Bajos del Tigre Water
Pure spring water from the Pacuare region became the foundation of the first brew.
BÖËNA ARTICLE
Böëna’s Brewery Debut
Craft Beers Inspired by Costa Rica’s Landscapes and Spring Waters
What began as an experiment with pure mountain spring water has grown into a collection of distinctly Costa Rican craft beers, brewed by Böëna teams and inspired by the landscapes, cultures and experiences surrounding each lodge.
01 — The First Batch
From Spring Water to Craft Beer
The inspiration behind Böëna’s artisanal brews began nearly ten years ago, when Pacuare Lodge founder Roberto Fernández invited a mixologist to help transform the lodge’s pure Bajos del Tigre spring water into its first craft beer.
To learn the ancient art of brewing, the new team turned to Tico Birra, one of Costa Rica’s leading brewers and suppliers of raw materials.
Tico Birra
The team received technical guidance in ingredients, fermentation and brewing methods.
Luis Fallas
Nationally and Chilean-trained expertise helped the Pacuare team develop its first fermented ales.
02 — Brewing With a Sense of Place
The Ingredients Begin With the Landscape
Water is central to every beer, and at both Pacuare Lodge and Lapa Rios, pure spring sources provide an exceptional starting point.
The resulting beers are not designed as generic hotel beverages. Their names, aromas and personalities reflect the stories and environments of the lodges where they were created.
Pure Water
Spring water from Bajos del Tigre and Matapalo forms the base of each brew.
Local Stories
Names draw from indigenous heritage, wildlife and surrounding landscapes.
Small Batches
Artisanal production allows the teams to refine each recipe with care.
Guest Experience
Each beer is created to complement climate, cuisine and lodge activities.
03 — Pacuare’s Signature Ales
Three Beers Born in the Rainforest
Excellent guest feedback encouraged the Pacuare team to continue experimenting and refining its collection.
Summer Ale
Light, Malt-Forward and Crisp
Developed by brewer Esteban González, this refreshing ale features a distinct malt character, moderate barley notes and gentle bitterness for balance.
Huacas Pale Ale
Golden, Citrusy and Aromatic
Named by longtime staff member Maureen Montenegro in honor of the area’s indigenous heritage, this IPA combines fruity hops with moderate bitterness.
Pacuare Lager
Light-Bodied and Highly Refreshing
Created for active rainforest days, its high carbonation and easy-drinking profile make it ideal after outdoor adventures.
04 — Welcome to Lapa Rios
Brewing on the Osa Peninsula
After Lapa Rios joined the Böëna collection, new brewing facilities were developed on the Osa Peninsula.
Like Pacuare, Lapa Rios benefits from exceptionally pure spring water — this time from Matapalo — creating the ideal base for quality craft ales.
Coqueta Cream Ale
Smooth, Blonde and Medium-Bodied
Created by brewer Ángel Artavia and named after the region’s Coquette Hummingbird, this ale offers a soft, approachable finish.
Golfo Dulce Pale Ale
Golden, Floral and Fruity
Named by hostess Vilma Oporto, its medium bitterness and tropical aromas make it a natural partner for Lapa Rios’ climate and cuisine.
“We knew the Cream Ale was good when we ran out several weeks before anticipated.”
— Ángel Artavia, Lapa Rios Brewer
05 — Beyond the Brewery
A Growing Collection Across Böëna
Pacuare’s signature ales have been so well received that they are now also offered at Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero.
Böëna anticipates that production at Pacuare and Lapa Rios will continue to grow, introducing new styles and eventually supplying more destinations across the collection.
Crafted in Costa Rica, Inspired by Each Destination
Every beer combines local water, team creativity and a story connected to place — from indigenous heritage and rainforest adventure to hummingbirds and the waters of Golfo Dulce.
A Taste of the Landscape
Böëna’s craft beers are more than a beverage served at the lodge. They are another way of experiencing the destination.
Each glass carries something of the place where it was made: its water, its climate, its stories and the people who brought it to life.