Who Are You?
We are Cervecería de la Costa, a brewery inspired by the vibrant energy of Mexico’s Pacific coast, nestled in the heart of Colima. Here, where volcanic mountains meet sun-soaked beaches with unique black sands, we craft beers that embody the spirit of our region—perfect for surfers, locals, and visitors alike.
Our brews celebrate the flavors of Colima with refreshing, high-quality recipes made to pair with beach days, stunning sunsets, and the laid-back vibes of the Pacific. Committed to sustainability and innovation, we take pride in creating beers that not only taste great but also reflect our love for this land.
Whether you’re chasing waves, exploring the striking black-sand beaches, or simply savoring life, Cervecería de la Costa brings the essence of the Pacific to every sip. Cheers from Colima!
I’m Daniel Cesari, Head Brewer at Cervecería de la Costa, a passionate brewer deeply in love with this craft. My journey began in Venezuela, my home country, where I took my first steps into the world of beer. Later, I lived, worked, and studied in Ireland for many years, a place where I not only became a brewer but also had the privilege of learning from some of the finest brewers on the island.
My path then brought me to the vibrant Mexican coast, where I immersed myself in the region’s lagers, crafting beers that captured the heart of Mexico. Afterward, I had the opportunity to lead the brewing team in Lyon, France, at a modern brewery focused on bold and innovative styles.
Today, I feel fortunate to return to where I’ve been happiest: Cervecería de la Costa. In one way or another, I’ve been involved in this project for the past seven years, contributing my brewing experience. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside greats like Armando, and now, with more passion than ever, I’m part of this amazing project where tradition and creativity come together to create beers that tell stories.
What Sparked This Collaboration?
This collaboration was sparked during Cerveza México, in the midst of a lively conversation among friends, beers in hand, with Chris White. One of the event’s sponsors was a French hops company, and as we noticed their presence, we started talking about how unique and special French hops are.
I shared my experience as a brewer in France, where I worked some time ago, and discovered not only the exceptional quality of these hops but also the magic of the Alsace region—a place with a fascinating history, having once been part of Germany.
While in France, I not only learned from local brewers but also discovered some incredible beers. One that truly marked my journey was Meteor Pils, a gem brewed with local hops since 1927, officially certified to be called Pilsner since 1931. This beer is a true representation of Alsatian Pilsners, the “lost sister” of German and Czech Pilsners, known for its elegance and the unique character of noble hops like Strisselspalt.
This hop, though lesser-known, is a floral treasure that embodies the rich brewing tradition of the region.
Inspired by this, we recently brewed a beer at our brewery as a tribute to these Alsatian Pilsners, and the result was spectacular! When we shared the idea with Chris, he was thrilled.
We decided to take it to the next level and recreate it together in San Diego. This time, we’ll experiment with different yeast strains and explore other hops from Alsace to bring a fresh twist and new life to this collaboration. We’re confident it will be an incredible beer, full of history, innovation, and the unique charm of French brewing traditions. We can’t wait to share it!
Tell Us A Bit About The Beer?
We wanted to create a beer that embodies the brewing tradition of the Alsace region while showcasing a truly unique style infused with innovation. The goal was to craft something highly drinkable yet elegant—a beer with enough complexity to celebrate its roots but with a modern touch that stands out.
Inspired by conversations with French brewer friends, we decided to include a percentage of corn in the recipe, as some Pilsners from the region use up to 20% corn (guess the German purity law didn’t make it to France—haha!). This addition helps achieve a light yet refined body, creating an elegant beer with subtle French hop notes, a beautifully creamy foam, and just the right amount of malt character to balance the entire composition.
We’re excited to feature Aramis, a beautiful hop from Alsace with a modern character that will bring a fresh, innovative profile to the beer. It’s going to be a remarkable brew that bridges tradition and creativity, and we can’t wait to see how it comes to life!
The result is a beer that not only honors Alsace’s rich history but also offers a fresh perspective on a classic style. This beer will not only honor the vibrant brewing tradition of this lesser-known yet historically rich region but also offer a distinctive, modern twist.
What Yeast Strain Did You Choose?
We chose WLP833 German Bock Lager Yeast to provide the solid backbone this beer needs, complementing the light body contributed by the corn.
Its ability to balance malt and hop character aligns perfectly with our goal of creating an elegant yet authentic Pilsner that pays homage to the Alsace brewing tradition.
Additionally, we decided to use WLP4062 La Fleur Ale Yeast on a portion of the wort. This allows us to reimagine how a truly French Grisette might have been, offering a creative interpretation that highlights the versatility of the ingredients and the region’s rich brewing heritage. Both strains bring something unique to the table, making this project as exciting as it is meaningful.
Are There Any New Beer Trends/Science You Would Like To Explore More?
We are always seeking innovation while remaining deeply connected to tradition. As brewers in Mexico, we’re incredibly excited about the country’s rich brewing heritage, which dates back further than any other in the Americas. In fact, the first brewery in all of the Americas was established in Mexico, laying the foundation for a vibrant and passionate beer culture.
In our region, the Mexican Pacific, the historical connection with the Philippines left a significant cultural and genetic impact. For instance, rice from this area has been used in brewing long before Prohibition in the United States. The clear, rice-based beers of the Mexican Pacific are true gems, and we believe they deserve recognition as a unique style with a place of honor in global brewing history.
We’re inspired to explore how these elegant, regionally distinctive beers can evolve while preserving their essence and how we can contribute to their recognition and appreciation worldwide.