Iloilo in the Western Visayas is a great place to visit for its history, arts, natural beauty, and food. The best part is that you can enjoy these without breaking the bank.
In January 2022, a new, free-entry attraction opened in Iloilo City. So if you’re a self-confessed alcohol enthusiast or just love niche historical tidbits, Brandy Museum by the Filipino liquor brand Emperador is a place you should visit.
Where the brandy appreciation class is held.
Image adapted from: King Erlano
Brandy Museum takes you through the brandy-making process with their display of equipment used to make the hard liquor. You also get to learn about products from renowned Spanish brandy companies – Bodegas Fundador, Bodegas Terry, Bodegas Garvey, and Bodega San Bruno.
For free, partake in a brandy appreciation class where you can sample liquor. You get to take the class in a luxurious room with marble details that’ll make you feel like a VIP.
Rare, old bottles of brandy.
Image credit: Karl Macariza
Immerse yourself further into the art of brandy-making through their archive of books, letters, as well rare, old brandy bottles.
Brandy superfans can also geek out learning about the history of the five liquor brands under Emperador Inc., namely Soyo, Espléndido, Tres Capas, Terry Centenario, Garvey, and Fundador.
Arches in Brandy Museum’s halls.
Image credit: @gingerdbread_officiel
Even if you’re not a fan of alcohol, it’s still worth dropping by the Brandy Museum for photos.
Its interior is a mix of luxury contemporary and rustic, for the Spanish liquor bodega vibe.
Vintage map of Spain.
Image credit: @t.jcp
Some of the best photo spots in the museum are the arches in the halls, wood-paneled walls with the sign “Brandy Museum”, and a vintage-looking map of Spain.
Coffee brandy frappe from the cafe.
Image credit: @hllrysee_
Once you’re done marveling at brandy displays, head on to their cafe where you can get coffee made with Emperador’s Coffee Brandy for that extra kick. These include Americano, latte, and macchiato (from P75, ~USD1.34).
Gift shop.
Image adapted from: Charlotte Noquaio
They also have a gift shop where you can get different liquor products under Emperador, Inc. ranging from affordable to expensive.
Iloilo City’s Brandy Museum is worth a visit with its historical records and brandy appreciation class that will let you see liquor in a different light.
Even if you’re not necessarily into alcohol, you might still want to take advantage of its free admission and take a few snaps for social media if you have an hour or two to kill in the city.
Address: Festive Walk Mall, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
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Cover image adapted from: Bernard Sevillejo and @hllrysee_
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