Oktoberfest-ready: Must-try craft beers at October Fiesta 2022
MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos always know how to put on a party, a fiesta if you will, even it means adding a Pinoy touch to international celebrations like the well-known Oktoberfest in Europe.
As most people know, Oktoberfest is an annual beer festival that began in Germany and has spread all over the globe.
The Philippines itself knows how to celebrate its beer-drinking culture with popular beers like San Miguel and Red Horse, as well as celebrated craft beers created by independent brewers.
This is why from the weekend of September 30 to October 2, Newport World Resorts will be hosting October Fiesta where 13 leading craft brewers will share some of their best concoctions to the public.
Philstar.com was able to get a taste of some of the crafts beers that will be showcased at October Fiesta. Here are some of the drinks beer enthusiasts should definitely try-out:
Katipunan Indio Pale Ale
This extra pale ale is the flagship drink of Katipunan Craft Ales, idealy meant to be paired with Filipino food, which tends to be greasy or savory.
The beer balances out such flavors with its sweet smell and similarly sweet taste — either of citrus or caramel — that turns bitter.
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The Indio Pale Ale is the perfect Filipino craft beer as its amber color is meant to mirror our skin, and its 6.12% alcohol by volume is a reflection of the country's Independence Day.
Katipunan Golden Ale
For those looking for a sweeter drink, this blonde ale by Katipunan is the one for you.
The favorite by this writer among all the beers on this list, the Golden Ale is very light — with a 4 % alcohol by volume — almost literally with its lighter golden color compared to the Indio Pale Ale, and has a sweet and fruity taste.
Boondocks Wheat Ale
This Heifeweizen or "white beer" is fairly light in how it appears and how it tastes.
There is a citrus taste in its dry finish, with a hint of cloves or bananas depending on the temperature of the brew service.
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Boondocks Brewing Co.'s founder and head brewer Fred Calope once said that craft beer "doesn't have to be 'mapait" and is best consumed not near-frozen temperatures, adding that his Wheat Ale is perfect to be enjoyed by the beach.
Boondocks Strong Ale
Calope did not hold back in calling the Boondocks Strong Ale a "traydor" (traitor) beverage given how it is ironically easy to drink and not strong at first — that is until the 8.5% alcohol by volume kicks in some time later.
The craft beer reminiscent of a Belgian dark tripel comes off as sweet but is actually malty and is best enjoyed during a cold environment or after meals as a palette cleanser for main dishes.
More things to expect
Craft breweries joining Katipunan and Boondocks at October Fiesta are Beer Bunny, Crows Beverage Ventures, Drink It Now Pare, El Deposito Brewery, Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits, Engkanto Brewery, Greshbrew, Nipa Brewery, NTL Craft Beer, Sagada Cellar Door, and Weekend Craft Ales.
Of course, what would beer-drinking be without "pulutan"? The fiesta will have the classic beer food like Sizzling Sisig, grilled sausages, and nachos to ensure the beverage-hopping goes well.
Several musical acts will also be performing throughout the fiesta, with artists such as Hello Ceasar, Rox Puno, Alex Arias, and Tiara Shaye taking the stage.
Newport World Resorts' October Fiesta will take place in Newport Mall's second floor from September 30 to October 2.
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