The Tasting Room – Showcase for American Craft Beer in Manila

Welcome to The Tasting Room at Greystone Gallery

**NOTE: The Tasting Room is now closed and the full Global Beer Exchange lineup of American and Japanese Craft Beer is located at Craft Pub & Grill in The Fort Entertainment Complex. Go there now.

Fans of American Craft Beer in Manila have a brand new spot to enjoy a wide selection of craft beer and spirits that are available in The Philippines. Located at Greystone Gallery (Ground Floor of Prince Plaza II, Legaspi Village) in Makati, The Tasting Room is open from 1-10PM Monday thru Saturday. Located directly across the street from one of Manila’s dining/shopping Mecca’s (Greenbelt), The Tasting Room is a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle and a great place to quench a thirst.

The Bar at The Tasting Room

The Tasting Room is the work of Beertender, Jim Araneta of The Global Beer Exchange (GBEX). GBEX imports a vast selection of American Craft Beer and spirits to The Philippines including Ballast Point, Rogue Brewing, Stone Brewing, Anderson Valley Brewing, Gordon Biersch and Southern Tier Brewing. With around 80 finer establishments around Metro Manila (and other cities in The Philippines) and growing each month serving these beers, GBEX is satisfying the tastes of consumers in this growing beverage segment.

Informative Beer and Spirits guide at The Tasting Room

One of the key reasons why Jim Araneta has been successful is due to education. From his ongoing “Beer 101” courses at his clients to his use of social media (Facebook), Jim continues this at The Tasting Room by offering information on each beer in a laminated binder so customers and would-be craft beer drinkers can learn all about the diverse world of American Craft Beer and appreciate what is being sipped out of their glass.

Manila beer drinkers enjoying some Stone Brewing IPA at The Tasting Room in Makati.

The Tasting Room not only offers 50-70 craft beers for sampling in the facility, but one can purchase beer ‘to go’ to enjoy at home or in a hotel room (many very close by). If you are visiting Manila and would like to share one of your favorite craft beers with Jim, give him a little advance warning and he’d love to sample and learn all about your local favorite.

The Tasting Room also offers a limited menu of small plates (tapas) perfect for pairing with your beer including imported meats etc. Future plans also include the possible addition of a guest tap featuring local craft brewers as they come into fruition.

Read more about our 2011 Craft Beer Tour of The Philippines.

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Jim Araneta and me enjoying some beer at The Tasting Room on the night the doors first opened (soft opening).