Baguio City, known for its cool climate and stunning mountain views, is also quietly becoming a haven for craft beer lovers. Forget the usual commercial beers – here you’ll find unique, flavorful brews made with passion and creativity by local brewers. This guide will take you through some of the best spots to experience Baguio’s growing craft beer scene.
Why Craft Beer in Baguio?
So, what makes Baguio a good place for craft beer? First off, the cool weather. It’s a great environment for brewing and helps make the beers especially refreshing. Also, Baguio has a strong community of artists and entrepreneurs who are always looking to create something new and exciting. And finally, Baguio attracts tourists looking for unique experiences and local flavors, making it a perfect market for craft beer.
Local Breweries You Need to Know
Let’s dive into some of the breweries that are shaping Baguio’s craft beer scene. These are places where you can taste the passion and dedication of the brewers, learn about the brewing process, and enjoy some truly exceptional beer.
Baguio Craft Brewery
Baguio Craft Brewery is arguably the most well-known craft brewery in the city. They’re located on Marcos Highway and offer a wide range of beers, from light and refreshing ales to dark and rich stouts. Their taproom is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, often crowded with those wanting to experience the unique ambience of the place. Expect a lively atmosphere, great food, and, of course, fantastic beer. A visit to Baguio isn’t complete without trying their famous beers like the Zigzagger and the Lagud Strawberry Beer which uses locally sourced strawberries.
Hill Station Tap Room
While Hill Station is primarily known for its fantastic food, their tap room is fast becoming a favorite amongst craft beer enthusiasts. They have a carefully curated selection of local craft beers on tap, representing some of the best brewers in the region. Located within the Casa Vallejo hotel, Hill Station Tap Room provides a blend of elegance and relaxation, which makes it great for both casual drinkers and beer aficionados. The ambiance is quite chic, making it great for enjoying a nice beer in comfortable surroundings.
Specific Places and Pubs Offering Craft Beer
Beyond the breweries, many pubs and restaurants in Baguio are starting to embrace the craft beer movement. They offer a range of local and imported craft beers, providing even more options for beer lovers. Here are a few of them:
Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant. Though primarily known for traditional Ifugao cuisine, The Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant also carries a selection of local craft beers that perfectly complement their dishes. Imagine enjoying a hearty meal while sipping on a locally brewed ale with a distinct taste of the Cordilleran region. The rustic and authentic atmosphere adds to the overall experience, giving you a taste of both Baguio’s culinary and brewing heritage.
Session Road Restaurants and Bars. Baguio’s main thoroughfare, Session Road, is home to numerous restaurants and bars that cater to various tastes, with several establishments now carrying local craft beers. Explore the area, try different places, and find your favorite spot to enjoy a cold, refreshing beer after a day of sightseeing.
Beers to Try in Baguio
With the growing craft beer scene in Baguio, you’ll find a wide variety of beers to try. Here are a few must-try styles and some that are particularly popular in the area:
IPAs (India Pale Ales): Many local breweries make IPAs because beer lovers love to drink them. They’re hoppy and flavorful, with a range of bitterness levels. Try the Zigzagger from Baguio Craft Brewery, one of their flagship beers, as good example.
Pale Ales: If you want something lighter, pale ales are a great choice. They are still flavorful but more balanced than IPAs. They’re easy to drink and perfect for enjoying on a warm day (even if Baguio isn’t often that warm!).
Stouts and Porters: For the dark beer fans, stouts and porters are a must. These beers are rich and complex, often with notes of coffee, chocolate, or roasted malt. These are best enjoyed during Baguio’s colder months.
Fruit Beers: Baguio is known for its fresh produce, and some breweries use local fruits to create unique and flavorful beers. The Lagud Strawberry Beer from Baguio Craft Brewery is a popular example, using locally grown strawberries to create a sweet and refreshing brew. You might also find beers made with other local fruits like guava or passion fruit.
The Brewing Process from a Local Perspective
Understanding the brewing process can enhance your appreciation for craft beer. While each brewery has its specific methods, the basic steps remain the same. Let’s break it down simply.
Milling and Mashing: The process starts with milling grains (usually barley) to expose the starches. These milled grains are then mixed with hot water in a process called mashing. The heat activates enzymes that convert the starches into fermentable sugars, creating a sugary liquid called wort.
Lautering and Sparging: Lautering is the process of separating the wort from the spent grains. Sparging involves rinsing the grains with hot water to extract any remaining sugars.
Boiling: The wort is then boiled, which sterilizes it, extracts hop flavors and aromas, and helps to clarify the liquid. This is where the brewer adds hops, determining the beer’s bitterness, flavor, and aroma.
Whirlpooling and Cooling: After boiling, the wort is swirled in a whirlpool to separate out any remaining solids. Then, it is rapidly cooled to a temperature suitable for fermentation.
Fermentation: The cooled wort is transferred to a fermentation vessel and yeast is added. The yeast consumes the sugars in the wort, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of beer.
Maturation and Conditioning: After fermentation, the beer is often aged or conditioned to improve its flavor and clarity. This can involve storing the beer in tanks or barrels for weeks or months.
Filtering and Packaging: Finally, the beer is filtered to remove any remaining sediment and then packaged into bottles, cans, or kegs. Some breweries skip the filtering process for a more “natural” beer.
Supporting Local: The Importance of Buying Craft Beer
Choosing craft beer over commercial brands has several benefits, both for you and the community. One of the biggest advantages is the support you’re giving to local businesses and entrepreneurs. Craft breweries are often small, independent operations that are deeply rooted in their communities. By buying their beer, you’re helping them to grow, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy.
Also, craft beer offers a much wider variety of flavors and styles compared to mass-produced beers. You’re exposed to unique and innovative brews that you won’t find anywhere else. This is also an opportunity to learn about the brewing process, different ingredients, and the stories behind each beer.
Lastly, craft brewers often prioritize quality over quantity, using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods. This results in beers that are not only more flavorful but also made with more care and attention to detail.
Pairing Craft Beer with Baguio Cuisine
One of the best ways to enhance your craft beer experience here in Baguio is by pairing it with local cuisine. The region’s unique flavors and ingredients complement the diverse range of craft beers available.
For example, the strong flavors of pinikpikan (a traditional Cordilleran chicken dish) can be balanced with a hoppy IPA. The bitterness of the beer cuts through the richness of the dish, creating a harmonious combination.
If you’re enjoying a plate of longganisa de Baguio, a slightly sweet and savory sausage, a pale ale would be excellent with it. The balanced flavors of the beer complement the sweetness of the sausage without overpowering it.
For lighter dishes like fresh salads or vegetable-based meals, a crisp and refreshing wheat beer or a fruit beer can be a great choice. The light flavors of the beer enhance the freshness of the ingredients.
Responsible Drinking in Baguio
While enjoying the craft beer scene in Baguio, it’s important to drink responsibly. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Know Your Limits: Be aware of how much alcohol you can handle and pace yourself accordingly.
Eat Before and While Drinking: Having food in your stomach slows down the absorption of alcohol.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent hangovers.
Don’t Drink and Drive: Arrange for transportation if you plan on drinking.
Be Respectful: Be mindful of your behavior and respect the local community.
Craft Beer Events and Festivals in Baguio
Baguio sometimes hosts craft beer events and festivals, where you can sample a wide variety of beers, meet the brewers, and learn more about the craft beer scene. Keep an eye out for announcements on local social media or ask at the breweries and pubs themselves. These events are a great way to discover new beers and connect with other beer lovers.
A Look into the Future of Baguio’s Craft Beer
The craft beer scene in Baguio is still relatively young, but it is growing rapidly. More and more people are discovering the joys of craft beer, and new breweries and pubs are opening up to meet the demand. The future looks bright for Baguio’s beer culture, and we can expect to see even more innovation, creativity, and delicious beer in the years to come. Keep an eye out for small-batch beers from home brewers, the inclusion of locally grown ingredients into the beer brewing process, and sustainable brewing practices.
FAQ: Common Questions About Baguio’s Craft Beer
What is craft beer? Craft beer is beer that is made by small, independent breweries using traditional brewing methods. Craft breweries typically focus on quality and innovation, creating unique and flavorful beers.
Where can I find craft beer in Baguio besides the places mentioned? Keep an eye out for pubs and restaurants along Session Road and other tourist spots. Many establishments are now starting to carry local craft beers.
Are craft beers more expensive than commercial beers? Craft beers tend to be slightly more expensive than commercial beers due to the use of high-quality ingredients and the smaller scale of production/manufacturing.
Can I visit the breweries in Baguio? Some breweries like Baguio Craft Brewery offer tours or have taprooms where you can sample their beers and learn about the brewing process. Check with each brewery individually to confirm.
Are there non-alcoholic options available at craft beer places? Some establishments may offer non-alcoholic beverages, but it’s best to check in advance to ensure they have options that suit your preferences.
How do I know which craft beer to choose? Ask the bartender or server for recommendations. They can help you find a beer that matches your taste preferences. Also, don’t be afraid to try something new!
Is it safe to walk around Baguio at night? Baguio is generally considered a safe city, but it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and be cautious of your belongings.
References
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). “Highlights of the Philippine Economy.”
Department of Tourism (DOT). “Tourism Statistics.”
Various Baguio-based news articles and websites on local businesses.
Ready to explore Baguio’s local craft beer scene? Go support a local brewery today and discover something amazing!
