The history of Peruvian beer

• In Peru, beer has a history in pre-Columbian times, specifically in the Andes region, with the production of chicha. This corn-based drink, typical of this country and popularly consumed, can be said to be a type of beer but with a different and more intense flavor.
• With the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, they were already brewing beer in monasteries using techniques and products brought from their country of origin. 
• Centuries passed, and in the 19th century, a diverse European immigration introduced lager beer to Peru. It was a German, Federico Bindels, who founded the Pilsen Brewery in 1863. In 1904, a businessman of Italian descent, Faustino Piaggio, acquired it. 
• From then on, the brewing industry developed slowly until 1954, when a group of Peruvian businessmen entered the industry for the first time by acquiring the Backus company.

The industrialization of Peruvian beer

This industrialization took shape and became more robust when the number of producers increased, but not many, as there was already extreme competition in the market.
In the 20th century, companies such as the National Beer Company, Pilsen Callao, the Trujillo Brewery Society, and Cervecería del Norte appeared. Some of them were merged to increase their strength and variety in national production. Due to its great acceptance, the success of the Cusqueña beer produced by Cervecería del Sur is worth mentioning.

The Craft Beer Revolution

Craft brewing originated in Peru in the 1990s. A group of passionate entrepreneurs took the risk of producing beers by introducing new ingredients and innovative production techniques. This was quite a challenge, considering that large companies with industrialized processes already dominated the market.
Since then, the craft beer production movement has been increasing to the extent that the beers it offers already enjoy fame and prestige both in the country and abroad.

What defines Peruvian craft beer?

The best definition of Peruvian craft beer is that its producers have been able to successfully and highly combine tradition with innovation. For Peruvian craft producers, there is a deep-rooted commitment to excellence and creativity.
The creation of unique styles and flavors, such as tropical fruit beer, quinoa beer, and cocoa beer, is good proof of this. These refined flavors and styles have positioned these beers very well in the world, like all the country's gastronomy.

Some of the most notable craft breweries in Peru

As in every field and production sector, there are some notable breweries in Peru that are without that, meaning they are of no benefit to others. Their popularity is decisively influenced by consumers' tastes, especially in this market of such diversity, creativity, and innovation.

Sacred Valley Brewery

As its name suggests, this craft brewery is located in a place that was sacred valley to the Incas. It is characterized by the most essential of the country's Andes, which is reflected in its products based on the culture and history of that region.
With sustainable production and local raw materials for a variety of flavors and aromas, three ingredients give its production a very particular seal: coca, quinoa, and muña.

Barbarian

Located in Lima, it is considered a pioneer in original and even unique fusions. Through creativity and accurate experimentation, it has achieved beers that fit perfectly with the different dishes of Peruvian cuisine.
Its successful quality project has earned it not only national and international recognition but also prizes from beer experts from various countries in America and Europe.

Cumbres

Founded by three friends who are passionate about beer and have a great entrepreneurial spirit, they decided from the beginning to make a difference with the fusion of Andean grains and brewing techniques based on European experience.
Its quality and success are the optimal result of a rigorous research process and very well-calculated development. Its most notable contribution to this specialty of Peruvian gastronomy is the truth of styles and flavors of the beers they produce without accelerators in the process and any type of preservative.

Sierra Andina

Located in the town of Huaraz on a mountain a little over 3,000 meters above sea level, this brewery has been one of the most successful craft breweries since its beginnings.
Its variety of beers is made with hops imported from some European and United States countries. However, the flavors and styles are thanks to local ingredients, such as those incorporated in one of its specialties with jasmine tea and lemon peel.

Popular types and brands of Peruvian beer

Types of beers

Peru has experienced a notable increase in beer production in recent decades, so it was expected that this production would include a variety of styles and forms of brewing.

Lagers and Ales

Lagers are brewed with yeast that ferments at low temperatures and for longer. This type of fermentation process is typical for many of Peru’s popular beers, like Cusqueña and Pilsen Callao. Their refreshing and mild flavors make them perfect for the warm Peruvian climate.

On the other hand, Ales are fermented at warmer temperatures, which leads to a faster fermentation and produces more complex and fruity flavors. Ales are more commonly found in artisanal or craft beers.

Dark beers

This specialty of beers has several categories, such as dark lagers, porters, and stouts, each with clearly differentiated nuances and notes.

➡️Did you know it? Chicha Beer

Also known as chicha de jora, this traditional Andean drink is made with soaked, dried, and roasted corn. The flour is then made with it, which is boiled and left to ferment in clay pots. It dates back to pre-Columbian times and was widely consumed by the Incas. Although it's not technically a beer, its fermentation process is similar. This ancient beverage remains a cultural treasure in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

Famous Peruvian Beer Brands

The brands of beer have won their places in the hearts of the Peruvian people and, of course, in the international market. Below, we will talk about the famous beers of Peru:

Cusqueña

Known for its high quality, Cusqueña offers several varieties such as Cusqueña Dorada, Cusqueña Negra, Cusqueña Cebada, and Cusqueña Trigo. "Cusqueña" means "girl from Cusco." Each variety brings out distinct flavors that pair perfectly with Peruvian dishes (ceviche, lomo saltado, arroz con pollo). 

Cristal

Fondly known as "La cerveza de los peruanos" ("The beer of Peruvians"), Cristal has become a staple in Peruvian homes and gatherings. This lager, with its smooth 4.6% alcohol content and low bitterness (17 IBU), is easy to drink and enjoy. Its crisp and refreshing flavor allows you to pair it with light snacks or traditional dishes like ceviche or anticuchos. 

Pilsen

Founded in 1863 in the port of Callao. Its smooth, fresh flavor has made it a favorite for generations. Whether you're enjoying a "Jueves de Patas" (Thursday with friends) or a family gathering, Pilsen Callao is the perfect, easy-to-drink lager that never disappoints.

Arequipeña 

As its name says, the Arequipeña name comes from the city of Arequipa, "The white city." Known for its slightly more robust flavor compared to other Peruvian lagers, Arequipeña has a unique place in the country’s beer scene. This beer pairs perfectly with rocoto relleno and adobo.

The future of Peruvian beer

If beer production in Peru is very prosperous now, both for large companies and for artisanal producers, there is no reason to doubt that it will be better in the future. Its growth potential in both sectors is due to the quality and ever-increasing variety of beers produced in the country, which is part of the excellence and prestige of Peruvian gastronomy.
Beer in Peru is more than just a pleasant and refreshing drink. It is a very well-coupled production sector that generates thousands of jobs and, together with the tourism sector, strongly drives the economy of this South American country.

Beer in Peru has become a symbol of innovation and tradition. Both craft beers and more established commercial brands have found their place in national and international gastronomy. Today, Peruvian beer is a cultural expression that fuses history, native flavors, and modern techniques.

Enjoying a Peruvian beer is much more than just drinking, it is connecting with a living and constantly evolving tradition. Whether you prefer to explore artisanal proposals or delight yourself with one of our classic beers (Cusqueña, Pilsen or Arequipeña), each bottle is a tribute to the country's creativity and passion for beer.