Discover the Passion Behind Craft Beer in Playa del Carmen

Interview with Arturo Lira, Tap Room Manager of Cervecería Independiente Chela de Playa, in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico.

In this interview, Arturo Lira, Tap Room Manager at Cervecería Chela de Playa in Playa del Carmen, shares his passion for craft beer and local gastronomy. Find out how the culture and climate of the Riviera Maya influence the production of unique beers in this region.

Who are you and what is your relationship with beer?

My name is Arturo Lira and I am the tap room manager at Cervecería Chela de Playa. I've been immersed in the world of craft beer for about six years, but I've been in the gastronomy industry for more than twenty years. My relationship with beer is very deep; not only do I enjoy it, but I am also fascinated by how it relates to gastronomy. For me, enjoying the beer that the entire brewery team makes is like a big family cooking. From the creativity of its founder Alejandro, together with Alex, the brewmaster, the entire brewery team and the locals, they require passion in both disciplines are similar; and each person has their own way of "cooking" their beer.

Arturo, as a bridge between the brand and beer lovers in Playa del Carmen through his role as Tap Manager of Chela de Playa in Playa del Carmen, leads him to experiment with flavors and bring new unique experiences to Riviera Maya.

People may see beer as an ordinary drink, but to me, it's an art. Every style of beer we brew has a purpose, a message.

How did you get into the world of gastronomy?

Cultural diversity that my parents gave me as a gift; and that I later learned with good teachers when I worked in a Spanish restaurant in Mexico City:

My relationship with gastronomy is something that runs in my family. I grew up in Mexico City, an environment where food was always a central theme, especially because of my mom's Oaxacan heritage, who taught me about colors, flavors, smells and the importance of cooking. Since I was a child, gastronomy has been an integral part of my life. My mother and grandmother were dedicated to making mole and tortillas by hand and selling them, and on my father's side, coming from San Juan Teotihuacan, all the culture related to Pulque, which allowed me to appreciate the richness of Mexican cuisine.

As I grew up, I started working in restaurants, beginning as a glass washer at a bar. That experience was my real school. I learned from chefs and bartenders, and I realized that I wanted to delve deeper into the world of gastronomy. Although I didn't complete my formal studies, the passion and desire to learn led me to where I am today.

What styles of beer can be found in Playa del Carmen?

In Playa del Carmen, you can find several styles of beer, although most people are used to lager beers. However, there is a great diversity in the styles we can offer. From light beers to heavier beers, each has its own flavor profile. The key is in the fermentation and ingredients.

For example, ale beers tend to be more complex and can have a more intense flavor profile due to the hops. On the other hand, lagers are smoother and more refreshing, ideal for the warm climate of the Riviera Maya. The beauty of beer is that there is a style for every palate. And that's what we want people to discover when they visit the brewery.

Enjoy an incredible experience in a four-hour gastronomic tour where you will taste different beers in Playa del Carmen.

PDC BEER & SNACKS

^{Introducing the White IPA beer that you can find at Chela de Playa.
Photo: Gabriel Agustín Garay Opaso, Visibles.World}

What are the challenges of making craft beer in Playa del Carmen?

Making craft beer in Playa del Carmen presents several challenges, heat being one of the biggest. Lagers, for example, require lower fermentation temperatures, which can be tricky in such a hot place. Although here at Chela de Playa we work mainly with ale beers, the challenge is still real.

In addition, another big challenge is water quality. Although we are surrounded by water, in Mexico we don't always have access to good quality water. This means we have to filter and treat the water to make sure it is suitable for brewing.

Water is the most important ingredient in brewing beer. Without quality water, there is no quality beer. Arturo Lira emphasizes that "...if we have good water, we will have good beer". Water quality not only affects the taste, but also the fermentation process. In Riviera Maya the water challenge is notable; the proximity to the sea increases the pH and the need for adequate filtration.

The brewery faces the challenge of treating the water to ensure that it meets the necessary standards. This care in water management results in beers that are not only refreshing, but also have an exceptional flavor profile. Attention to water is therefore an art in itself that is reflected in every sip.

How does local culture influence beer tastes?

Local culture plays a crucial role in the way beer is received in Playa del Carmen. Even though we are a tourist destination, beer culture in Mexico is still developing. People tend to drink for the sake of drinking, without much consideration for what they are consuming. However, at Chela de Playa we are trying to contribute with another look, offering quality beers that reflect the richness of Mexican culture.

Tourists visiting Playa del Carmen come from different parts of the world, and many of them are open to exploring new beers. This creates a unique opportunity for us. We want to educate people about craft beer and show them that in Mexico we also know how to make quality beers. The idea is that when they leave, they leave with a good taste in their mouths and a little piece of Mexican beer culture.

What makes Chela de Playa beer special?

What makes Chela de Playa beer special is the passion and care we put into each batch. Each beer we brew is a reflection of our dedication and the ingredients we carefully select. In addition, the fact that we are in a tourist location gives us the opportunity to showcase the quality of our beer to a wider audience.

Last year, Chela de Playa won more than nineteen medals in various beer competitions, which speaks to the quality of what we do. We strive to create beers that are not only delicious, but also tell a story. We want every sip to be an experience that our visitors will remember.

In short, our beer is not just a beverage; it's an expression of our culture and our dedication to craft brewing. And that's what we want people to discover when they visit.

For those interested in exploring more about Latin American gastronomy, we invite you to visit the section: VISIBLES WORLD MAGAZINE - Gastronomy and Tourism and the tourist videos of Mexico that we have for you. You can also discover other culinary delights such as the interview with the outstanding Argentinean chef Narda Lepes or learn a tasty recipe of the Chilean cocktail that fuses tradition and freshness: Alameda Punch, or the famous "Vodkasaurio" cocktail.

How do you handle customer service at the brewery?

Customer service at Cervecería Chela de Playa focuses on creating a familiar and welcoming experience. Arturo mentions that "we try to make the customer or diner feel at home". The idea is to remember the faces and names of the customers, providing a personalized treatment that goes beyond the conventional. "We are trying to remember the faces of every customer that comes in, treating them as friends," says Arturo.

This philosophy extends to the entire team. Attention is not only limited to the quality of the beer, but is also reflected in how they interact with visitors. "... a beer as such is great because it makes you talk... it provides you with good chats, good conversations; even loves and heartbreaks," shares Arturo, highlighting how beer acts as a social bond that unites people.

What role does beer play in Mexico's history and culture?

Beer plays a fundamental role in the history and culture of Mexico. Arturo points out that "beer is also history because it provides thousands (of stories)". In every gathering, celebration or historical event, there has been a beverage that has accompanied those moments."Always at a gathering, whether it was independence, revolution, whatever, there was a drink and there was a meal," he explains, highlighting the importance of beer in Mexican identity.

Beer culture in Mexico is in the process of developing, and the brewery seeks to change that narrative. "Unfortunately, in Mexico we lack that culture," says Arturo, referring to the lack of appreciation for the quality of craft beers. In a country where partying is part of the identity, the brewery seeks to educate consumers about what it really means to enjoy a good beer.

How can beer be enjoyed in gastronomy?

Beer is not only a beverage, but can also be a key ingredient in gastronomy. Arturo mentions that in the brewery "the main dish is the beer". This implies that beer can be paired with food in creative ways, enhancing flavors and experiences. "Pairing is always good too, it's very rich, and trying to fall in and get to that point of flavors," he adds.

The idea is that beer and food complement each other, creating flavor explosions that delight the palate. With a variety of craft beers, visitors can explore different combinations that make each meal a unique experience. The brewery invites everyone to experience this fusion of flavors.

What would you recommend to tourists visiting Playa del Carmen?

Arturo has a clear advice for tourists visiting Playa del Carmen: "I would recommend them to drink as much beer as they can". The brewery is not the only option, there are other places that offer a good variety of Mexican beers. "Truth be told, we have a great variety and some great styles," he says, emphasizing the wealth of beer offerings in the region.

He suggests visitors not limit themselves to the best-known beers; he invites them to venture out and try craft beers that reflect the local culture and ingredients. "The foreigner who comes here will not regret at all a very good Mexican beer," Arturo assures, inviting everyone to discover Mexico's beer diversity.

What is your message to beer lovers?

Arturo re-emphasizes his message: "drink lots of beer". However, he emphasizes the importance of enjoying it in moderation, he clarifies. Beer, in his opinion, is a means to generate connections and create memorable moments. "A happy heart is always accompanied by a very good beer and if it's Chela de Playa, all the better," he concludes, reflecting his passion for beer and the community that surrounds it.

For those looking to delve deeper into Mexico's beer and food culture, we invite you to the new gastronomic tour called PDC BEER & SNACK, an experience that not only invites you to discover the most recommended places to drink a quality beer, but also offers a history of beer culture along with irresistible food while enjoying a tasty beer. We also invite you to explore more about cocktails and flavor combinations or discover more about the fascinating world of gastronomy in VISIBLES WORLD MAGAZINE - Gastronomy and Tourism.

Table of Contents

• How has the beer industry evolved in Mexico?
• What do you think about big breweries and their impact on craft brewing?
• Are there any curious facts you would like to share?
• FAQ about craft beer in Playa del Carmen

How has the beer industry evolved in Mexico?

The beer industry in Mexico has come a fascinating way. From the days when pulque was the predominant beverage, to the explosion of craft breweries today, the change has been significant. The big brewing companies saw this market at first as secondary, even though pulque was much more popular; but then they began to see craft beer as an attractive market, so much so that they have now bought several craft breweries and it has become even more massified, although not with the same flavor and quality; They have prioritized it more as an industrialized business instead of preserving the authentic flavor of the beer before it was bought and that is the fear that exists in the creativity of beer production in the country, which is growing even when in Mexico it is known for products such as Mezcal and Tequila.

The big breweries, in their eagerness to have more market, have influenced the perception of craft beer. "Thanks to this whole beer thing, it was a push from the big companies," Lira explains. This has led to a revival of interest in craft beers, which are gaining ground and recognition.

Today, craft breweries are not only growing for their place in the market, but are also educating consumers about beer diversity and quality. "The beer world is growing and growing," Arturo notes, reflecting the growing appreciation for what craft beer represents in Mexican culture.

What are your thoughts on large breweries and their impact on craft?

The relationship between large breweries and craft breweries is complex. Arturo points out that, although large breweries may have significant resources, "craft comes with that love of art". Craft breweries, such as Cervecería Chela, focus on quality and authenticity, as opposed to the mass production of the big brands.

"The big companies start to get strong through that kind of thing," he explains, referring to the practices of differing priorities to mass consumption and advertising that can detract from the quality of craft beers. However, the increased number of breweries and home brewing in several states has led to greater innovation and an increase in the overall quality of beers in Mexico.

Arturo also mentions that, despite pressure from big brands, "the love for craft continues to grow." This is a testament to how consumers are increasingly interested in products that tell a story and reflect local culture.

Are there any fun facts you'd like to share?

Arturo shares a fun fact about the location of Cervecería Chela de Playa. "We are right next to a beautiful little cenote," he says. This location is not only picturesque, but also sets the perfect ambiance to enjoy a good beer.

In addition, she mentions that "we have a lot of turtles, the food is excellent, the service is excellent". This not only highlights the quality of the brewery, but also the overall experience offered to visitors, turning a simple visit to a brewery into a memorable adventure.

FAQ about craft beer in Playa del Carmen

What types of craft beers can I find in Playa del Carmen?

In Playa del Carmen, the variety is amazing. From light beers to more robust beers, each brewery offers something unique. Arturo mentions that "in Mexico we are used to drinking pure lagers", but the reality is that there is a world of flavors to discover.

How can I pair craft beer with food?

Pairing beer with food is an experience that can enhance both elements. Arturo suggests that "pairing is always good", and that beer can complement the flavors of dishes, creating a unique gastronomic experience.

Why is it important to support craft breweries?

Supporting craft breweries means contributing to the cultural and gastronomic diversity of the region. "We are trying to educate consumers about what it really means to enjoy a good beer," says Arturo, highlighting the importance of appreciation for the local and authentic.

For those looking to delve deeper into Mexico's beer and food culture, we invite you to explore more on this topic in cocktails and flavor combinations or discover more about the fascinating world of gastronomy in VISIBLES WORLD MAGAZINE - Gastronomy and Tourism.

Where is Chela de Playa located?

A few steps from Fifth Avenue, by the gastronomic area of 38th Street, between 1st Street and Flamingos.

History of Beer?

The history of beer goes back thousands of years, and its cultural legacy is vast and fascinating. The earliest forms of beer are believed to have been produced in Mesopotamia around 5,000 B.C., where the Sumerians were already brewing a fermented barley-based beverage. Over time, beer became an integral part of daily and ceremonial life in various cultures, from the ancient Egyptians, who offered it to their gods, to the Romans, who considered it an essential food. In Mexico, the history of beer begins with pulque, a fermented beverage made from agave, which was the predominant alcoholic beverage before the arrival of the Spaniards. With the introduction of European brewing techniques in the 16th century, beer production as we know it today began. In the 19th century, breweries began to proliferate in Mexico, and from the 1920s onwards, the big brands dominated the market, but interest in craft beers has grown exponentially in recent decades. This resurgence has allowed breweries like Chela de Playa to not only brew quality beers, but also to tell stories through their flavors, paying homage to the country's rich brewing heritage and fostering a new culture that values craftsmanship and diversity of styles. Beer in Mexico is not just a beverage; it is a reflection of the country's history and cultural identity.