Tried beers at Craft 1945
While waiting for our friends for a meet up, me and my partner went to Craft 1945 where they serve craft beers. There are three places here in our city that serves craft beers that I know of and this is the last place that we haven't been to.
The other two are Baguio Craft Brewery and Hoka Brew.
I am not an expert in beers so I just go by my taste.
When we arrived there, I was curious to see that there is a signage of Baguio Craft Brewery. Then as I read closer on the signage of Craft 1945, a small print stated Baguio Craft Brewery and Casa Marcos. It turns out, this is a joined project of both businesses. Baguio Craft Brewery is a well-established beer crafter here in the city and the first one at that. Casa Marcos on the other hand is based in another city so who else would you partner with than the one who is already established.
The house where the business runs is reminiscent of the old Baguio houses that you see in the city - white with green accents. You can still see houses like this in Camp John Hay, Baguio Country Club, Teachers Camp, etc.
I like how they retained the old look like fading and peeling off paint on the windows and the dirty white exterior paint. It gives off that homey feeling. Plus the lush greenery surrounding it is a perfect location. It is a quiet place to spend your time.
The wooden structures, high ceiling and warm lights added more comfort. It gives off a warm vibe to this cool part of the city.
The tall windows are well thought of so you get to enjoy the trees around you while enjoying your time at the place. It surely makes you be one with nature in a setting such as this. Also, windows like this brings in natural light and soak yourself in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
This brick wall and painting serves as a backdrop of the stage where musicians get to set and entertain the guests. There were no musicians at that time though.
This is a Spanish restaurant so naturally, the painting had to be in concert with what the restaurant serves.
However, we were here for the beer.
This is a two-story house. You can choose to dine indoors our outdoors. The old jeans cum plants pots is a nice touch. However, that needs more landscape as that area seems to be drying out.
Looking at their beer choices, their were only a few that you can choose from namely Hazy IPA, Mango Jango, Blondie, Red Tide (Red IPA), Passion Fruit, Keywheat, West Coast, Porter and Lagud. I wasn't sure if there were the only beers served but those are the ones indicated in their menu. These were all priced PHP200.00 and under. Source
I went for Porter and my partner had West Coast.
Porter has an ABV of 7.875%, the highest ABV among the list, and my partner had West Coast with an ABV of 7%. For more details, you can check their page.
Porter has that bittersweet after taste but verging more on sweet. West Coast is described to have that citrus but high bitter taste. I didn't get to taste the citrus in it for the bitterness is stronger. When I say bitter not as bitter as black coffee but you can taste it.
I like that the prices of beers are set at PHP200.00 (around USD4.00) as the most expensive, generally all the beers are.
I do like the place itself, the vibe and location. What I don't like is the odor of the smelly canal that it unmistakable as you step into their driveway and if you sit by the windows, you'll get a whiff of that.
I haven't asked if we can pay using other means aside from cash for we paid in cash. Also, I am not aware if they have free wifi. As long as the place is enjoyable and you are in good company, who needs wifi anyway.
If you ever visit Baguio and you want to try some craft beers, visit Craft 1945 located along Outlook Drive, Baguio City.
Beer in a cold place is a must try! The architecture reminds me of Teachers Camp. Sana makapunta ulit ng Baguio so I can try it with friends. Masaya makipagbonding lalo kapag gabi.