Engkanto taps the north with new Quezon City taproom
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino craft beer Engkanto opened a new Taps branch in Quezon City near the border of Pasig ahead of increased plans for expansion.
The Bridgetowne branch is the fourth Taps after Sta. Rosa, Laguna (where the brewery is based), Forbestown in Taguig's Bonifacio Global City, and NBS Park in Mandaluyong.
This new branch will cater to beer lovers in the north, especially Quezon City, and those living in the eastern part of Metro Manila like Marikina, San Juan and Rizal because of its proximity to Pasig.
Like the other Taps, the brand's award-winning beverages like Live It Up Lager, High Hive Honey Ale, and Paint Me Purple Ube Lager will be available alongside other core beers and limited releases.
During the Bridgetowne branch's opening last June 17, Engkanto founder Ian Paradies shared that Taps was created for the brand to have a place to directly communicate with customers. Before establishing the niche brand, Engkanto would only sell to other bars, hotels, groceries, and online.
The taprooms allow the brand to serve their beers at reasonable prices, as well as signature cocktails and food that have beer incorporated in them.
Related: Bake your Southern-style Fried Chicken
Paradies later told members of the media, including Philstar.com, that Quezon City is by far one of Engkanto's biggest markets, particularly in terms of direct-to-consumer delivery.
"We wanted to make sure we had an outpost somewhere in north Metro Manila," he shared. "[Bridgetowne] kind of kills two birds with one stone being on the border of Quezon City and Pasig, and C5 is such a growth corridor that we love the location."
The Bridgetowne branch is Engkanto's first new Taps branch of 2026. Paradies teased another opening later this year, with plans to pen two to three branches annually.
Paradies assured Philstar.com the strategy was feasible though the team still had to focus on its main distribution, such as exports and e-commerce.
What makes the new branch different from the previous three is that it is the only one with a semi-private room, capable of seating up to 12 people, which can be closed off with a curtain.
Paradies revealed that they received inquiries for larger groups but not bookings for the entire taproom. At the moment only a minimum spend is attached to booking the room.
RELATED: Chicken Buldak Ramyun
