(Well, almost complete).
This is a work in progress, as much of the history of beer has been lost to time and poor historical record keeping. Unfortunately, beer is not considered a cultural heritage in the country, thus, it’s importance is not relevant here. We hope to change that. As we begin to uncover the historical significance of beer throughout the world, we find that it was used to sustain life & culture throughout ancient and modern times. Ecuador is no different.
As we uncover more and more history of beer in Ecuador, we will update this timeline accordingly. We will include historical pictures as well as commercial literature (ads, articles, etc) as we come across such findings. If you have anything you’d like to share, please reach out to us! CONTACT US HERE.
1566
San Francisco Brewery founded in Quito, Ecuador
Fray Jodoco Rique arrives in Quito, Ecuador to preach and teach, and at the same time he brings the first seeds of wheat and barley, producing the first beer in Ecuador and possibly all of the Americas (including Central & North America – The earliest record of brewing by non-native peoples dates from 1587 in the U.S.) The Franciscan beer was produced in the Convent of San Francisco for the exclusive consumption of the church and special guests. The brewery still stands, and was in use up until about 50 years ago. Plans are in the works to revitalize the brewery, and create a Beer Museum complete with a functional brewery, restaurant, and tasting room.
1882
La Ideal brewery is born (Quito)
La Ideal was a German owned commercial brewery, the first in the country, established by Guillermo Dammer. The brewery was located in the old town (centro historico) of Quito, where García Moreno & Simon Bolivar meet.
If anyone has any more details, pictures, images, posters, marketing material or anything of significance, please let us know.
1882
La Campana Brewery is born (Quito)
Calle Chimborazo y Alianza
The only proof we have of the existence of this brewery is the image from this newspaper clipping, and also this pre-pandemic (2019) picture of a door with a bell on it.
Update 2022: The door is no longer there, and the property has been turned into a multifamily home and large parking lot.
1887
Compania De Cervezas Nacionales C.A. (Cervecería Nacional) is born (Guayaquil)
1885
La Victoria brewery is born (Quito)
1890
La Imperial brewery is born (Quito)
Fabrica de Cerveza, Malta, y Hielo
Foto: Se encuentra en el libro Monografía Ilustrada de la Provincia de Pichincha, escrito en Quito-Ecuador, 24 de Mayo de 1922. Biblioteca Privada de Ortiz Crespo. Introducción de C. De Gangotena y Jijón, de la Academia Nacional de Historia.
1913
Pilsener brand from Cerveceria Nacional is launched.
1997
Ecuador’s first brew pub is born, Naturbier (Quito)
Naturbier Brew Pub opens in Quito, Ecuador, by PUCE (Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Ecuador) Microbiologist, and brewmaster, Javier Carvajal.
FALCO Beer is launched, Naturbier’s house brand, brewed on-site.
2007
Santa Espuma Brew Pub is born (Quito)
Opened in the La Floresta section of Quito, this brewpub allowed customers to watch them brew beer while you sat at the bar or table.
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