San Miguel
Brewed by San Miguel
Style: Pale Lager
Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Not technically a Spanish beer… but if you’re on holiday in Spain, the chances of not ending up with a cold San Miguel in your hand are roughly the same as finding a quiet beach in August. Spain: sun, sea, sand, sex… and San Miguel (or sangria if you’re feeling fancy). It’s basically part of the holiday package – right up there with sunburn and questionable decisions at 2 a.m.
Here’s the twist that always raises an eyebrow: this iconic “Spanish” lager was first brewed in 1890 by a Spaniard… in the San Miguel district of Manila, capital of the Philippines. Yes, really. A Spaniard named Enrique María Barreto de Ycaza set up La Fábrica de Cerveza de San Miguel on the other side of the world, and the rest is delicious history.
The original Philippine brewery was formally incorporated as San Miguel Brewery, Inc. in 1913, then grew into the mighty San Miguel Corporation (SMC) in 1963 – one of the Philippines’ biggest business conglomerates, with fingers in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, food, and packaging. Meanwhile, the Spanish-made San Miguel has its own proud story, and the two brands have sensibly joined forces: they’ve signed an agreement to jointly promote the San Miguel name and push it even further across the globe.
So next time you’re nursing a frosty one on a Spanish terrace, raise a quiet toast to its Filipino roots. The beer might look Spanish, taste Spanish, and feel Spanish… but its passport says Manila. And honestly? That just makes the whole story even better.
They also brew Red Horse – which I actually quite enjoyed. Read about it HERE
Review: Bottle of San Miguel pale lager, 4.8%ABV
A tasty, easy-drinking lager that’s perfect for a hot summer’s day.
Looks the part: golden, clear, with a thin white head that vanishes almost as soon as it appears, leaving just a whisper of lacing.
Aroma is light and clean – fresh with a gentle graininess, nothing shouting for attention.
Taste follows suit: light, smooth, a touch of grain and a soft, clean finish that doesn’t hang about.
Simple, refreshing, and exactly what you want when the sun’s out.
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