The Philippines & Australia: Filipino beer Engkanto launches in Australia

The popularity of Filipino beers in Australia is set to increase, with the of Engkanto, the most globally awarded craft beer from The Philippines, Beer & Brewer reported on May 23.

Engkanto craft beers that are made from 100 per cent all-natural, raw materials including locally sourced, native ingredients to The Philippines. The beer is imported and distributed by 7000 Islands Drinks and has been available at a range of independent bottle shops in Melbourne, NSW Central Coast, Perth and Western Sydney.

Siegfrid Bacani of 7000 Islands said he is looking forward to expanding Engkanto’s presence in both Australia’s off-premise and on-premise.

“We’re totally wrapped, to be expanding these ‘ridiculously tasty’ craft beers from the 7000 Islands of The Philippines,” Bacani said.

“And craft beer aficionados agree, with an esteemed panel of 75 judges, declaring three of Engkanto’s craft beers a winner at this year’s Australian Internation Beer Awards (AIBA). Personally, I can’t wait to get these Engkanto kegs into our hospitality partner venues come June 2024.”

Among the beer variants now available in Australia is the rich and creamy ‘Paint Me Purple Ube Lager. Ube, a distinctly Filipino staple, has caught the interest of the food world and is one of the most sought-after items in the Filipino cuisine across Australia.

The range also includes ‘Mango Nation’ Hazy IPA, which highlights carabao mangoes sourced from the different fruit growing regions in the country including the island of Guimaras – the first Geographic Indication designated in The Philippines.

The final beer in the range available here is High Hive’ Honey Ale, which features raw honey sourced from apiaries in Baguio City. Tasting notes say “this unique kind of honey has a subtle floral sweetness, giving the beer a smooth finish many local drinkers have come to enjoy”.

Ian Paradies, the founder of Engkanto Brewery, launched the brand in 2017 to give underserved Filipinos better quality options when it comes to their beer. Not long after, renowned brewmaster Michael ‘MJ’ Jordan, hailing from the US Pacific Northwest, joined Engkanto and reimagined the original beer lineup.

Paradies said: “Team Engkanto boldly presents a unique beer experience for beer drinkers, here in the Philippines, Australia, and around the world, with flavours from homegrown ingredients such as honey, mango, and ube. We are excited to tell you that we are working on more native ingredients.”

Engkanto is available now through 7000 Islands Drinks.

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