What Is Craft Beer | Definition, History, & Pinoy Craft Brewers

Have you ever felt like your beer selection is a bit, well, bland? Are you ready to trade in the same old, same old for a world of exciting flavors and brewing ingenuity? In recent years, the craft beer movement has exploded, captivating beer enthusiasts worldwide with its diverse flavors, styles, and stories. Each craft beer is a unique expression of its brewer's vision. 

This blog will explore the history of craft beer, the unique brewing methods used by craft brewers, and the vast array of styles and flavors you can try. 

What is Craft Beer, according to the Brewers Association?

The Brewers Association, a key voice in the beer industry, defines craft beer through three main criteria: small, independent, and legally sells its brands.  
 

According to them, a small craft brewery produces 6 million barrels of beer or less annually. It is independent, with less than 25% of the brewery owned or controlled by an alcohol industry member who is not a craft brewer.  Lastly, a brewer is someone who holds a Brewer’s Notice issued by the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau or its successor, or controls the intellectual property for one or more brands of beer, has that brand or brands brewed for it in the United States, and have as its primary business purpose the resale of the brand or brands it controls. 
 

Craft beer is all about tradition. Most drinks come from traditional or new ingredients and how they ferment. This means being creative, focusing on quality, getting hands-on with brewing, and setting craft beers apart from big, factory-made ones. 

Brief History of Craft Beer 

The craft beer movement began in the United States in the 1970s as a reaction against the homogenization of beer by large breweries. Beer lovers and homebrewers sought to revive traditional brewing methods and explore new styles and flavors. The movement gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s by establishing numerous microbreweries and brewpubs. 

This period saw a resurgence of historical beer styles and the creation of entirely new ones. The craft beer revolution spread globally, inspiring brewers worldwide to experiment and produce high-quality, distinctive beers.  
 

Today, the craft beer industry continues to thrive and is celebrated for its innovation, diversity, and community spirit. 

Craft Beer in the Philippines

The craft beer movement in the Philippines began in the early 2000s, inspired by the global craft beer revolution. Since its inception in 2010, the Philippine craft beer industry has grown at an impressive rate of 200 percent, as reported at the 2018 Southeast Asian Brew convention. Despite this rapid growth, craft beer still holds only about 1-2% of the total beer market, with large commercial breweries dominating the scene.  
 

Key areas like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Baguio have become hubs for craft beer enthusiasts and breweries. If you are in Manila, Port Bar at Newport World Resorts has locally-made craft beer in addition to international craft beers, whiskeys, amber spirits, cognacs, and dark rums.  
 

Notable Philippine craft beer brands include Engkanto Brewery, Crazy Carabao Brewing Co., and Katipunan Craft Ales. Let's take a closer look at each of these breweries. 

Engkanto Brewery 
 

Engkanto Brewery, founded in 2016, comes from the mythical creatures of Philippine folklore known as "engkantos”. Engkanto Brewery offers diverse brews, including their flagship Engkanto Lager, a crisp and refreshing beer perfect for tropical climates. They also produce specialty beers like the Engkanto IPA, which boasts bold hop flavors balanced with hints of tropical fruits.  

Crazy Carabao Brewing Co.

Crazy Carabao Brewing Co., founded in 2014, embodies boldness and creativity in brewing. Named after the Philippine water buffalo, it offers diverse brews, from the citrusy Crazy Carabao Pale Ale to experimental Mango IPA and Coffee Stout, captivating beer enthusiasts with its innovative approach and adventurous flavors. 

Katipunan Craft Ales 
 

Katipunan Craft Ales, founded in 2013, pays homage to the Filipino spirit of independence and revolution. The Katipunan inspires the brewery's name. Their lineup includes a variety of styles, one of which is the bold and hoppy Indio Pale Ale. Katipunan Craft Ales also produces limited-edition releases and seasonal brews.  

Final Thoughts

Craft beer represents a return to the roots of brewing, emphasizing quality, creativity, and independence. From its humble beginnings in the United States to its current global presence, the craft beer movement has redefined how we experience and enjoy beer. In the Philippines, breweries like Engkanto Brewery, Crazy Carabao Brewing Co., and Katipunan Craft Ales lead the charge, showcasing the country's rich brewing heritage and innovative spirit.