The rise of craft beer in Colombia: famous sommelier reveals its secrets

Craft beer in Colombia is becoming increasingly important in the spirits industry. More and more brewers are betting on fun and intrepid combinations featuring regional fruits and flavors, which has represented an evolution in the Colombian beer culture.

In this exclusive interview we talk to Tomás Delfino, Certified Cicerone and Beer Advisor for Expocervezas 2024, whose impeccable track record has led him to lead a team of 200 people at El Irish, Pola del Pub and Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar, a family of bars and microbreweries in Bogotá.

Delfino talked to us about Expocervezas 2024, the event that will be held in Bogota from October 10 to 13. He also shared his vision of the industry and several key facts to better enjoy craft beer.

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Tomás, let’s talk about beer culture in Colombia. How has this sector evolved in recent years?

Colombia is a beer country par excellence. Per capita consumption has grown, reaching 53.5 liters per person. This growth reflects an improvement in the quality of the sector, with more than 200 breweries producing quality craft beer in Colombia.

Although large traditional breweries continue to dominate, more and more small breweries are experimenting with local ingredients such as fruits, coffee, cocoa and even tubers and grains such as quinoa. This has energized the market, offering more options for consumers.

What can attendees find at Expocervezas 2024?

Expocervezas 2024 celebrates its ninth edition in Bogota from October 10 to 13 at the Gran Carpa Bogota, near the Gran Estación shopping mall. The event will have more than 11,000 square meters and various activities. There will be rooms where lectures will be given on beer tasting and styles, as well as beer pairings.

Attendees will be able to sample more than 250 beers from 15 countries, all selected for their quality. There will also be food, live music with artists such as Don Teto and Aguanile, and activities such as a Red Bull battle, creating a complete and entertaining environment for craft beer lovers in Colombia.

What is the best beer, what are the characteristics that define a high quality beer?

That’s a frequently asked question. The best beer is the one you like the most. There are more than a hundred styles of beer in the world, although sometimes we limit ourselves to think only of blondes, reds and blacks. Within each of these styles, each brewery can interpret them in its own way, as happens with pizzerias that make different Margarita pizzas.

Two beers of the same style, such as an IPA, can be very different depending on the brewery. So, there is a beer for every taste, and if someone says they don’t like beer, they probably haven’t tried the right style. With over a hundred choices, there’s sure to be one that you’re going to like.

Now, for a beer to be of quality, the raw materials are essential: water, malt, hops and yeast. Most of these ingredients are imported, such as hops from Germany or the United States, while water is local and depends on the region. The production process is also key, as it must be precisely controlled, lasting between 10 days and several months, depending on the style. Some specialty beers can be aged for years, adding complexity to the final product. With good ingredients and a well-executed process, a high-quality beer is guaranteed.

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You mentioned the growth of beer culture in Colombia and the increase of craft beers. What do you think differentiates craft beer in Colombia from international beers?

Craft beer in Colombia is distinguished by its focus on innovation. Smaller breweries have more flexibility to experiment and create different products. For example, at the fair we will have a beer from Medellín made with cape gooseberries, something very novel, as well as beers with Colombian coffee and cocoa.

This ability to play with local ingredients gives more dynamism to the market, offering unique flavors that can attract both those who are looking for something new and those who do not enjoy traditional beers. In short, flexibility, innovation and the use of local ingredients are the keys that make craft beer in Colombia special.

How much does temperature influence the taste of the beer? Does temperature really affect the taste and experience?

Excellent question. The answer depends on the context. On a hot afternoon or at the beach, a cold beer is ideal. We all enjoy a cold beer, even the most experienced. But if we are at a tasting or want to fully appreciate the flavors and aromas of the beer, it is advisable not to drink it too cold.

The cold can numb the palate and hide some of the beer’s compounds. At a more moderate temperature, around 7 or 8 degrees, you will be able to better perceive the full profile of the beer. So, it depends on the moment: to enjoy, it’s good cold; to analyze it, it’s better to let it warm up a bit.

Why is it recommended to serve beer in a glass? Why is it important?

There are several reasons. When you evaluate a beer, you look at aspects such as color and aroma. When you drink it straight from the bottle or can, you don’t see its color, and this is part of the visual experience.

In a glass, a layer of foam also forms, which is not only evaluated visually, but also releases the gas from the beer, creating a protective layer. When you drink straight from the bottle, that gas is not released, and can cause a feeling of fullness. Also, when serving it in a glass, you can shake it slightly to release more aromas, something you can’t do straight from the bottle.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start exploring the world of craft beer but doesn’t know where to start?

My recommendation is to try. Try as much as you can and don’t stick with the usual beer. Spaces like Expo Cervezas are perfect because they offer more than 250 beers from 15 different countries. So take advantage of the fair, try something new each time, and don’t repeat yourself. With each experience you will learn more about the variety of styles and flavor profiles that exist.

And what advice would you give to someone who wants to get into the brewing world, as you did?

The most important thing is to educate yourself before you start. It is essential to understand the product, the production processes and the raw materials. If you go in just thinking about starting a business, it can be discouraging, because competition is high and considerable investment is required.

There are many educational resources about craft beer in Colombia, both online and in spaces such as the fair, where you can learn directly from master brewers. The key is to educate yourself to ensure that your product is of high quality and meets a real market need.