What began as an act of resistance against giant macro breweries mass-producing beer with little to offer in terms of variety and quality became the craft beer revolution. Individual homebrewers, largely from the United States, banded together, rejected the idea of corporate beer’s profit-above-all, and propelled authentic brewing along with community values.  

After decades since the movement changed the beer industry forever, four brewers in the Philippines have united for the first time to reveal the truth about craft beers: Michael ‘MJ’ Jordan of Engkanto Brewery, Mike Wayne of Papa Bolo, Fred Calope of Boondocks Brewing, and Raoul Masangcay of Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits.  

Their call to arms is to educate local enthusiasts in the country about the true craft of brewing beers, and, more importantly, bang the drums against the blatant misuse of “craft beer style” by a local beverage conglomerate. These brewers are marching shoulder-to-shoulder with their first collaboration beer: True Brew West Coast IPA.  

"When the four of us got together for the first time, things just clicked, and then we suddenly had an idea to create a beer that brought us back to a particular time in craft brewing,” describes Fred of Boondocks. 

“Then we started getting into what style we like most about craft beer—and it's the in-your-face, hoppy beer that you have to drink a little bit more to appreciate and understand. And when you do, you’ll really fall in love with it and just keep on going,” he adds.  

The four brewers found a collective choice in the West Coast IPA, an American IPA style originating from the US West Coast characterized by its hop-forward character and bold, pronounced, and often unapologetic bitterness. Following the influential Pale Ale that initially spurred American homebrewers, this new take on the IPA style at that time inspired a wider swath of drinkers to hop on and support craft beers.  

“The beer style we chose is an ode to an early age of craft brewing in the US, and as the veteran of the group, I’ve seen the West Coast IPA surge to become the most dominant beer style globally,” says Brewmaster MJ. “Within that, we modified it with the new hops that are available, a little less of the aggressive bitterness for the local market, but it is still present. It's still in your face but in a little different standard.”  

At an elevated 6.5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume) and 45 IBUs, which is an assertive level of bitterness, True Brew West Coast IPA has a robust hop character of pine, citrus, and fruit notes, revealing a drinkable and enjoyable character despite the bitterness. Its deep, brassy look is a striking show of its strength yet pleasing at first look. It stays true to its style, but is inviting enough for those new to its bold character. 

“When we had the test brew at Engkanto Brewery in Carmona, Cavite, it reminded me of being in San Diego, California, in 1995,” shares Mike of Papa Bolo. “It took me right to an extremely specific time and place with the style of beer we just made. I couldn't think of any better compliment other than this is a foundational West Coast IPA that we want everyone to try, so they can experience what a good beer can truly be.”  

A big statement from these unflinching craft brewers, the unrelenting True Brew West Coast IPA is a beer crafted with style, and it proves that by working collectively, remarkable things can be made. As they ended, they’re looking ahead at many more collaborations to happen. While each brewer has individual goals to reach, one is seen not as an enemy, but an ally in showing how great craft beer is to more and more people. 

The real deal is here, so get into it! True Brew West Coast IPA is available in the Engkanto webstore and through Papa Bolo, Boondocks Brewing, and Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits.