In this episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Raoul Masangcay, the founder of Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits, a pioneering craft brewery in the Philippines. Raoul shares his incredible journey from working as a product and quality engineer at Intel in the U.S. to becoming a certified beer sommelier and returning to his homeland to introduce the world of craft beer to the Filipino market.
Raoul’s passion for brewing began while living in Singapore, eventually leading him to study brewing science at UC Davis and take various brewing and distillation courses. After moving back to the Philippines in 2018, Raoul started Elias Wicked Ales, one of the first craft breweries in the country, quickly growing from a small homebrewing setup to a full-scale brewery with two taprooms in Metro Manila.
We delve into the challenges and triumphs of building a craft beer brand in a country dominated by large macro breweries, including navigating ingredient sourcing issues, educating a market unfamiliar with craft beer, and running a brewery remotely from the U.S. Raoul also discusses his brewing philosophy, the importance of quality control, and his efforts to innovate with local ingredients, creating unique beers that resonate with both locals and international visitors.
Tune in to hear how Elias Wicked Ales has won multiple awards, including being named the Best Brewery in the Philippines at the Asia Beer Championship for two consecutive years. Raoul also shares his ambitious plans for the future, including potentially expanding into the U.S. market and continuing to push the boundaries of what Filipino craft beer can be.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the global craft beer scene, entrepreneurship, and the art of brewing in challenging environments. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode!