The Philippines is known for its rich culinary heritage, and now, the country’s thriving craft industry is expanding to include a growing selection of locally made liquors and beers. These artisanal spirits and brews are gaining popularity as Filipinos become more discerning about the quality and origin of the drinks they consume. From distilled rums and gins to craft beers and wines, the Filipino-made liquor and beer scene is thriving, showcasing the country’s unique flavors and ingredients. And we at KUBO know that these are among the things balikbayans want to try and experience during their PH visit.
As more and more entrepreneurs enter the market, it’s clear that the future of the industry is bright, with a growing demand for locally sourced, high-quality spirits that reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage. While very few can be found abroad, most are still solely sold in the Philippines. These make for great pasalubong ideas on your way back from visiting the Philippines, too, to boast a little (or a lot) about the motherland’s craftsmanship and share it to the world.
If you plan to welcome 2024 in PH, make sure to stock up on these to give any party you’ll host or attend a fun Pinoy vibe.
1. Don Papa Rum
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This revered spirit that has captured the hearts and palates of rum enthusiasts worldwide is a true gem from the Philippines. Named after a legendary sugar plantation owner, this premium rum is crafted using traditional methods and the finest sugarcane molasses from the lush sugarcane fields of Negros Island. Introduced in 2012, Don Papa Rum has already made a name for itself in the industry, earning numerous awards. Already available in 30 countries apart from PH, it is expected to reach more markets after being acquired by multinational alcoholic beverage company Diageo in 2023.
Its rich and complex flavor is a testament to the artistry and heritage of Filipino distilling, with traditions that have been passed down through generations of Filipino distillers. Notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and vanilla mix together in perfect harmony, creating a smooth and velvety finish. The aroma has hints of caramel and toasted oak that invite you to take another sip. And as you savor each glass, you’ll discover new layers of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned rum connoisseur or just discovering the world of premium spirits, Don Papa Rum is sure to impress. Its unique flavor profile and commitment to traditional methods make it a standout in the crowded world of rum.
You can find Don Papa rum in every major liquor store, supermarkets, and duty free shops around the country. You may also buy it online in PH via Boozy.ph or Lazada. If you’re in Canada, you may also order Don Papa rum online here and here.
2. Archipelago Botanical Gin
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ARC Botanical Gin, the flagship spirit of Full Circle Craft Distillers Co., is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. With a unique blend of 28 botanicals, 22 of which are locally sourced from the Philippines, this gin is a true celebration of the country’s rich heritage and natural bounty.
The gin’s flavor profile is a harmonious blend of fresh citrus, lemongrass, and cinnamon, creating a complex and inviting taste experience. Local citrus fruits—including pomelo, dalandan, calamansi, and dayap—provide a bright and zesty note that is balanced by the earthy and spicy flavors of lemongrass and cinnamon. At its core, ARC Botanical Gin is infused with juniper berries, which lend it a classic gin character. However, the addition of ripe mangoes gives this gin a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional gins. The mango adds a sweet and fruity note that complements the other flavors perfectly, creating a well-rounded and satisfying taste experience. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, ARC Botanical Gin is sure to delight and inspire your senses.
You can find ARC Botanical Gin in Philippine supermarkets, liquor stores, duty free, and Full Circle Craft Distillers’ online store. You may even order it abroad from these global retailers.
3. Lakan Lambanog
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Philippines with LAKAN, the premium liquor made of pure coconut nectar distilled in traditional proofs, resulting in a surprisingly smooth and subtle taste that is best enjoyed neat. This exceptional liquor carries on the legacy of the Philippine lambanog, a tradition that has been celebrated for generations.
LAKAN, which means “warrior ruler” in Filipino, is a fitting symbol for this uncommon liquor as it embodies the leadership and character of this exceptional spirit, inspired by the centuries-old distilling of coconut nectar into liquor, this time using the latest advances in world-class distillation technology. It’s a unique Filipino gift to bring to your friends abroad!
Find LAKAN in duty free, supermarkets, specialty shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, and outlets in major PH cities as well as all their provincial outlets, which you can view here. You may also buy it online in PH via Boozy.ph.
4. Manille Liqueur de Calamansi
A local version of the limoncello, Manille is a unique and refreshing spirit created by Destileria Limtuaco, the oldest distillery in the Philippines. Made using only the rinds of calamansi, this liqueur captures the essence of this fruit in its purest form. The rinds are steeped in neutral molasses spirit, and white sugar is added to sweeten the liqueur. There are no artificial flavorings used in the process. Manille Liqueur de Calamansi is bright and pithy, with notes of mandarin and clementine. It also has an oily texture imparted by the Calamansi skin.
This liqueur can be enjoyed as a digestif or as a drink to cleanse the palate between courses. It can also be taken as a chilled shot or on the rocks for a refreshing long drink. Additionally, it can be used as a cocktail modifier in place of classic fruit liqueurs. Manille Liqueur de Calamansi pairs well with tonic water and a wedge of lime. Its unique flavor makes it a versatile addition to any cocktail recipe, for a zesty twist to classic drinks.
You can buy Manille Liqueur online in the Philippines via Manila-Wine.com and Boozy.ph. You may also order in online in North America here and via Woodencork.com.
5. Sirena Blue Pea Gin
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Founded in 2016, Destileria Barako aims to highlight the flavors of the Philippines and its rich cultural heritage through its line of award-winning spirits. Their spirits are made using locally foraged ingredients and raw materials sourced from select regions in the Philippines, resulting in a uniquely Filipino taste that delights visitors from around the world. Their range of spirits includes vodka, gin, and liqueur, all recognized and multi-awarded by the SIP Awards.
One of their bestsellers, Sirena Blue Pea Gin, is a unique and captivating spirit crafted in their distillery in Malay, Aklan. Made using the vibrant blue pea flower, this gin is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. The blue pea flower is infused into the gin during the distillation process, imparting a delicate floral aroma and a subtle sweetness. The result is a gin that is refreshing, with a vibrant blue hue that is sure to catch your eye. Sirena is perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into your favorite cocktails, adding a pop of color to your drinks. Try it and experience the beauty and flavor of the Philippines in every sip.
Sirena and other Destileria Barako spirits are available via its online store. You may also find it in PH on Boozy.ph, Lazada, Winery.ph, and their official retail partners: Philippine Craft Kings (PCK), Duty Free Philippines, and Rustans Supermarket. It’s also available in selected Robinsons Supermarket and Grapevine outlets.
6. Ube Cream Liqueur
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With its international brewmaster and locally foraged ingredients, Destileria Barako has earned prestigious awards in the spirit industry. Their flagship product, the 2022 World’s Best Cream Liqueur, Ube Cream Liqueur, is made from indigenous botanicals found in select regions in the Philippines. This innovative blend of sugar cane vodka from Negros Philippines, full cream, and Filipino ube is deliciously creamy and best served chilled. It can be enjoyed as a shot, neat on the rocks, layered on shooters, or even as a boozy addition to traditional Filipino dessert halo-halo! The multi-awarded Ube Cream Liqueur has a unique flavor that is not too sweet, making it a favorite even in the USA.
You may purchase Ube Cream Liqueur in PH from the official store of Destileria Barako, as well as other online stores like Lazada, Winery.ph, and Boozy.ph.
For orders within the United States, visit UbeCreamLiqueur.co to get on their VIP list for early access. For orders within Australia, visit www.7000islands.co. For orders within Taiwan, go to their Taiwan Instagram page. They also have an exclusive Distributor in Germany, Mr. Karsten Krauß (email him via [email protected]).
7. Engkanto beers
Founded by Ian Paradies in 2017, Engkanto Brewery aims to provide Filipinos with a wider variety of beer choices and educate them about the versatility of beer beyond commercial lagers. The brewery’s core beers, made with natural ingredients, were created to introduce unique and different beer styles. Engkanto’s microbrewery in Makati City moved to a larger facility in Carmona, Cavite, where the core beers won international awards under the helm of Brewmaster Michael ‘MJ’ Jordan. Brewmaster MJ has led the team to reimagine the original line-up, resulting in a more approachable and exciting new core line-up with seasonal releases.
Engkanto’s classic lager is brewed with “New World” hops, providing tropical flavors, and is easily approachable for new craft enthusiasts. The beer has a crisp and refreshing taste with a subtle note of toasted biscuits from a precise selection of high-quality Pilsner malt. Engkanto offers a variety of original flavors, collaborating with local farmers to use homegrown, high-quality products such as honey, mango, and ube in their globally renowned craft beers.
You can order Engkanto beers online in PH via their official website, Boozy.ph, Winery.ph, and Lazada. You may also find Engkanto beers in PH restaurants and supermarkets—view the list here.
8. Monkey Eagle beers
Monkey Eagle Brewery takes pride in their commitment to creating world-class beers that are brewed by Filipinos, for Filipinos, and enjoyed by all. Their journey began in 2014 with a small 50-liter brewery system set up in the home of one of the founders. After a year of experimentation and honing their craft, they furthered their education in brewing by attending Siebel Institute in Chicago and Doemens Academy in Germany. They also traveled to various breweries in America, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Belgium to learn about different beer brewing practices. In 2016, they built a 15-hectoliter brewery in Tagaytay, outfitted with the best German-made brewing equipment. Their commitment is to produce the highest quality craft beers using only the finest ingredients and strict sanitation practices.
They specialize in ales, which are fermented for a shorter time but at higher temperatures. Their selection includes four light beers, three medium beers, and two full beers. Experience the unique flavors and aromas that they have carefully crafted in beautifully designed bottles with different Filipino themes, like that of the Ligaya Celebration Ale, perfect for the season of parties.
Check out the Monkey Eagle website to find out where you can find their beers around the Philippines. You may also purchase Monkey Eagle beers online while in PH via Boozy.ph, Lazada, and Delidrop.ph.
9. Pedronan Tapuey
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Tapuy, also known as tapuey, is a traditional rice wine that originated in the northern provinces of the Philippines, particularly in Ifugao. This fermented beverage is made using two key ingredients: cooked malagkit (sticky) rice and a wild starter culture called bubod. The mixture is left to ferment according to the brewer’s preference before being filtered and consumed. Nanay Ernanie Pedronan and her family in Adams, Ilocos Norte, are known for producing small batches of Tapuey using locally sourced glutinous rice, called bunkitan. The rice is cooked and then fermented using wild yeast from Baguio. After several months of fermentation, the Tapuey is filtered and bottled.
This particular tapuey has an alcohol content of 17%. It has a rich, brown sugar and caramel flavor with a slightly savory aftertaste. Its syrupy consistency and smooth finish make it very easy to drink. Some people compare its taste to Port Wine or Sweet Vermouth. Tapuey is traditionally enjoyed neat at room temperature, but it can also be chilled or served over ice. It is commonly consumed during special occasions and rituals in the northern provinces of the Philippines.
Order Pedronan Tapuey online from Proudly Promdi and get it delivered within Metro Manila and nearby provinces through same-day couriers like Lalamove, Grab, and Borzo. You may also find it in Ritual shop in Makati.
10. Sagada Cellar Door Rum and Whiskey
Nestled in the heart of Lallalai in Sagada, Mountain Province, Sagada Cellar Door is a unique distillery that combines traditional Filipino ingredients with modern distilling techniques. Founded by Andrew Chinalpan, a descendant of Ilocano and Cordilleran bloodlines, SCD is committed to preserving the ancient art of basi and tapuey production. The distillery sources its raw materials from nearby towns, including four types of citrus; three kinds of mountain tea, turmeric, mint, and rosemary for gin; and locally sourced sugarcane for cane juice rum. The distillery also produces traditionally made rice wine or tapuy using heirloom glutinous black rice called balatinaw, which is similar to sake but with a distinctive violet color.
Their other products are lemon liqueurs made with local meyer lemons, coffee liqueur from Sagada arabica coffee, and chocolate liqueur made of a mix of criollo and new varieties of cacao. SCD’s commitment to preserving traditional methods while also innovating with wood barrels sets it apart from other distilleries in the region. SCD’s whiskey is still aging and will be released as a premium product due to its limited volume. Their flagship sugarcane rum will likewise have a special limited release, as it involves distilling traditionally made sugarcane wine from the last two remaining villages that still produce it using a copper pot still, and aging it in American oak barrels.
You may try SCD liquor and visit their unique place by booking in advance their fine dining Igorot and Ilonggo buffet (by reservation only), Sagada Cellar Door, Wine Cellar and Beer Bar, located at Lallalai, Sagada (right above Sagada Pottery), Mountain Province, Philippines. You can find their liquors and liqueurs, including their Purple Mountain (rice wine beer), at Old Baguio Heritage Cafe and Restaurant, located in V. Luna, Quezon City.
