A Guide to Local Beer Brands in the Philippines

“Tagay!” is the Filipino equivalent of “Cheers!” or “Salut!” You will typically hear this phrase in gatherings where beer is served. Many Filipinos love to drink ice-cold beer after work or with friends.    
 

In many advertisements, beer is the central icon of reunions, private events, and parties. It is the alcoholic drink in the Philippines that connects Filipinos in times of happiness and challenges. There are many kinds of beer, but only a few truly stand out.    
 

These are the ten local beer brands you need to try.    

San Mig Light (5% alcohol content)   
 

San Miguel Light, a popular beer from San Miguel Brewery that was released in 1999, is a low-calorie lager popular for its crisp and refreshing flavor. It is less heavy on the stomach than other beers from the same company. It is the drink of choice for people who just want a beverage to go along with lighthearted moments.  

Its taste gives you notes of grain sweetness with a dry finish. This 5%-alcohol beer is best paired with popular Filipino pulutan like sisig, chicharon, and peanuts.   

San Miguel Pale Pilsen (5% alcohol content)   
 

Filipino beer enthusiasts consider San Miguel Pale Pilsen the classic original Pinoy beer with its release dating back to January 1982. It is pale and golden in color but has a rich and full-bodied taste. It also has a pleasant fragrance that makes it a completely balanced beer.  

The taste has a strong presence of malt with a creamy note. You will also taste some yeast with grassy and pink hop notes. San Miguel Pale Pilsen can be paired with barbecue, grilled seafood, and the Pinoy classic, lechon!   

Manila Beer (6.9% alcohol content)   
 

Produced by Asia Brewery Inc. in 1988, Manila Beer is a premium all-malt beer with a full and clean taste. The malt used in Manila Beer is not diluted, hence its impressively rich flavor. Asia Brewery uses no additives or substitutes. Their brew only consists of premium malt, hops, and water.    
 

Its rich malty flavor will pair well with mussels, grilled chicken, oysters, and for a modern take, pizza.    

Red Horse Beer (6.9% alcohol content)   
 

The Red Horse beer by San Miguel Brewery is popular among young Filipinos because of the buzz it gives after taking one sip. It first came out in 1982.   

Red Horse has a strong taste and high alcohol content. It has earned a reputation for being one of the excellent beers in the Philippines because of its distinct and sweet taste, punctuated by smooth bitterness.  

It goes perfectly well with many Filipino dishes like lumpia, chicken adobo, and pancit canton. These savory foods complete the strong taste of this beer.   

Beer na Beer (5% alcohol content)   
 

Another creation by Asia Brewery Inc., Beer na Beer, has a pale golden color. This beer was launched in 1988. It is often seen as a competition of San Miguel Beer’s Pale Pilsen.  

Beer na beer is not too heavy nor too light on the stomach. The aroma is an intensely hoppy one. A hoppy beer means a bitter beer, and it is best paired with oily foods like bacon, french fries with cheese dips, pork cracklings or chicken skin.     

San Miguel Super Dry (5% alcohol content)   
 

Often described as modern beer, San Miguel’s Super Dry is a premium lager with a clean and crisp taste. This variant was first produced in September 1989. It has a strong but pleasant aroma that reveals the presence of hops.  

It is a popular drink among beer enthusiasts or those who want to unwind after a long and tiring day. The crispy and dry taste of this beer is perfect for beef and pork dishes like sausages, pork belly, or beef in heavy sauce.   

San Miguel Flavored Beer (3% alcohol content)   
Perfect for starters, the San Miguel Flavored Beer has low alcohol content and comes in three fruit flavors - apple, lemon, and lychee. The fruity sweetness is a unique twist to the otherwise bitter and robust beer taste, which makes it a refreshing partner to salads, spicy noodles, burgers, and sushi. This fruity twist on San Miguel beer was launched in 2022.   

Crazy Carabao Wheat Beer   
 

Crazy Carabao originated from the brainstorming session of a group of friends during a night out, leading to the establishment of a craft beer venture in Sta. Rosa, Laguna in 2008. Their signature wheat beer features coriander seeds, balanced hops, and subtle notes of citrus and clove. Additionally, the aroma of banana and orange enhances the drinking experience, making it a refreshing and easily enjoyable beverage.  

With its smoothness and fruity profile, this wheat beer is poised to become a popular choice for beating the summer heat. It is best paired with fruit-flavored desserts, buffalo wings, and spicy noodles.    

Psychedelic Blonde Ale   
 

Established in 2014 by experienced brewers from Tagaytay City, Monkey Eagle Brewery has been infusing creativity into the craft beer scene. Among their popular offerings is the Psychedelic Blonde Ale, known for its captivating aroma upon uncapping. This beer is best paired with spicy dishes, chicken, and burgers. 

Crafted with various hops, this concoction delivers a fruity profile, satisfying your palate with its refreshing taste. Its honey-like sweetness and subtle citrus notes make it an enjoyable, easy-drinking blonde ale, though some find it lighter. To truly appreciate why this brew stands out as the brewery's top choice, experience it firsthand. If you are keen to try other craft beers, Port Bar has a wide selection of local and international craft beers.   

Final Thoughts

There's a beer for every occasion and palate, from iconic classics like San Miguel Pale Pilsen to innovative craft offerings like Crazy Carabao’s wheat beer and Monkey Eagle Brewery's Psychedelic Blonde Ale.

Filipinos' love for beer extends beyond mere consumption; it's a cultural cornerstone, symbolizing camaraderie, celebration, and shared experiences. Whether you prefer the crispness of San Mig Light or the boldness of Red Horse Beer, each sip tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the vibrant spirit of the Philippines.

So, the next time you raise a glass and hear the familiar cry of "Tagay!" remember these local beer brands waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.