Puerto Rican Beer: A Guide to the Island’s Best Brews
Puerto Rico’s beer scene is booming, blending the island’s vibrant culture with the innovation of craft brewing. From well-established names to up-and-coming microbreweries, there’s a diverse selection to explore. This guide is your passport to the best beer Puerto Rico has to offer, covering popular brands, must-visit breweries, and the perfect spots to enjoy a cold one.
We’ll dive into the history, styles, and unique flavors that define Puerto Rican beer. You’ll discover the top breweries crafting these local brews and the bars where you can truly experience the island’s beer culture firsthand. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or just looking to quench your thirst, get ready to discover the exciting world of beer in Puerto Rico!
Puerto Rico’s Most Popular Beers
Whether you’re chilling on the beach or kicking back at a local bar, here are some of the beers you’re most likely to see in Puerto Rico:
Mass-Market Favorites
When it comes to Puerto Rican beer, one name reigns supreme: Medalla Light. This light and refreshing lager is everywhere, and it’s practically synonymous with Puerto Rican culture. You’ll find it on tap or in cans at almost every bar and restaurant on the island.
Beyond Medalla Light, you’ll also find other commercially produced beers like Magna Special Craft and Buyé. Magna Special Craft, a premium lager, was introduced in 2011, while Buyé is a relative newcomer, having arrived on the scene in 2012.
Craft Beer Scene Leaders
If you’re looking to explore the craft beer scene in Puerto Rico, Del Oeste Brewery’s Residente beers are a great place to start. With offerings like Residente Maibock and Tripel, they showcase the creativity and passion of local brewers.
Another brewery making waves is Ocean Lab Brewing Co. They offer a diverse range of styles, and their tasting room provides the perfect setting to enjoy a cold one with stunning beach views.
Breweries in Puerto Rico
Whether you’re looking for a classic lager or a cutting-edge craft brew, you’ll find a brewery in Puerto Rico that suits your tastes.
Established Breweries
Cervecera de Puerto Rico is the granddaddy of breweries on the island. Founded in 1937, it’s been a major player in the Puerto Rican beer market for nearly a century.
Miramar Brewing – Old Harbor has also been around for a while, since 1996. You’ll find it just outside Old San Juan.
Microbreweries and Craft Brewers
If you’re looking for a smaller operation with more experimental brews, you’re in luck. Puerto Rico has several microbreweries and craft breweries.
FOK Brewing Co. is known for its innovative flavors and styles. You’ll find everything from IPAs to stouts to sours here.
Boquerón Brewing Co. is another microbrewery worth checking out.
Boxlab Brewing Company focuses on unique flavors inspired by local ingredients and culture.
Cervecería Takabru, established in 2021, is a newer brewery to watch.
Here are a few other breweries you might want to explore:
- Cervecería del Callejón
- Rincón Beer Company
- Papa Rupe Brewing Co.
- Cold Blood Brewery
- Reina Mora Brewing Co
- The Aviator’s Brewery
Where to Find the Best Beer in Puerto Rico: Bars and Pubs
Ready to sample some of the best beer Puerto Rico has to offer? Here are a few bars and pubs to get you started.
San Juan Area
- La Taberna Lúpulo: With its wide selection of beers on tap and lively atmosphere, La Taberna Lúpulo is a favorite with tourists and locals alike.
- El Tap: Another popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts, El Tap is known for its rotating selection of local and international brews.
- Taberna Boricua: If you’re looking for a more local experience, Taberna Boricua offers a selection of Puerto Rican beers in a casual setting.
- Beerloteca: Boasting a curated selection of beers, Beerloteca is the place to go if you’re looking for something a little different.
Island-Wide Options
Venture beyond the capital city and you’ll find even more beer-drinking opportunities, including:
- Bier Garden: Enjoy an outdoor beer-drinking experience at Bier Garden, which has several locations around the island.
- El Patio de la Cerra: This unique outdoor space in Santurce is a great place to relax and enjoy a cold beer.
- Aibonito Beer Garden & Restaurant: Combine your beer with some local cuisine at this popular spot in the mountains.
- Brew!!! Taller Experimental: If you’re looking for something truly unique, Brew!!! Taller Experimental offers a range of experimental brews.
- El Grifo: With locations in San Juan and Guaynabo, El Grifo is another good option for trying both local and international beers.
In Closing
The beer scene in Puerto Rico is changing as more microbreweries and craft beers appear on the island. This rise in popularity shows that people want more interesting and flavorful choices than ever before.
When you buy beer from local breweries, you’re helping to support the island’s culture and economy. Whether you’re visiting Puerto Rico or you live there, exploring the many different beers the island has to offer is a great way to encourage the continued success of Puerto Rican brewers.