Peruvian Beer: A Guide to Peruvian Beers and Breweries
In Peru, pisco is the national drink and receives many accolades, but it can’t match beer in terms of popularity. Beer is the drink of the Peruvian masses: it’s affordable, abundant, and fosters communal gatherings. Unlike pisco, which is often enjoyed on special occasions, beer is the everyday choice for sharing with friends and family. In a country with diverse climates, from arid coasts to chilly mountains, refreshing beer is a versatile option that suits all seasons. Furthermore, local and craft breweries are emerging all over the country, offering a wide range of flavors and styles to cater to everyone’s tastes. So, while pisco may have a special place in the hearts of Peruvians, beer reigns supreme when it comes to everyday life and sociability in Peru.
Popular Peruvian beer brands
Cusqueña
Cusqueña is arguably the most famous Peruvian beer brand. It offers a range of beer styles, including Cusqueña Premium, Cusqueña Trigo (wheat beer), and Cusqueña Negra (dark beer). This brand is known for its quality and is widely available throughout the country.
Pilsen Callao
Pilsen Callao is one of Peru’s classic and iconic beer brands. It’s a lager beer known for its crisp and clean taste. The name “Callao” is derived from the port city of Callao near Lima.
Cristal
Cristal is another widely recognized beer in Peru. It’s a lager beer known for its refreshing taste and is a popular choice for social gatherings and celebrations.
- Pilsen Trujillo: Pilsen Trujillo is a regional beer brand based in the city of Trujillo. It’s known for its lagers and is popular in the northern regions of Peru.
- Backus Ice: Backus Ice is a brand under the Backus and Johnston Brewery, offering a variety of beer styles. It’s known for its refreshing and cold character, making it a popular choice, especially in warmer climates.
- Arequipeña: Arequipeña is a beer brand produced by the same company that makes Cusqueña and Cristal. It’s a light and refreshing beer that’s popular in various regions, particularly in Arequipa.
- San Juan: San Juan is another regional beer brand, popular in certain areas of Peru. It may offer a range of beer styles to cater to different tastes.
The Rise of Craft Beer
Since around 2012, craft breweries have been emerging throughout Peru. There are now more than 20 professional craft breweries in the country, including Nuevo Mundo and Barbarian in Lima, Sierra Andina in Huaraz, and Cerveza Zenith and the Sacred Valley Brewing Company in Cusco.
Beer enthusiasts should keep an eye out for these craft beers, many of which are of world-class quality. You can typically find them available in bottles or on tap in bars in Peru’s larger or more tourist-oriented cities.
Traditional beer drinking customs in Peru often involve a sense of communal sharing and camaraderie. Here are some key aspects of the traditional Peruvian beer drinking style:
- One Glass for the Group: Unlike the practice of having individual glasses for each person, it’s common for Peruvians to use just one glass for the entire group. This glass is filled with beer, and each person takes turns drinking from it. This sharing of a single glass fosters a sense of unity and togetherness among the drinkers.
- Cheers and Salutations: Before taking a sip from the communal glass, it’s customary to offer a toast or salutation. Common phrases used include “Salud” (health) or “¡Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa’ dentro!” (Up, down, to the center, inside), which is often followed by a communal cheer.
- Respect for the Order: When sharing the glass, there is usually a predetermined order in which people take their turns. Typically, the eldest or the guest of honor gets the first sip, followed by others in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. It’s important to respect this order.
- Sharing Snacks: In addition to beer, snacks or finger foods are often enjoyed during these drinking sessions. Traditional Peruvian snacks like chifles (banana chips), canchita (roasted corn), or picarones (sweet potato and pumpkin doughnuts) complement the beer-drinking experience.
- Conversation and Socializing: Beer drinking in Peru is not just about the beverage; it’s an opportunity for socializing and engaging in conversations. People share stories, jokes, and laughter while passing the glass around.
- Music and Dance: Depending on the setting, traditional Peruvian music and dance may be part of the beer-drinking experience. In some places, especially during festivals and celebrations, you might find impromptu dancing and live music.
- Moderation: While enjoying the communal beer-drinking experience, it’s important to drink responsibly and in moderation. Overindulgence is generally frowned upon.
Remember that customs and traditions can vary across different regions of Peru, and the way people share beer may differ slightly depending on local customs and preferences. Overall, the traditional Peruvian beer-drinking style emphasizes unity, camaraderie, and the joy of sharing a drink with friends and family.
Drinking-related Risks
In addition to the risk of becoming intoxicated and potentially encountering danger while returning to your hotel, there is another concerning factor to be aware of when drinking in Peru. This concern involves the presence of “peperas.” Peperas are typically young women, aged between 14 and 25, who target men in bars and clubs with the intention of spiking their drinks. Once the target becomes unconscious, the pepera proceeds to steal all of their cash and valuables. This is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly.