When you think of Baja, you probably conjure up images of the mighty Pacific or the serene waters of the Sea of Cortez. Palm trees are abundant. Beach combing and whale watching, Corona in hand, are the only things are on your must-do list. Keep all that, but ditch the Corona. There's a damn good craft beer scene in Baja, and we're here to start you out on your journey to Baja beer with the Ensenada craft beer scene.
Ensenada is about a two hour drive South of the San Ysidro Border Crossing in Tijuana and San Diego, along Mexico Highway 1. With around 400,000 people, the location and the size make it the perfect stop for all the necessities before heading further south along the Baja California peninsula. So stock up. Fill the tank, buy the groceries, exchange the money. And don't forget the beer.
Ensenada has a blossoming craft beer scene, and in truth, they've had a pretty good one for the past few years. Even if you are only planning on heading across the border for a short jaunt into Tijuana, take a bit longer, head a couple more hours south. Ensenada is worth the time. Being a popular cruise ship stop, it has plenty of shopping, restaurants, bars, and nightlife to keep you entertained for days.
But you all know our entertainment...breweries. And Ensenada does not disappoint. With brewpubs, beer bars, and craft breweries all over the city, you'll find yourself staying here longer than you thought. There are more to explore, but we've got a few breweries, an Anthony Bourdain recommended eatery, and a book to keep you company along the way to get you started.
And we talk about all of this, along with conversations with Nathaniel from Agua Mala Cerveza Artesanal and Paco from Canneria Cerveza. These two breweries are as different from night and day in their locations and size, but their approach to craft beer is the same - make great beer!
Located just north of Ensenada, both unique in its shipping container home and in its creative brews, will not disappoint. With a name translating to bad water or jellyfish in English, and a marine biologist turned brewery owner, Nathanial will revel you with his tales of stingray stings, baby vomit, his passion for the craft, and love of Ensenada and nature.
From dreams of wanting to be the King of Mexico when he was little to owning a brewery when he was older, Paco from Canneria Cerveza has created a brewery full of art, community, inspiration, and good beer, one piece of equipment and humor at a time. He, along with other craft brewers in Baja, is helping to revolutionize the craft beer industry in Mexico.
Carretera Tijuana - Ensenada KM. 104
Colonia El Sauzal de Rodríguez
C.P. 22760, Ensenada, B. C., México
Iturbide 463 22830
Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
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To Paco and Nathanial and all the team members at both breweries that we got to hang out with and drink beer and chat. It's been awhile, but we will always remember your hospitality and the great beer. We can't wait to come back to Baja and through Ensenada again for both the beauty of this vibrant city and always, the beer!