We have a new guy in town
when two years ago Eloy del Río went to Italian Tuscany , specifically to the factory of Birrificio Amiata (with more than 10 years of activity in the sector), where the EU had awarded him a 'stage', this young Sevillian entrepreneur already had the project we are now dealing with in his hands.
It was about making dreams come true. brew your own beer , an idea whose germ was born that same year with Maquila BAR : the first bar with 'in-house' production in Seville. Milestone followed by the title of Beer Judge (according to him Beer Judge Certification Program American) with one of the best grades in Spain, and a degree in the Institute of Brewing and Distilling from London last year.
As a consequence, Río Azul is not only the result of a long academic journey, but also of its founder's love for barley and hops. Precisely depending on the aroma, the quantity or the resulting flavor of the latter, the visitor can taste varieties such as the Fina (German Pils), the Pai Pai (IPA) or the Solaris (DIPA) in their 'taproom'.
Lists to toast
For those unfamiliar with this concept, 'taproom' refers to own production which, in the case of this brand, is personified in eight ( six of own production and two regional collaborations) that greet the visitor upon arrival at Cervezas Río Azul Brewery, the largest factory in Andalusia.
The truth is that the space in question has nothing to envy to the most trendy 'breweries' in Central Europe. In total, 1,000 square meters of large windows, minimalist air and pine tables to focus the visitor's attention on what really matters: what is at hand.
In this case, a product whose reason for being quality, which Maquila Bar already had and which earned it the award for Best Brewpub in Spain in 2015.
eloy del rio
As a good multidisciplinary space, Río Azul Brewery also has a recreational area and a coffee roaster (signed by Alquimista Coffee Lab ), which complement the wide-format snack and food menu. Although perhaps the best thing is the possibility of being able to buy your favorite beer, to enjoy it quietly and to a greater extent on Sundays from the sofa.
Looking back, both the essence of Italian tradition and British innovation are visible in the brand's DNA. Also in its concept, which combines the best of 'do it yourself' by offering, not only a unique product of its kind, but a common space to share quality food and cultural activities. A combination still little explored in the Andalusian capital, especially when it comes to creating a truly popular alternative.
Here the magic works
"The idea is to add and complement local beer consumption with a product that offers other experiences and nuances," says Del Río, manager and largest shareholder. “We are in the line of educating and transmitting beer culture, because craft beers offer different experiences and, therefore, complementary to industrial beers”.
Its location in the Eagle Hill, a traditionally industrial and working-class area, is further proof of the rebirth from the eastern zone of the Sevillian capital, where associations and proposals increasingly interesting for young audiences proliferate.
“Culture and art are essential concerns for the Río Azul team, so we want to use part of the space to exhibitions, cultural events and concerts on an occasional basis” says the head brewer.
The East Zone revives