Day 9: Cucapá Honey

Cucapá Honey

Origin: Cerveceria De Baja California (Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico)

Style: Amber Ale

ABV: 4.5%

IBU: Not Listed

Description: When I opened this advent calender hole to pull out today’s beer, there was definite excitement. Last year when I purchased this calender, there were a few beers that stood out. The one that surprised me most was another offering from this brewery, Cerveceria De Baja California and their Cucapá branded beers. I had always associated Mexican beer with a certain few labels that may as well be interchangeable, but that beer allowed me to discover that quality and craft sensibilities existed all over the world in one form or another.

Located in Baja California, the Western panhandle of Mexico, the beer is named after the Cucapá tribe that settled in the Northern region. The Cucapá had a deep respect for water and nature, which is where the brewery draws their influence.

This brew pours a deep amber with plenty of rocky white head. The carbonation in it was phenomenal and lively. It really helped to bring the scent of sweet honey and floral hop aroma to the nose.

Although bordering on being a tad sweet for my tastes, it was a very well-constructed beer, balanced in toasted malt flavours and nutty pine bitterness. Enjoyable from start to finish and consistent throughout, it held the taste and showed lively bubbles until the very last drop.

To pair with food, this beer would need something to balance out the sweetness of the malts and honey, like a steak and potatoes or a pasta. If you’re interested to try a beer of  a similar vein, I would suggest the Sleeman’s Honey Brown. – C.L.