E205: BGR205: From Portland to Peru with Chelawasi Beer Co.

Chelawasi Beer Co. is tucked among the colonial-era architecture of Arequipa, Peru, decorated with many mementos from American craft brewers and a bold KEEP AREQUIPA BEERED sign as nod to owner Casey Workman's Portland roots.  When asked how he moved from being an electrician in Portland to opening a beer company in Peru he says, "Because nobody was paying attention."  With a variety of popular beers and a recent medal win at the Copa Latinoamericana de Cerveza, they're paying attention now.

We talk with Workman about the young craft beer scene in much of Latin America and the challenges brewers face getting ingredients like malt, hops, and yeast.  He shares info on the styles that are popular, the crazy politics of brewing in Peru, and some of the collaborations he's done with American brewers traveling in his area.  Workman is also planning a Portland tour for Latin America brewers to visit breweries, hop farms, and "build a bridge" for his brewing community.

American and Latin American beer stickers decorate Chelawasi Beer Co. (Photo: Chelawasi Beer Co.)[/caption]

We sampled the following beers while chatting with Chelawasi.

• Ironmonger Blue Monday Blueberry Stout
• Creature Comforts / Bearded Iris / Manchester Orchestra Lost in a Whirlpool Hazy DIPA
• Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

• Constellation Brands is Selling Ballast Point to Chicago-Based Kings & Convicts
• Professor From Amsterdam University Says “Strong Beers” Are Good For Gut Health

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

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