By Cath Isabedra
A craft beer revolution is quietly brewing in the heart of Palawan, where pristine beaches meet lush forests. Palaweño Brewery, founded by a passionate team led by Ayah and Malu Lauengco, has transformed the local brewing scene by infusing traditional flavors with innovative brewing techniques. From humble beginnings with a homebrewer’s kit to becoming a celebrated name in the craft beer world, Palaweño Brewery’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and a deep connection to cultural heritage.
From homebrewer’s kit to brewery: The journey
The story of Palaweño Brewery began with a life-changing realization by Ayah, co-founder of the brewery, during her time in San Diego, USA. Inspired by the vibrant craft beer scene there, Ayah decided to introduce this culture to the Philippines. “We thought that our first home-brewed beer, a very hop-forward California Common, was a failure simply because our palates were accustomed to the dominant commercial beer in the Philippines which is light in taste,” shares Malu Lauengco, Executive Vice President.
However, the beer was a hit among their friends, which encouraged them to pursue this passion further.
“We threw a party for our friends, and they loved it! We initially thought that it was a fluke, but each “Ayahay Night” party we had was a success. It was also our way of gauging acceptance. That propelled us to share our passion with a wider audience.”
Transitioning from a homebrewer’s kit to establishing Palaweño Brewery was a complex process involving extensive research, securing funding, and obtaining necessary permits and licenses. Both Malu and Ayah invested in professional brewing equipment and built relationships with local suppliers to ensure the sustainability and authenticity of their ingredients.
This dedication to quality and authenticity has been a cornerstone of their success.
Infusing Palawan culture into craft beer
Palawan’s laid-back vibe and pristine natural environment have significantly influenced Palaweño Brewery’s flavors and ethos.
The local slang, ayahay, meaning relaxed and chill, inspired the brand name and resonates with the easy, simple, and relaxed nature of their brews.
“Traditional Palawan flavors such as honey, mangoes, and other endemic fruits like the Tabo fruit infuse our brews with a taste of Palawan’s culinary heritage,” says Malu.
This strong sense of respect for nature guides their ethos of responsible brewing and supporting local communities.
The brewery integrates Philippine culture and Palawan traditions into its brewing process by sourcing local ingredients like honey, mangoes, and other fruits. These ingredients not only add unique flavors but also support local farmers and contribute to the local economy.
Unique brews and distinctive flavors
Establishing a craft beer venture in the Philippines isn’t a walk in the park. Sourcing for ingredients in the Philippines is hard—raw materials, from malts, hops, and yeast have to be imported.
However, Palaweño Brewery saw this as an opportunity to experiment with local products for flavoring. This way, they can balance the importation and infusion of local produce.
“In line with our thrust to bring pride to Palawan, we recently cultivated a beer yeast that we can truly call our very own. This yeast is what we use for our FLIP beer (FLIP for Fun-Loving Island People’s beer). These elements contribute to the distinct flavors and character of our brews, showcasing the richness of Palawan’s natural heritage.”
Palaweño Brewery offers a diverse range of beer styles and recipes that showcase the vast flavors of Palawan. One of their standout creations is the seasonal Tabo Cream Ale, which highlights the rare Tabo fruit harvested by the tribe people from the South of Palawan.
“Since this fruit is seasonal and is limited in quantity, we encapsulated its vibrant flavor in our Tabo Cream Ale beer,” Malu explains.
The brewery’s commitment to balancing tradition with innovation is evident in its brewing process. They respect traditional beer styles while embracing creativity to push boundaries and create unique flavors that are truly Palawan.
Engaging with customers and refining recipes based on feedback ensures they stay true to their identity.
Community and sustainability
Palaweño Brewery’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in their brewing practices. They prioritize waste reduction by repurposing spent grains as fertilizers or livestock feed and source local ingredients to reduce transportation emissions. “We also prioritize waste reduction and recycling to minimize landfill waste by using recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials whenever possible,” shares Malu.
The brewery’s contributions to the local community extend beyond sustainable practices. By sourcing ingredients locally, providing employment opportunities, and serving as a tourist attraction, Palaweño Brewery significantly impacts the local economy. They offer educational tours, tastings, and events, attracting tourists and supporting local businesses.
Overcoming challenges
Despite the excitement of the journey, growing Palaweño Brewery has not been without its challenges. “Although we have been enjoying the ride, growing the brewery presented several significant challenges. Building brand recognition in a market dominated by a big brand was very challenging. We needed to put extra effort to differentiate our offerings,” Malu shares. Offering competitive pricing while maintaining profitability and quality consistency was also a daunting task. Educating consumers about the unique characteristics of their craft beers proved tricky, considering that many Filipinos were accustomed to a single popular brand.
However, these challenges also presented opportunities. “Despite these challenges, we gained leverage because of our unique offerings, our story, and our commitment to quality, carving out a niche in the market and attracting consumers who appreciate our craft,” Malu explains.
Future endeavors and expansion
Looking ahead, Palaweño Brewery aims to expand its distribution both domestically and internationally, making their unique brews more widely available. They plan to continue innovating with new styles, flavors, and ingredients while enhancing the visitor experience with expanded brewery tours and tailored experiences. “We are always excited to introduce new offerings that will appeal to our clients. Seasonal and special brews are rolling out,” Malu shares enthusiastically.
“Palawan, being a tourist destination, is a mecca for business opportunities and collaborations. We have been working together with hotels, restaurants, and tour destinations. These partnerships help promote both the brewery and the establishment, offering their customers a true Palawan experience,” Malu adds. “We are looking at expanding beyond the Philippines across Asia (i.e., Hong Kong and Singapore) to reach new markets and introduce our unique brews to a broader consumer base.”
Palaweño Brewery embodies the spirit of Palawan through its unique brews, sustainable practices, and deep community involvement. Their journey from a homebrewer’s kit to a renowned brewery is a testament to their dedication to quality and authenticity. They are a true example of how tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously in craft beer.
