Esmeralda Lager: Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos and Bavaria create a new beer taste
In collaboration with El Cielo In a country where gastronomy, biodiversity, and craftsmanship increasingly converge to shape global narratives, Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos has found an unlikely new canvas: beer. In alliance with Bavaria, Colombia’s largest brewer, Barrientos has co-created Club Colombia Esmeralda, a limited-edition lager inspired by one of the nation’s most iconic […]
Colombian gastronome Juan Manuel Barrientos, renowned for his Michelin-starred El Cielo restaurant chain, has joined forces with Bavaria, Colombia's leading brewer, to craft a groundbreaking beer. This exclusive "author beer," Club Colombia Esmeralda, draws inspiration from the nation's treasured emerald, a symbol of Colombia's prestige and artisanal heritage.
The result is a golden-lagered lager, a 4.7% ABV concoction that balances herbal nuances, smooth malt, and a crisp conclusion. The beer's creation required over a year of meticulous experimentation with Bavaria's master brewers, aiming to marry the finesse of haute cuisine with the approachability of everyday drinking. The emerald's role is not merely aesthetic; it encapsulates Colombia's storied reputation for luxury and craftsmanship.
The beer will be a limited release, with 227,000 bottles available for a select distribution in key Colombian cities and via e-commerce platforms like Rappi and TaDa. The scarcity is intended to amplify the beer's allure. With its unique design—a black bottle embellished with metallic green accents to mirror the gemstone's luster—the packaging further underscores the beer's premium status.
This venture extends beyond Colombia's borders, debuting at the opening of El Cielo New York, where it was featured in pop-up pairing experiences. Chef Barrientos hopes this beer will cater to both upscale dining and casual consumption, striking a balance between complexity and approachability. For Bavaria, the collaboration is a strategic move to fortify its premium portfolio, particularly as Colombian consumers demand more authentic and story-driven products in a competitive market.
Analysts see Club Colombia Esmeralda as a pioneering example of how traditional brewing brands can leverage cultural narratives to modernize their image. The initiative exemplifies how global food and beverage industries can blend culinary artistry with the scale of industrial production, redefining expectations for mainstream consumer goods.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
