Peruvian Beer: Where To Buy The Best Brews

Peru may be best known for its national drink, pisco, but it's beer that's the drink of choice for most Peruvians. In fact, around 95% of the alcohol consumed in the country is beer, with Peruvians drinking a whopping 80,000,000 litres in just one year. The most popular beers in Peru are Pilsen Callao, Cusqueña, and Cristal. However, if you're looking for something a little more craft, there are plenty of options springing up across the country.

Where to buy Peruvian beer in Lima

If you're looking to buy Peruvian beer in Lima, there are plenty of options. The most common way to buy beer in Peru is in large bottles of 620 to 650ml, which are shared among a group. You can also buy small bottles or cans, or even find draft beer, known as 'chopp', in some bars.

In Lima, the two main beers are Cristal and Pilsen. Cristal is described as a lightly golden, American-style lager with a refreshing taste and a hint of bitterness. Pilsen Callao is a light, bubbly, golden yellow lager with a 4.8% alcohol content. It's been around for 100 years and is instantly recognisable by its green bottle and slightly bulbous neck. Another popular beer in Lima is Cuzqueña, brewed in four varieties: Roja, Negra, Trigo, and Dorada. The most common of these is Dorada, a flavourful, 5% golden lager, brewed with 100% pure barley and SAAZ hops.

If you're looking to sample some craft beer in Lima, there are a number of bars and breweries to choose from. Here are some recommendations:

• Victoria Bar – Pedro de Osma, Barranco: This late-night lounge is well-known for its cocktails, but it also offers an impressive range of South American craft beers.
• Jaya Brewery – Calle Mártir José Olaya 139, Miraflores: This restaurant/brewery offers a wide selection of Peruvian craft beers in a relaxed setting, perfect for enjoying a quiet drink and good conversation.
• BarBarian – Calle Manuel Bonilla 108, Miraflores: Located near Parque Central, this bar offers the widest range of Peruvian craft beer in Lima, according to locals. It's open 7 nights a week and is a must-visit for craft beer fans.
• Barranco Beer Company – Av. Almte. Miguel Grau 308, Barranco: This bar/brewery serves a handful of its own beers on tap, spanning several different styles. It has great food and a chill atmosphere.
• Nuevo Mundo (Lima / Cusco)
• Cholos Craft Beers (Cusco)

So, whether you're looking for a lively night out or a quiet drink, Lima has plenty of options for buying Peruvian beer. Just remember to drink responsibly and be aware of local drinking laws and customs!

Where to buy Peruvian beer in Cusco

If you're looking to buy Peruvian beer in Cusco, you're in luck! The city has experienced a craft beer renaissance in recent years, with several breweries offering unique beers inspired by native Peruvian fruits and ingredients. Here are some places to buy Peruvian beer in Cusco:

Nuevo Mundo

Nuevo Mundo is a brewery that creates beers inspired by Peru's diverse regions. They have locations in both Lima and Cusco, so you can easily find their beers in the city. Their beers are known for their unique flavours and experimental approaches, making them a great choice for craft beer enthusiasts.

Cholos Craft Beers

Cholos is a bar located in Cusco that offers a fantastic selection of beers from breweries across Peru and beyond. It's the perfect spot to find a wide variety of beers that you won't easily find elsewhere in the city. With a focus on craft beers, Cholos is an excellent choice for those looking for something beyond the typical lager options.

Local Microbreweries

In and around Cusco, you'll find numerous small microbreweries that are brewing exciting, flavourful beers. These microbreweries often have taprooms or bars attached, allowing you to sample their creations. Many also offer shops where you can purchase their beers to enjoy elsewhere. Exploring these microbreweries is a great way to discover hidden gems and support local businesses.

Restaurants and Bars

In addition to dedicated breweries and craft beer bars, many restaurants and bars throughout Cusco sell local Peruvian beers. Keep an eye out for establishments that cater to both locals and tourists, as they often offer a range of beer options to suit different tastes. This can be a convenient way to try different Peruvian beers without having to search too far.

Supermarkets and Specialty Stores

While supermarkets may not offer the best selection of craft beers, you can still find some Peruvian beer options there. For a more specialised selection, look for beer specialty stores or bottle shops in Cusco. These stores often carry a wider range of beers, including local and regional options that you may not find in regular supermarkets.

So, whether you're looking for craft beers, local microbrews, or the typical Peruvian lager, Cusco has plenty of options for you to explore and enjoy. Cheers!

Where to buy Peruvian beer in Arequipa

If you're looking to buy Peruvian beer in Arequipa, there are a few options to choose from. Here's a guide to help you find the best spots:

Chelwasi Public House

Located in the heart of Arequipa, Chelwasi Public House is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. With a wide variety of craft beers on tap, you'll be able to find some of the best Peruvian beers in a comfortable and lively atmosphere. It is known for its friendly service and reasonable prices.

Local Bars and Restaurants

Arequipa has a vibrant bar and restaurant scene, and many establishments offer a range of Peruvian beers. Be sure to explore the city and pop into local spots to discover unique beers. Ask the locals for their recommendations, as they will surely have their favourite spots and brands.

Supermarkets and Small Stores

If you're looking to buy beer to enjoy at your accommodation or on the go, supermarkets and small stores in Arequipa will have a selection of Peruvian beers. Keep in mind that the listed price usually doesn't include the glass bottle, and you might need to pay a small extra fee that will be refunded when you return the bottles.

Melkim Brewery

For a truly unique experience, seek out the Melkim Brewery. This independent craft brewery, based in Arequipa, offers a range of artisanal beers that showcase the best of Peruvian brewing. Their creative and experimental approach to brewing has gained them a dedicated following among locals and visitors alike.

Grateful Brewing

Another fantastic option for craft beer lovers is Grateful Brewing, an artisanal brewery based in Arequipa. They pride themselves on using local ingredients and innovative brewing techniques to create beers that reflect the flavours and spirit of Peru. Their taproom is the perfect place to unwind and savour a delicious local beer.

In conclusion, Arequipa offers a diverse range of options for those looking to buy Peruvian beer. From lively pubs to independent breweries, and from supermarkets to local bars, you'll be able to sample a variety of beers and discover new favourites. Remember to enjoy responsibly and ask locals for their insights, as they will surely have strong opinions on the best Peruvian beers!

Where to buy Peruvian beer online

Peruvian beer is widely available online, with specialist retailers and supermarkets stocking a range of options. Here are some places to buy Peruvian beer online:

Specialist retailers

The Peruvian Shop is an online retailer that delivers drinks and food products from Peru to the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe. They stock a range of Peruvian beers, including Cristal, Cusqueña, Pilsen Callao, and Arequipeña.

Supermarkets

Total Wine & More is a US-based supermarket chain that sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including Peruvian beer. Their website allows customers to check product availability and purchase drinks online for delivery or pickup.

Bars and restaurants

Some bars and restaurants in the US, such as Llama Inn in Williamsburg, Surfish Bistro in Gowanus, and Desnuda in the East Village, serve Peruvian beer alongside Peruvian dishes such as ceviche. These establishments may offer online ordering and delivery services.

Craft breweries

For those seeking craft beers from Peru, websites such as BeerMenus can be useful. BeerMenus allows craft beer sellers to list their beers and locations, making it easier for consumers to find and purchase craft beers online or in-store.

Where to buy Peruvian beer in the US

If you're looking to buy Peruvian beer in the US, you've got a few options.

Firstly, you can try your local Total Wine & More store, which stocks Cusquena Premium beer in 6-packs of 12oz bottles. Alternatively, you can order Cusquena online through Instacart, which offers free delivery on the first three orders.

If you're looking for a wider variety of Peruvian beers, you might want to try a specialist online retailer such as The Peruvian Shop, which offers a range of beers including Cristal, Cusqueña, Pilsen Callao, and Arequipeña.

Finally, if you're looking for a craft beer option, you might want to check out Peruvian breweries such as Cerveza Magdalena and Cerveceria Barbarian, which are based in Lima, or Cerveza Zenith, the Sacred Valley Brewing Company, and Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado, which are based in Cusco. These breweries may offer direct online sales or be able to direct you to a stockist in your area.

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