“Sa Pilipino kasi, [may iilang okasyon lang] ’yung pwedeng uminom siya—[kasama dun ay kapag] siya ay masaya (Filipinos drink only on few occasions—among them, when they are happy),” a beer connoiseur told Inquirer over a decade ago.
But with the ban on mass gathering and liquor consumption in effect, at least until the end of 2020, Filipinos have lost this one option with which to celebrate small triumphs.
Still, with the coming holiday festivities, the beer industry is expected to recoup losses through in-home consumption—that is, by ourselves or with family. No parties or big gatherings yet, unfortunately.
So how will Filipinos reunite and enjoy beer this holiday season? Let’s count all the ways with this beer personality test featuring San Miguel Premium Beers.
What’s your beer personality?
A. The smooth operator
Our recommendation: San Miguel Super Dry, a smooth beer with a clean aftertaste
“Smooth, clean, crisp” might be the best words to describe this premium beer made with the finest aroma hops. You might be asking why it’s called “dry” or described as a “crisp” beer. Dry is a brewing term that means smooth, while crisp simply translates to refreshing. Because it has a clean aftertaste, it’s a versatile drink that can go with pretty much anything—the perfect all-rounder, if you must stick to just one.
Our suggested Noche Buena pairing: Christmas classics
You find joy in the expected. The year may have been a series of unexpected turns but you find constant reassurance in things that remain the same: Christmas traditions and Noche Buena staples like your mom’s recipe for hearty tomato-based stews, lechon and barbecue.
B. Decisive, judges beer by the bottle; the perfectionist
Our recommendation: San Miguel Premium All-Malt, pure malt light lager
This blend is not just a treat for drinkers who appreciate a full-flavored and balanced mix of blended hops and malt, it’s also a visual delight with its rich gold color complemented by an emerald bottle. It ticks off a lot of beer criteria too, for a perfectionist: soothing aroma, full-bodied flavor, good foaming and rich color.
Our suggested Noche Buena pairing: the most indulgent mains
You’re the type to rush to the Christmas table even when the host is still laying out dishes fresh from the kitchen counter. Not to be greedy and get first dibs, but to survey the land and decide which one should land first on your plate and which the last, so as to leave enough room for each. For you, holidays are a go-big-or-go-home kind of affair. It’s a lavish feast or nothing. No less than a carving station, a selection of the freshest seafood: it is, after all, that one night in a year when we get to eat to our heart’s desire.
C. Bold, willing to try new blends; the experimental drinker
Our recommendation: Cerveza Negra, a dark lager with rich caramel undertones
Cerveza Negra is a bittersweet blend brewed from dark roasted malt. It’s an off-kilter choice for drinkers who dare stray from the allure of a light beer. The payoff? A creamy and frothy finish to rival the sweetest desserts of your liking.
Our suggested Noche Buena pairing: classic desserts
You are a dessert person who takes pride in being one. You believe you deserve a unique Christmas after a tumultuous year, and what better excuse to indulge in sweets than the holidays? Sure, you’ve had your fill of those gratifying quarantine food trends, but nothing beats the classics reserved for Christmas Eve: buko salad painstakingly prepared from scratch, moist brownies, decadent chocolate cake and, of course—no one else gets it but you—fruit cake.
San Miguel Super Dry, San Miguel Premium All-Malt and Cerveza Negra are available for delivery, just call 8632-BEER(2337) or visit smbdelivers.com.