The Spanish city of Zaragoza came into the focus of international attention in 2008 when it hosted the Expo. But the capital of Aragon has a lot more to offer besides the former Expo site and the picturesque El Pilar Basilica. We are not talking about the old cathedral or the Palacio de la Aljafería, however, but about the beers from the city's own brewery, Cierzo.

From hobby to vocation in 15 years

The story of the young brewery began in 2018. Ten years after the Expo, it was time for a new event: brewmaster Sergio Ruíz plucked up the courage and began marketing the first beers he made himself. The passionate hophead started his career 15 years earlier and used his knowledge as a doctor of chemistry to transform hops, malt and yeast into irresistible beers. In 2011, he founded Populus with a friend. The brewing project turned the hobby brewers into professionals and gave them the chance to test their creations on real customers for the first time instead of friends and family. As cuckoo brewers, the two used the brewing systems of friendly breweries. By 2015, they had brewed a good name for themselves and could afford their own brewing system. At that time, their works were already known throughout Aragon and were among the most popular craft beers in the region. A major milestone followed in 2018: The brewers joined forces with two other companies and brought on board experts in import/export and marketing, Hoppy and Gourpass. With combined forces and the help of numerous donations as part of a crowdfunding campaign, the team was finally able to found the Cierzo Brewing Company.

Gone with the wind and inspired

The brewers' inspiration for their excellent beers is the omnipresent wind: the city of Zaragoza is located in the Ebro Valley, where a constant wind blows. The constant movement of the air creates a rough, intense and cold climate in the city, but also has a reputation for having a cleansing and purifying effect. The brewery's logo refers to the significant wind with a stylized compass, and the beers are also based on it: the brewery products from Cierzo are intended to reflect the character of the Ebro winds and delight beer lovers with their unique, clear and straightforward character. The brewers' daily work and constant striving to get better and better has earned them the favor of the beer world. The Cierzo Brewing Company was named the best new brewery in 2020 and has received numerous other awards.