MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A new era of craft culture has arrived in San Juan with the grand opening of Kauri Taproom, a refined yet inviting destination where local craft beers, professionally curated cocktails, and globally inspired Filipino fusion cuisine come together under one roof.
Kauri Taproom is more than just a restaurant — it’s an immersive craft experience. A collaboration between Jade’s Temple Brewery, the Philippines’ woman-led microbrewery, culinary chefs from Center for Asian Culinary Studies and Mixologists/Consultants from top bars in the country. Kauri stands as a bold statement in the country’s rising artisanal movement.
The Meaning Behind Kauri
The name Kauri is rich with layered symbolism. Inspired by the Kauri Tree — one of the world’s oldest and most resilient trees — the brand represents craftsmanship, longevity, and deep-rooted tradition. The Tagalog wordplay, “Ka-uri,” meaning “kindred” or “same of kin,” highlights the essence of community and belonging.
At Kauri, guests don’t just visit — theycome home to a space built for shared experience and connection.
A space designed to reflect nature, art, and craft
Every corner of Kauri Taproom is thoughtfully curated. Wall-to-ceiling mirrors expand the space while reflecting the buzz of community and movement. Natural textures and elements create warmth, grounding the modern interiors in an organic feel. From the POV experience of the bar, draft beer taps on the right side to the crafted cocktails on the left side, the layout invites guests into a journey of discovery — sip by sip, dish by dish.
A Night to Remember: The Grand Unveiling
The launch event was an electrifying celebration of everything Kauri stands for. The night unfolded with immersive tasting experiences, culminating in the unveiling of the draft selection, featuring eight distinct craft beers from Jade’s Temple Brewery:
- Lager – a classic malt-forward favorite
- Baguio Strawberry Lager – Fruity with a floral lift promoting the province’s fruit
- Mango Lager – tropical and crisp with a fruity finish
- Black Forest Lager – dark, chocolatey, and smooth
- Duhat Sour – a vibrant, local take on tart beers
- Tsokolate Stout – rich, roasted cacao notes
- Gumamela Dalandan Saison – floral and citrusy
- Sampaguita Orange Ale – delicately fragrant and bright
Each brew was paired with modern Filipino fusion dishes curated by Chefs Trish Fragante and King Estolano, who brought global flair to local favorites.
The Partners’ Toast
The highlight of the evening was the ceremonial Partners’ Toast, led by Kauri’s founding team:
- Dea Suyosa, Founder & Head Brewer of Jade’s Temple Brewery
- Kris Bernal, actress and entrepreneur
- Andrew Ng, Marvin Sioco & Bryan Yu, ALN Corporation
- Justin Filamor, Managing Partner of Jade’s Temple Group Restaurants Inc.
With glasses raised and eyes toward the future, the group celebrated Kauri as “the first of many,” symbolizing a movement built on collaboration, creativity, and craft.
Craft. Community. Cuisine.
Whether you’re here for a cold pint, a crafted cocktail, or a dining experience that reimagines Filipino flavors, Kauri Taproom invites you to indulge in the best of all worlds. From weekly events to private functions, the space is designed to evolve — always grounded in great flavor, great company, and the artistry of craft.
