Okay, this post is WAAAAAAAYYYYY late as this event happened months ago. But still, I think it is worth posting such a momentous occasion
The craft beer scene here in the Philippines has slowly but surely become a phenomenon. More and more people are getting acquainted with craft beer, and local brewers are slowly coming up with their own product. This revolution is thanks in large part to the work of Global Beer Exchange. Jim Araneta's company has been at the forefront and has become the go to place to introduce yourself to craft beer.
Last April 4, 2013 (yes i know I'm 6 months late), GBEx finally released BrewDog to the Philippine market with a special event at The Bottle Shop. BrewDog is a Scotland based Craft Brewery known for their in-your-face attitude and being openly anti macrobrew. I was able to try one of their variants a couple of years prior to this event so I eagerly anticipated the launch and try out the others; and being that there would be unlimited pours of each, how could I resist?
 |
| The line-up for the night |
Aside from the Punk IPA which I have already tried, there were 4 other variants available that night. Each one was displayed beside tasting notes.
I started out with the 5am Saint Amber Ale. Pours a nice reddish-copper with a cream head that dissipates rather quickly. Aroma is mostly citrus. Initial flavor was somewhat lacking but creeps up in the end with hints of citrus and slight bitterness. Very light mouthfeel. Very easy and refreshing. A nice start
 |
| 5am Saint |
Next up, BrewDog Dead Pony Club Pale Ale. Pours a nice golden color with a white head. Taste is a somewhat toned down version of the 5am with some similarities on the nose and flavors. Bitterness though is hardly there but the hops linger at the end. Should have started with this as it is a really great summer beer
 |
| Dead Pony Club |
Third sampler- BrewDog Trashy Blonde Ale. Very pale yellow pour. Was expecting more flavor but it just wasn't there. Very faint fruity aroma as well compared to the previous 2. Hop bitterness stays at the end though. Overall refreshing, but I'd choose the Dead Pony Club ale
 |
| Trashy Blonde |
On to the big boys next with BrewDog Punk IPA. Had this before but now my palate can detect the flavor hints. Nice golden color with great head retention. Aroma is classic IPA with pine, citrus and a hint of mango. Flavor is awesome from the very beginning. Very good balance of bitter, sweet and a bit of sour citrus notes. Great hop flavor with not that much bitterness. Delicious
 |
| Currently my favorite beer |
Last sampler (although we get unlimited refills of all 5)- BrewDog Hardcore Double IPA. Very full bodied orange-gold pour with a nice cream head. Aroma is pine, and lemon. Flavor is sweet and creamy at the start but then the hops just explode in your mouth and stay there. Very good but very bitter. I'll stick to the punk IPA
 |
| Hardcore IPA |
 |
| Freebies |
The night didn't end with the 5 beers though, one of the friendly faces at the launch (i forget who, or maybe I was already a bit tipsy) opened up a bottle of BrewDog Tokyo to share with others. At 18.2% ABV, the highest gravity (meaning high alcohol) beer in the Philippines- BrewDog Tokyo imperial stout. Pours a very deep black with no head. Aroma is intensely roasty. Coffee and csramel and a slight wine aroma. Taste is very sweet with the coffee and roasty taste coming after. Wine-like sourness at the finish. Extremely unique and delicious
 |
| 18.2% ABV, 1000pesos per. One bottle, and you're good |
It was a great night capped-off by great beer. BrewDog certainly does not disappoint, so if you find a bottle, grab it. I'll be posting about the other beers launched at the bottle shop this past couple of months
Visit Global Beer Exchange's Bottle Store at the ground floor Tritan Venture Building, Paseo de Magallanes, Makati City (Near Dayrit's and Amalia's) and tell them Jake sent you =)
No comments:
Post a Comment