Rum, whiskey, and cognac, step aside.
Engkanto craft beers are entering the cigar room, that is, the divan of Tabacalera Incorporada, the first and finest cigar company in the Philippines, and one of the most historic cigar brands in the world.
In essence, craft beers and cigars are made with similar principles.
On one hand, exquisite Tabacalera cigars adhere to its time-honored tradition since 1881: “totalmente hecho a mano” or “completely handmade.” It’s why their cigars burn evenly, draw effortlessly, and possess exceptional taste.
On the other, Engkanto craft beers are brewed only with high-quality, natural ingredients that respect the beer styles while revealing creative interpretations by our renowned brewmaster.
“There’s a lot of great products coming out of our country that showcase great craftsmanship, and we want to collaborate with more Filipino brands like Engkanto Brewery,” says Michelle Ongpin Callaghan, President and GM of Tabacalera Incorporada. “These products are truly something that we Filipinos can be proud of.”
Tabacalera, one of the Philippines' oldest companiles, is a part of the country's history, having pioneered interisland shipping and abaca production. For its cigars, a female Master Blender at the factory ensures that all processes, from the sorting and aging of the leaves to the wrapping and bundling of the fillers, adhere to high standards.
“Under the strict quality control of our Master Blender, a lot of cigars never make it to packaging, but that’s something we’re proud of,” shares Michelle. “Many cigar brands will mention ‘hecho a mano’ which means ‘handmade’, but what separates us is ‘totalmente’ and that is ‘totally’ handmade from start to finish.”
Most of the tobacco used in Tabacalera cigars is grown in the province of Isabela, but the company also sources leaves from the United States, Indonesia, and other nations, depending on the cigar style they’ll produce. Similarly in the High Hive Honey Ale beer, pure honey is sourced from local apiaries and farms while the hops are mostly imported from hop-growing regions in the US.
In choosing Tabacalera Panetelas to pair with Engkanto craft beers, Michelle relates the mildness of the cigar and the drinks, which make them approachable and very friendly to beginners.
“We chose the Tabacalera Panetelas because they are mild, and a much shorter smoke that should go well with the craft beers. From a worldwide perspective, Tabacalera cigars are known as very friendly for beginners. Those who are avid to cigars even call them ‘Morning cigars’ to enjoy with a cup of coffee for its pleasant mildness,” shares Michelle. “More importantly, Tabacalera is our flagship, and it's great that two Filipino brands are coming together to provide a wonderful experience.”
Unlike cigarettes which many consume quickly for the nicotine buzz, a cigar is best enjoyed for its rich flavors. A Tabacalera Panetela cigar, for example, has a sweet taste sprinkled with spicy undertones and has generous floral notes with gentle kicks of spice and cedar.
Live It Up Lager, High Hive Honey Ale, and Green Lava Double IPA beers feature fruity, floral, and hoppy aromas and flavors and relatively low alcohol levels that can complement and enhance the cigar-smoking experience.
Sharing a tip for beginners, Michelle strongly suggests not inhaling the smoke from the cigar. Rather, one who is tasting should let it stay in the mouth, so the flavors can come out. She also invites those who want to learn more about cigars in Tabacalera’s divan.
An alternative is to pick up the Primera Experiencia Gift Set, enjoy it with some friends, chat over it, and be in the moment. The Engkanto craft beers and Tabacalera cigars we’ve selected present a one-of-a-kind experience wherein the natural ingredients reveal their unique characters when you spend a good amount of time and truly savor them.