Cerveceria Buclas

“Cerveceria Buclas”

5 de Mayo #36, Bucerias

Fernando Aguirre opened his craft brewery in what used to be his grandparents house.

“This was my playground. That tree has been here, that tree, and that tree,” he says, pointing to towering palms, lemon and passion fruit trees over here, starfruit and cherry over there. “That was my task every day before going to elementary school – to cut the ripe fruit from our own trees for fresca water or lemonade.”

From Family Home to Craft Brewery

“I grew up waiting tables. My grandma’s sister is Teresa, the owner of Famar, and Rosie is my cousin. In the summer, my grandma used to send me to help Aunt Teresa, where I prepared picco de gallo and delivered chips and the salsa to the (customer’s) table. I was eight.”

After working at Famar, and later at Mark’s Restaurant while attending middle school, Fernando had the opportunity to live with family in California. He completed high school in the U.S., and chose a profession in law. “I love Bucerias. It’s my hometown so I decided to return.”

He completed his law program at the University of Guadalajara and began working in a “big company” practising corporate, contracts and real estate law in Punta de Mita.

The Beginning

My brother in California brought me into the craft beer world. He was already talking about beers at the time, but I didn’t understand about the different styles of beer. We visited breweries around Los Angeles and toured around the Baja.

What I learned about the brewery industry is that not all beers are the same.

When we started thinking about this project I wasn’t working in the corporate office anymore. I thought I’d like a change. I enjoyed law but I also enjoy the restaurant business and wanted to do something special. Fernando told his friend Pancho they should do something together, and Pancho said, OK!

To prepare, Fernando did some research, “getting to know the numbers in the legal public registry and discovered many beer gardens were opening in Monterrey and Guadalajara. In fact, Jalisco had over 200 beer brands registered. And Nayarit had none. That’s when I realized there’s got to be an opportunity here.”

Together, they wanted to do something local. “We love Bucerias. Let’s do something special that’s a contribution to the area.”

Looking back, we had no idea what we were getting into. We’d never brewed beer before, I just went to places my brother took me!

Fernando Goes to Congress

Fernando explained to us, every state has different permit laws. Upon applying for his craft brewery permit, he learned Nayarit did not even have an option for such a permit. “When I said I wanted to brew and sell beer here, they said, ‘I want to help you, but what you do is not even in the law. There’s no breweries in our portfolio, just either a bar or a restaurant.'”

Fernando could have forged forth in the nearby state of Jalisco in order to make his dream come to fruition, but Fernando thought NO. “This is my town. I’m very proud to make something in my town and I want to do what’s needed to move forward right here.” (in Bucerias, Nayarit)

After facing various permit challenges, Fernando was introduced to a congresswoman to whom he presented his case. He was eventually invited to speak before congress. Armed with some positive statistics along with tips from fellow brewers, Fernando described, “I did a whole presentation to congress and explained it all. I gave them hard numbers, and I liked the way that they listened.”

Congress Passed the Law – Unanimously

That’s when I had a huge win. I used my law expertise to work with them to push forward. I think you’ll see more breweries opening in Nayarit, because the laws are now in place. When I see more breweries opening, I am so proud. Everyone was under a shadow but with this (change in law) you have assurance and support for all those (planning to brew). It’s been challenging but I’m happy, and I’m happy to see new brewers.

We Made History!

To make the beer 100% theirs, with their own recipes, techniques, knowledge and experience, Fernando and Pancho signed up for brewing courses. They thought it would be a big beer party. Instead, “We walked into the room and realized it was more like a biology class!”

“That’s when I started learning. I started being curious, watching videos, reading books, practicing every day, every week. At some point I was really immersed. I dove into the whole of craft beer, dove into fermentation and water classes, malts and hops, learning about the entire brewing process, and I went to Monterrey for a few weeks to learn more about advanced processes.”

What to Name the Brand?

Fernando explained using the word “Buclas” was a local way of identifying their hometown back when they were kids in school. Moving forward, Pancho and Fernando settled on a logo over breakfast one day.

“We were inspired by the town and it’s tradition of divers. How about a diver, but instead of oysters he’s pulling out beers?” That settled that.

Great name, great logo, now let’s brew beer!

Pancho has since moved on to other projects. Fernando says, “We’ve known each other since we were very little and we see each other as brothers. We left the doors open.”

About the Beers

“The beers that I brew are medium to light bodied, easy to drink for this weather.

I really enjoyed the journey of when I brewed my first beer. When I get the result I want, it’s priceless.”

Initially Fernando was brewing small batches, “always looking for new ways, new beers, and representation of new beers. Our capacity was very small.”

These days, the brewery offers a classic pale ale, wheat beer, IPA and an oatmeal stout. The beer menu will change every other week, to rotate beers for a customer’s different visits.

After using the barley to its maximum yield, Fernando delivers it to his grandparents ranch for the roosters and chickens to enjoy. Fernando laughs when he describes the excitement of the chickens, “they come running when they see the Buclas truck coming. We have a lot of barley but there are also a lot of chickens!”

Award winning

We sent our beer to Mexico City for a competition. We (submitted) a seasonal style double stout. Competing against 500 labels from twelve different countries; the U.S., South America, and Europe, Cerveceria Buclas won 3rd Prize!

That opened my vision and sometimes when I go places with my wife I look for breweries. I like to sample (other craft beers) to see how we’re doing. I submitted our beer to receive feedback. I didn’t know we would get a medal. I thought, hey, we’re doing well!

Opening the Restaurant

Eric is my brother and has many years experience as a restaurant manager. He is the person in charge of the restaurant, and I look after the brewery production and distribution. We talk every day, always looking for ways to improve and get better. I now have an engineer to improve processes, and a young lady who is helping in sales. Before that it was all me.

Location, Hours, and Music

Buclas opens at 12:00pm every day, with live music Fridays at 6:00pm and Saturdays at 2:00pm. They take a break on Sundays. 322 132 7621

Calle 5 de Mayo #36, Colonia La Unidad, Bucerias Map here: https://g.co/kgs/Z262VZ

“It can be challenging when your competition comes from big cities and big companies, and I will never forget all the restaurants, bars and hotels that helped me navigate through all this. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have opened. I am so grateful.”