Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits Wins Big at 2024 Asia Beer Championship, Named Best Small Brewery in Asia

Aside from the Best Small Brewery win, it brought home 5 golds, 1 silver, 5 bronzes, and its third Country Champion award.

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES — Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits, a trailblazer in the Philippine craft beer scene, has once again made waves on the international stage by sweeping multiple awards at the 2024 Asia Beer Championship. Among their top honors were the coveted Lallemand Brewing Champion Small Sized Brewery of Asia and the Philippines Country Champion for the third year in a row, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in the Asian brewing community. 

This year’s Asia Beer Championship was held in Singapore on September 10th and 11th, with the winners announced live at the Brew Asia 2024 Conference on October 4. With 13 countries competing with more than 800 beer entries, it was judged by a panel of professionally trained international brewers and qualified beer judges from around the globe. Utilizing a digital scoring system on the Beer Awards Platform, judges meticulously recorded their scores and comments in real-time, ensuring comprehensive feedback and a timely return of results. The competition’s strict guidelines and rigorous judging standards make these awards a true testament to Elias’ craftsmanship and excellence in brewing. More details about the judging process and competition categories can be found here.

Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits’ stellar performance continued its run of back-to-back victories, marking its third consecutive win as the Philippines Country Champion and proving that the team is far from resting on its laurels.

Elias took home 5 golds, 1 silver, 5 bronzes, and its third Country Champion award.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as the 3-time Country Champion Brewery of the Philippines,” said Raoul Masangcay, Brewer and Co-founder of Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits. “This is a testament to our team’s unwavering passion and dedication. Despite the challenges of brewing in the Philippines, we have continued to push boundaries, perfect our craft, and deliver world-class beer.”

Masangcay, the only certified Cicerone in the Philippines, has consistently guided Elias to success, solidifying the brewery’s reputation for excellence in craft beer innovation. “We also can’t do this without the support of our brewing consultant, Jason Matthew, who has been instrumental in improving our brewing process and helping us create exciting new recipes,” Masangcay added.

A Winning Portfolio of Beers and Ciders

Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits walked away with an impressive collection of accolades in both beer and cider categories. The brewery secured gold medals in categories that showcased its experimental and traditional craft styles.

In the beer category, Elias claimed the Gold Medal for the Experimental Beer Category with its Puto Bumbong Stout ++. This holiday-inspired brew features a harmonious blend of coffee, chocolate, and ube, with a velvety vanilla finish, offering a festive and nostalgic experience. Created in collaboration with Crema & Creme Coffee Lab, this stout is the embodiment of holiday cheer in a glass.

Another standout is Le Petit Mango, which won Gold in the No/Low-Alcohol Beer Category. Bursting with orange peel and coriander, followed by a fruity, peppery kick from saison yeast, Le Petit Mango’s refreshing mango finish makes it a perfect summer companion.

Elias also captured the Gold Medal in the Tea Beer Category with Blends, with Benefits, a collaboration with Jacob’s Well Chai. A refreshing take on the classic Arnold Palmer, this beer delivers bold black tea flavors followed by a sweet citrus burst of lemon—a perfect balance of comfort and zing in every sip.

The brewery’s Summer Breeze Saison continued its winning streak, earning Gold in the Saison Category. Described as effervescent and radiant, with Belgian-inspired flavors of bubble gum, banana, and orange, this saison once again claimed its place at the top, following its triumph as the 2023 Champion Beer of Asia.

Elias Wicked Ales didn’t stop there. It also took home Silver in the International Dark Lager Category for Uncle’s Dunkel, a beer praised for its smooth, rich malt character. A Bronze Medal in the Flavored Beer Category was awarded to Some Bark, No Bite, with its nuanced balance of flavors, while the Hopped Summer Breeze Saison earned Bronze in the Saison Category. Additionally, Elias’ innovative Chai Me To The Moon took home Bronze in the Spiced Beer Category, capturing the complexity of spice, herb, and vegetable blends.

A New Chapter in Cider Excellence

For the first time, Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits ventured into the cider competition, where it was met with immediate success. The brewery earned Gold in the Perry/Pear Category for its debut cider, Pear Pressure. Crisp, juicy, and bursting with fresh Asian pear flavor, this cider offers a refreshing break from the ordinary and has already become a fan favorite.

The brewery’s creativity shone through with Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Vanilla, which secured Bronze in the Specialty Cider Category. Its vibrant, fruit-forward profile is sure to delight cider enthusiasts looking for something outside the box.

Chairman’s Selection: Honoring Exceptional Craftsmanship

Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits’ beers were so well-received that several earned the Chairman’s Selection, a special mention for beers that didn’t win medals but impressed the judges. Lost in Japan, a modern wheat beer, and Tripel Dribble, a strong ale, both received this prestigious nod. Additionally, the brewery’s experimental Agent Orange, Get Up Get Up was recognized in the Flavored Beer Category.

These wins not only demonstrate Elias’ versatility and innovation in brewing but also highlight their commitment to pushing the boundaries of craft beer. “Winning the title of Asia’s Best Small Brewery is a dream come true,” added Masangcay. “This recognition reflects not just our hard work but also our commitment to elevating the craft beer scene in Asia. Our goal is to make the Philippines a go-to destination for craft beer enthusiasts across the region, and this is a major step toward that vision.”

A Call to Experience Award-Winning Craftsmanship

With this latest round of accolades, there’s no better time to experience the award-winning beers and ciders from Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits. Visit their Elias QC Brewery at 13 Ubay, Santa Mesa Heights, Quezon City, or the Elias Alabang Taproom at the 2nd Floor, Madison Galeries, 398 Don Jesus Blvd, Bgy. Cupang, Alabang Muntinlupa City.

For more information, follow Elias on Instagram at @wickedelias or visit their website at wickedelias.com.