Beer is very popular in the Philippines, with the largest local brewer, San Miguel, being one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Established in 1890 by a Spaniard, San Miguel has grown into one of the Philippines’ largest corporations. San Miguel owns many breweries, including Anker in Indonesia and James Boag in Australia. Besides making brandy and gin, they also manufacture foods and Coca-Cola under license. Despite San Miguel’s dominant market presence, there is still room for other brewers, with Asia Brewery also being a major player in the Asian beer market and possibly the Philippines’ second-largest brewery.
San Miguel
San Miguel locally brews San Miguel Pale Pilsner, Super Dry, Strong Ice, Red Horse, and Gold Eagle, as well as brewing Miller Genuine Draft and Löwenbräu under license. The most popular brand, Pale Pilsner, is a light and refreshing beer with a crisp taste.
Colt 45 Lager
Brewed by Asia Brewery Incorporated under license, along with Lone Star, Stag, and Carlsberg. Many people say this 6.5% beer with a distinct taste is smooth, easy to drink, and much better than its American counterpart.
Stag Pilsner
This 5.0% beer is a distinct full-bodied pale pilsner developed with young drinkers in mind, according to the brewer, Asia Brewery.
Beer Na Beer
This 6.0% beer is a uniquely Philippine product from Asia Brewery. Its label is reminiscent of rival San Miguel’s Pale Pilsner label. This beer has a smooth, clean, refreshing taste that has won three Monde Selection Gold Medals in Brussels. It is reasonably priced in the Philippines and therefore is quite popular on tap in bars, as well as in bottles and cans.
