Two uniquely Filipino brews by Engkanto Brewery have earned recognition at one of the world’s most prestigious beer competitions, the 2025 Australian International Beer Awards (AIBAs), hosted by Melbourne Royal last month.
Engkanto’s ‘Paint Me Purple’ Ube Lager secured a Silver Medal in the Best Flavoured Specialty Beer (Field Beer) category, while its ‘Live It Up’ Lager won a Bronze Medal in the International Style Pilsner category.
The AIBAs is the largest annual beer competition globally, drawing entries from commercial brewers across the world. This year, over 80 judges from Australia and abroad participated in blind tastings to assess thousands of entries across numerous categories.
Engkanto Brewery, based in the Philippines, is known for crafting beers with 100% all-natural ingredients, often incorporating native Filipino flavours. The award-winning ube lager is infused with purple yam, a root vegetable beloved in Filipino desserts, reimagined here into a vibrant and flavourful beer experience.
“We’re very happy to have raised the flag for Filipino craft beers in Australia once again! Our beers winning at the recently concluded 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards is a testament to the whole vision of Engkanto. Cheers to our Aussie mates,” Ricard Basora, Managing Director of Engkanto Brewery, said.
Distribution in Australia is managed by 7000 Islands Wines & Spirits, where demand has significantly grown.
“This Aussie recognition from the prestigious AIBAs is mirrored by the growing appetite we are seeing for Engkanto Brewery’s craft beers. From 30 outlets same time last year in 2024, to Engkanto Brewery now being available in over 100 outlets Australia wide as at June 2025,” Siegfrid Bacani, founder of 7000 Islands, said.
Both awarded beers are available through Dan Murphy’s online, Camperdown Cellars, Porter’s Liquor, and Valore Cellars. The ‘Paint Me Purple’ Ube Lager is also on tap at West HQ in Rooty Hill, served at the award-winning CHU Restaurant by China Doll.
Engkanto’s growing recognition reflects the rise of Filipino craft beer on the global stage, offering consumers a taste of the Philippines through innovation and authenticity.
