After a successful grand launch in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, last month, Engkanto Taps finally opens to serve the freshest local craft beers this time in Bonifacio Global City.
The second taproom from Engkanto Brewery, also its flagship, once again offers its globally awarded core line-up, particularly High Hive Honey Ale, named the World’s Best Beer in its category at the World Beer Awards 2024.
Fresh beer choices
A wide offering of eight craft beers on tap will pique the interest of beer enthusiasts looking for better choices. These include the Paint Me Purple Ube Lager and the juicy Mango Nation Hazy IPA, both gaining popularity in the US and Australia. Meanwhile, seasonal brews that feature local ingredients will add more excitement to the options. Some of the limited releases in the past were made using local flowers and fruits and bringing them back fresh on tap is on the horizon.
As for newcomers eager to explore the world of different beer styles, Engkanto Taps is the best place to start with a beer flight option that allows sampling of four different beers in friendlier portions.
“Our excitement is sky-high because Taps is finally here in BGC and in Manila,” says Ricard Basora, managing director of Engkanto. “Everything great about local beers is here. Not to mention the unique cocktails and complementing food.”
Signature cocktails
While beers are the highlights at Engkanto Taps, a fantastic drinking experience will never be complete without the signature cocktails. Innovative infusions concocted at the bar revolve around the unique flavor profile of Engkanto beers. Must-try is Sampa-Loca Highball, a mixture of zesty Green Lava Double IPA and agave syrup. Another is Nutty C Nice- presso, a crafty twist of espresso martini that achieves a different level of creaminess from the decadent Nutty C Nice Choco-Nut Stout beer.
“The Engkanto team is here to grow the craft community in the country and, to us, that means sharing an authentic and fantastic experience at Taps,” says Ian Paradies, founder of Engkanto. “This entails demonstrating our skills in curating drinks and different dishes beyond showing our love for great beers.”
Bar chow
Filipinos can’t get enough of yummy food next to their beers and that’s something Michael “MJ” Jordan, brewmaster of Engkanto, hugely appreciates about the drinking culture in the Philippines.
“From the soft launch and grand opening of Engkanto Taps, Sta. Rosa, I’ve seen so many people enjoy the beers as much as the food,” MJ says. “There’s no place like it because of the laidback atmosphere, fun vibes, and of course, great food and beer. It’s going to be the same in BGC, and maybe even more energy from the nighttime crowd finding a place to chill and unwind.”
Chef Luis de Terry took the helm in the kitchen for Engkanto Taps, a seasoned connoisseur in beer- and-food pairing for years. Some of the must-try items on his menu include the spicy Croqueta Gonzalez, chili-con beef in creamy potato balls, and Yiken’s Inasal sa Gata, a unique take on the classic Bacolod skewer. Taking a cue from the creativity in craft beers, chef Luis made sauces and accompaniments from scratch using Engkanto beers, like the Engkanto Ale Mustard served in accompaniment for the Sausage Party platter.
Engkanto Taps BGC is located at Forbes Town, near Burgos Circle, and is open daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. (MARY SY)