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  4. 10 Best Beers in the Philippines 2024 | San Miguel, Engkanto, Heineken and More
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10 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.

Last updated 07/14/2023
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Editorial Team

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.

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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

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 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

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.

1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

2

Know the Alcohol Percentage

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. 

3

What Is an IBU?

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. 

4

Broaden Your Beer Experience With Local Craft Beers

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.

5

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

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

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. 

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10 Best Beers to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

San Miguel

Pale Pilsen

San Miguel Pale Pilsen 1

₱52

Low Mid

Rich, Well-Balanced and Full-Bodied Flavor Beer

2

San Miguel

San Mig Light

San Miguel  San Mig Light 1

₱58

Low Mid

The Country’s Leading Low-Calorie Beer

3

Engkanto

Pale Ale6-Pack

Engkanto Pale Ale 1

₱550

High Mid

Refreshing and Incredibly Balanced Pale Ale

4

Crazy Carabao

Wheat Beer6-pack

Crazy Carabao  Wheat Beer 1

₱549

High Mid

Sweet and Smooth for That Summer Day

5

San Miguel

Red Horse

San Miguel Red Horse 1

₱52

Low Mid

The Beer That Is Palaban Like You

6

Monkey Eagle

Psychedelic Blonde

Monkey Eagle Psychedelic Blonde 1

₱149

Mid

Perfect Drink for a Sunset Session

7

Nipa Brew

Drop Zone4-pack

Nipa Brew Drop Zone 1

₱581

High Mid

Broaden Your Beer Horizons With This Deep Hop Taste

8

San Miguel

Cerveza Negra

San Miguel Cerveza Negra 1

₱75

Mid

Dark Beer for The Bold and Daring

9

Heineken

Heineken

Heineken Heineken 1

₱94

Mid

The Truly International Beer

10

San Miguel

Flavored Beer

San Miguel Flavored Beer 1

₱50

Low Mid

Easy Choice for Starters

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

San MiguelPale Pilsen

Pale Pilsen 1
Source:lazada.com.ph
Reference price
₱52
Low Mid
Reference price
₱52
Low Mid

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.

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No.2

San Miguel San Mig Light

San Mig Light 1
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱58
Low Mid

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?

No.3

EngkantoPale Ale6-Pack

Reference price
₱550
High Mid
Reference price
₱550
High Mid

Refreshing and Incredibly Balanced Pale Ale

This beautifully designed bottle will make you appreciate Filipino craftsmanship to the next level. Engkanto was founded in 2015 with a hope to give more options of great-tasting beer in the Philippines, and they did just that.


Their take on pale ale, which is usually more bitter, has been balanced incredibly well by the hints of citrus and passionfruit. Described as having a more full and well-rounded taste. This blend is actually the favorite of Engkanto's founder Ian Paradies, so if you're looking for something strong yet playful on the palette, this is the choice for you.

No.4

Crazy Carabao Wheat Beer6-pack

Wheat Beer 1
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱549
High Mid
Reference price
₱549
High Mid

Sweet and Smooth for That Summer Day

Crazy Carabao started as an idea of a group of friends who were enjoying their night out. It turned out to be a great idea that paved the way into opening a craft beer business in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Their very own wheat beer is packed with coriander seeds, just the right amount of hops, and gentle hints of citrus and clove. 


You can also smell the aromas of banana and orange as you sip into this refreshing, smooth beer. Reviewers have described it to be easy to drink because it's more fruity. Now it's almost a guarantee that this wheat beer will prepare you for the summer heat. 

No.5

San MiguelRed Horse

Red Horse 1
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱52
Low Mid

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.

No.6

Monkey EaglePsychedelic Blonde

Reference price
₱149
Mid
Reference price
₱149
Mid

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. 

No.7

Nipa BrewDrop Zone4-pack

Drop Zone 1
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱581
High Mid

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.

No.8

San MiguelCerveza Negra

Reference price
₱75
Mid
Reference price
₱75
Mid

Dark Beer for The Bold and Daring

This dark-colored beer might intimidate some of you, but don't judge it just yet because it has so much to offer. Cerveza Negra is described as a full-bodied dark lager. The roasted malt makes an incredible caramel tone to the drink, and the creamy froth makes almost a perfect combination for a great sip.


There is a nutty and brown sugar aroma as you smell it. The flavor is described as bold, with hints of coffee and chocolate. Despite its dark color, the taste is said to be smooth and satisfying. So for those who are willing to try something out of the usual, this high-quality beer will surely leave a mark on you. 

No.9

HeinekenHeineken

Heineken 1
Source:lazada.com.ph
Reference price
₱94
Mid
Reference price
₱94
Mid

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. 

No.10

San MiguelFlavored Beer

Flavored Beer 1
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱50
Low Mid

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!

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.

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 MiguelPale Pilsen

No. 2: San Miguel San Mig Light

No. 3: EngkantoPale Ale6-Pack

No. 4: Crazy Carabao Wheat Beer6-pack

No. 5: San MiguelRed Horse

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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