St. Patrick’s Day is here, and it’s the perfect excuse to visit the most prestigious breweries in Baja California. If you’re a beer lover and want to celebrate this Irish tradition, here’s a beer tour with the best stops to make this day unforgettable.
Baja California’s Most Prestigious Beers
Wendlandt Cervecería
Location: Calle 9 #101, Zona Centro, Ensenada, BC.
This brewery has a great reputation, especially due to its consistent awards earned in national competitions, making it a benchmark in Baja California.
Awards:
- Best Brewery in Mexico in 2015 and 2019 at Copa Cerveza MX.
- Gold medals at Copa Cerveza MX for its beers: “Perro del Mar” (American IPA), “Super Harry” (high alcohol content beers), and “Veraniega” (Blonde Ale).
- In 2023, its “Harry Polanco/Red Ale” won first place in Best of Show at Copa Cervecera del Pacífico.
Fauna Brewing Cervecería
Location: Calle Río Colorado #146, Mexicali, B.C.
Fauna Brewing stands out for its experimental and cutting-edge approach to making craft beers. It’s one of the most notable breweries in Baja California for experimenting with flavors, local ingredients, and unique brewing techniques.
Awards:
- Silver Medal at World Beer Cup 2022 for its Fauna IPA.
- Best Design at the Mexican Craft Beer Cup.
- In 2021, its Fauna Pale Ale won a gold medal at Copa Cerveza MX.
- Silver Medal at Copa Cervecera del Pacífico for its Pilsner Beer.
Kaminari Brewing
Location: Calle Segunda #912, Zona Centro, Tijuana, B.C.
This place has become famous and popular for its Japanese-style beers and its peaceful atmosphere. “Kaminari” is a Japanese word meaning “thunder,” symbolizing the power and energy the brewery aims to convey with its products.
Awards:
- Best Medium-Sized Brewery in Mexico at the Cerveceros de México Awards.
- Multiple medals at the Mexican Craft Beer Cup for its innovative beers like Kaminari IPA and Shiro Stout.
Cervecería Insurgente
Location: Avenida Madero #183, Zona Centro, Tijuana, B.C.
Known for its wide variety of craft beers, this Tijuana-based brewery offers a unique experience for visitors and locals alike.
Awards:
- Gold Medal at the Mexican Craft Beer Cup 2018 for its Imperial Stout.
- Best Beer Award at the Tijuana Beer Fest.
Cervecería Cucapá
Location: Avenida 5 de Febrero #1500, Mexicali, B.C.
Known for its pale ales and lagers, Cucapá has been a significant name in Baja California’s craft beer popular expansion.
Awards:
Medals at the World Beer Cup 2010 and 2012.
Recognized as one of Mexico’s best craft breweries in several international competitions.
Cervecería Baja Brewing Co.
Location: Av. Sexta Vientos Alisos 18, Las Lilas, 22105, Tijuana, B.C.
Known for its high-quality IPAs and stouts, Baja Brewing Co. is celebrated for its innovation and ability to create bold-flavored beers that have delighted both locals and tourists.
Awards:
- Gold Medal at World Beer Cup 2016 for its La Lupulosa IPA.
- Multiple awards at Copa Cerveza MX in several editions.
Cervecería Aguamala
Location: Carretera Tijuana – Ensenada Km 104.5, El Sauzal, 22760 El Sauzal, B.C.
One of the most outstanding breweries in Baja California, especially known for its focus on high-quality beers and its connection to the region’s marine biodiversity.
This brewery has earned notable medals at events like the Copa Cerveza MX and the World Beer Cup. Aguamala uses ingredients that reflect the coastal region, giving its beers flavors that evoke the sea.
While Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day aren’t traditional celebrations in Mexico, they’re great excuses to explore and immerse yourself in the delicious flavors of Baja Californian craft beer. The best part? This list exclusively features industry leaders in the craft beer scene.
