Local Flavor, Born on the Beach

Whenever I’m in a new city or town, I always try to sample the local beers. The selection of flavor notes down to the choice of bottling can all tell you a little something about the culture of a place, the values, the people. For a long time in Puerto Rico, the gold standard for local beer was Medalla. It was cheap, it was light and refreshing, and it was always served ice cold. The perfect drink to tackle the Carribbean heat.

The menu is filled with comida "para picar" that, along with the beer will fill you up

Recently, however, the craft beer scene on the island has really taken off, providing young Puerto Ricans with more artisanal options than ever when it comes to quenching their thirst. Ocean Lab Brewery is one. Located on the strip of highway between Isla Verde and Loiza, the brewery is bordered by pristine Caribbean waters. Jet skis whizz by in the distance as I climbed the stairs to the in-house bar on the second floor.

The brewery shares space with the Vivo Beach Club , complete with a pool and stage for performances

I order the Mambo Passionfruit wheat ale, which is one of my favorites, but Ocean Lab has a ton of variety. From blood orange blondes to coffee stouts to blueberry ales, you really can’t go wrong, and my only regret is that we only stay for one round.

My Mambo Passion Fruit Wheat

I would love to try some of their seasonal flavors some time. I mean, Medalla will always be my go-to when I just have to beat the heat. But Ocean Lab definitely has a special place in my heart.