bucket of beer because of your beer belly? Fret not. This low-calorie beer will make sure you still have an enjoyable night without worrying too much about belly bloat. This lager is only 100 calories per 330 mL serving. This beer is off the bitter charts, and because of that, it's so light and easy to drink.
Just because it's light doesn't mean it's not as enjoyable anymore because it is still crisp and smooth! To prove that it is not a watered-down version of the usual San Miguel Pale Pilsen, this beer has been awarded over 40 times by the Monde Selection. Who says you can't enjoy a delicious beer when you're on a calorie restriction?
The Beer That Is Palaban Like You
A favorite of those who want to keep their drinking session straight to the point. This deep lager has a unique taste that is sweet and bitter. It has a light golden color and has a higher alcohol content compared to other commercial beers in the market. This will surely give you that buzz you are looking for.
This beer has garnered the title of Number 1 Strong Beer and Number 2 Brand Overall in UAE. It also won the Gold Medal Winner of the Australian International Beer Awards in 2015 and has been a consistent contender in Monde Selection Awards.
Perfect Drink for a Sunset Session
Founded in 2014 by brewmasters from Tagaytay City, Monkey Eagle Brewery has been putting a fun and hip twist on craft beers. A said crowd-favorite is their Psychedelic Blonde Ale. Upon opening, you will surely smell the intense aroma.
They used different kinds of hops for this blend resulting in a fruity brew that will surely quench your thirst. Reviewers say that it's an easy-to-drink blonde because of its honey-like sweetness with hints of citrus flavors. Although some also say it's too light for their liking. Taste it for yourself to understand why this is the brand's best-seller.
Broaden Your Beer Horizons With This Deep Hop Taste
Nipa Brew aspires to live life to the fullest, and they do that well by crafting adventurous flavors of beers. The founders of this brewery want something out of the norm. They want to surprise their drinkers with the unimaginable taste of craft beers.
This dark-toned beer has a malty and nutty aroma. This one is not for the faint of heart because it has qualities of nuts, bitter dark chocolate, and toasted caramel making it too strong for some. It also has a deep hop taste, adding to the brew's bitterness. But if you're up for the challenge, go for it.
The Truly International Beer
From the Netherlands, Heineken is now one of the most popular beers in the world. They have been in the beer industry for 150 years. Since then, they have been widely available in 192 countries. Its famous green bottle with a red star has been a favorite as well in the Philippines in recent years.
It is done within a 28-day brewing process using 3 natural ingredients: malted barley, water, and hops. It is described to have a crisp, rich taste. The beautiful golden color of this beer will surely be a staple in your next drinking session.
Easy Choice for Starters
San Miguel Flavored Beers have been becoming more popular recently with their flavors of Apple, Lemon, and their latest one, Lychee. This choice may be for those entry-level beer drinkers who are not quite ready to taste beers that are more bitter. This light lager is made sweeter with hints of fruit, depending on what flavor you choose.
It has a low alcohol content and fizzy mouthfeel. Some beer connoisseurs even say that this is more of an alcoholic fruit juice than a beer. But that doesn't take away the fact that this drink is still incredibly refreshing, especially in a tropical country like the Philippines.
Spice Up Your Drinking Essentials!
Now that you've got your beer of choice within reach, why not add some playful coasters or exciting games when you're drinking? Remember that drinking is an experience more than just having to chug on your bottle. Check out these useful links below to add some more liveliness to your next drinking session.
10 Best Drinking Games in the Philippines 2022 | Drunken Tower, Sotally Tober, and More
10 Best Board Games for Adults in the Philippines 2022 | Pandemic Legacy, Ticket to Ride, and More
10 Best Card Games for Adults in the Philippines 2022
10 Best Coasters in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Interior Designer
Summary
Beer preference is such a personal choice, it reveals a lot about your taste and what mood you're on. You can get a sweet, fruity beer when you're feeling easy and you can go for a roasted malt when you're feeling robust. Next time you want to order your bottle of comfort, you have an idea of what could be perfect for you on that day. You have every bottle for every mood, so just sit back and relax.
Author: T. Yuquimpo
Editor: C. Lacson
Top 5 Beers
No. 1: San Miguel｜Pale Pilsen
No. 2: San Miguel ｜San Mig Light
No. 3: San Miguel｜Red Horse
No. 4: Monkey Eagle｜Psychedelic Blonde
No. 5: Nipa Brew｜Drop Zone｜4-pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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