Pura Vida Brewery is celebrating its third birthday this month. The team decided to mark the occasion with something special. Over the next few weeks, the brewery will release three new beers. Each one explores a style that is not commonly brewed around Puerto Rico. The first release has already arrived, it is called PANETELA.
A Beer Inspired by a Beloved Dessert
The inspiration for PANETELA came from a favorite treat. The brewers looked to the classic guava sponge cake, known locally for its light texture and layers of sweet guava paste.
PANETELA is a seasonal Berliner Weisse style ale brewed primarily with wheat and Pilsner malt. The beer was blended with guavas harvested locally at La Botica de la Tierra Farm in Cabo Rojo. That fresh fruit adds a natural tropical character while keeping the beer bright and refreshing.
The concept is simple. Take a classic European sour style and give it a distinctly Puerto Rican twist.
What to Expect From PANETELA
PANETELA pours pale and lively in the glass. The aroma opens with soft wheat notes and fresh guava. The flavor is crisp and clean. Gentle tartness arrives first, followed by subtle fruity notes and a hint of sourdough bread from the wheat malt. The guava character stays delicate rather than sweet. The finish is dry and refreshing.
At 4.2% ABV, PANETELA is light and highly drinkable. The lively carbonation makes it especially refreshing in Puerto Rico’s warm climate.
A Style You Don’t See Often on the Island
Berliner Weisse is one of the most refreshing beer styles in the world. It is known for its bright acidity, low alcohol, and lively carbonation. Despite its popularity in craft beer circles, it is still relatively rare in Puerto Rico. That makes PANETELA a fun and welcome addition to local tap lists. It also shows the creativity that has become part of Pura Vida Brewery’s identity.
Where to Find PANETELA
PANETELA is available starting this weekend.
You can find it:
- At Pura Vida Brewery in Cabo Rojo
- At select draft beer bars around Puerto Rico
The beer is a seasonal release, so it will only be available for a limited time.
It is also just the beginning of the brewery’s anniversary celebration. Two more special releases are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The PRBeerGuide Take
PANETELA is exactly the kind of beer that fits Puerto Rico’s climate and flavor profile. The bright acidity of the Berliner Weisse style pairs beautifully with fresh guava.
The result is light, crisp, and refreshing. It is also a great example of how local ingredients can bring new life to classic beer styles. If you see PANETELA on tap, it is definitely worth a pour. And keep an eye out for the next two anniversary releases from Pura Vida Brewery.
Something tells us the celebration is just getting started.
PANETELA by Pura Vida Brewery
Style: Berliner Weisse with Guava
ABV: 4.2%
Key Ingredients: Wheat malt, Pilsner malt, Cabo Rojo guavas
Availability: Seasonal / Limited Release
Photo by Pura Vida Brewery
