When two proudly Filipino brands known for their craftsmanship team up, you know something special is brewing literally. Engkanto Brewery and Auro Chocolate have joined forces to create a rich, limited-edition beer that’s not for the faint of heart: the Dark Heart Imperial Stout, a luxurious blend of world-class brewing and local cacao artistry.
This one’s for those who appreciate life’s finer indulgences, a beer that tastes like a celebration of Filipino creativity, made to be savored and shared this holiday season.
A Collaboration Brewed with Passion and Purpose
Dark Heart Imperial Stout is more than just a drink, it’s a bold collaboration between two of the country’s most internationally awarded brands. Both Engkanto and Auro share the same passion for excellence, pushing boundaries to showcase the Philippines’ ability to produce world-class products.
Auro Chocolate Co-Founder Mark Mendoza Ocampo shared that the partnership came naturally: both brands are “uncompromising in quality” and united in uplifting the Filipino identity through their craft.
Why an Imperial Stout? Because It’s Decadence in a Glass
Engkanto Brewmaster Michael “MJ” Jordan described the Stout as the perfect canvas for this partnership. “Stout pairs beautifully with desserts, especially chocolate,” he said. “We went with the Imperial style because it’s big, robust, and matches Auro’s high-quality cacao.”
For the uninitiated, a Stout is a dark beer known for its full body, creamy texture, and rich flavors of roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate. And with Auro’s award-winning cacao blended in, Dark Heart takes that experience to a whole new level—sweet, bitter, and luxuriously complex.
Locally Sourced Cacao, Globally Inspired Flavor
At the heart of Dark Heart Imperial Stout are Auro’s Regalo and Mana cacao nibs, handpicked for their unique flavor profiles that mirror the richness of a Stout.
Ocampo explained that these cacao varieties were chosen for their deep, earthy notes that complement the beer’s character. “When we combined them, their flavors didn’t just blend, they amplified,” he said.
The brewing process itself was no easy feat. Jordan revealed that the team used imported malts, extended fermentation, and kilos upon kilos of cacao nibs to achieve the perfect balance. “It wasn’t the easiest beer to make,” he admitted, “but nothing great ever is.”
A Toast to Filipino Creativity
This limited-edition brew, boasting 11.2% ABV, marks a first for the local craft beer scene, an Imperial Stout of this scale and quality, proudly made in the Philippines.
Jordan noted that the release comes just in time for the holidays, when Filipinos gather to celebrate over food, laughter, and (of course) drinks. “It’s our most intense beer yet perfect for the season,” he said.
Ocampo added that collaborations like this remind us of the growing appreciation for homegrown excellence. “Filipinos are passionate about supporting local products. Through Dark Heart, we’re connecting to our heritage and our identity.”
Where to Sip and Savor Dark Heart
Ready to experience this bold new flavor? You can enjoy Dark Heart Imperial Stout at these select locations:
- Auro Café, Bonifacio Global City
- Auro Bistro, Molito Lifestyle Center
- Taps Forbestown, BGC
- Taps Sta. Rosa, Erhlind Square
- Taps LIMA Estate, Batangas
You can also enjoy at home the experience bottles available online at www.engkanto.com.ph.
If you’re looking for something to elevate your festive gatherings, this is it. The Dark Heart Imperial Stout isn’t just a drink,it’s a celebration of Filipino pride, craftsmanship, and creativity in every sip.