SACRAMENTO, CA — In the heart of Sacramento, a unique beer shop is stirring up both local and global interest by celebrating the rich history of Mexican and Chicano brewing. Cervezalandia, which opened its doors in 2021, has become the largest specialty store of its kind in the United States, offering a vast selection of Mexican and Chicano-brewed beers and liquors from both California and Mexico.
The story of Cervezalandia begins long before the store itself. Mexican beer has deep roots dating back to the 16th century, when Spanish colonizers introduced brewing techniques to Mesoamerica. By the late 1800s, the development of Mexican lagers was boosted by innovations in railroad technology and the importation of brewing materials from the United States. It was in this historical context that Santiago Graf brewed the first-ever Vienna-style lager in Toluca, Mexico, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s brewing tradition.
Cervezalandia stands as a modern reflection of this legacy, blending the past with the present. The store offers a curated selection of craft beers such as prickly pear lagers, agave lime ciders, and refreshing “pepino” (cucumber) sours. Beyond its impressive stock, Cervezalandia embodies the spirit of Mexican beer culture, acting as a community hub for beer lovers and highlighting small, often overlooked brands that prioritize heritage and innovation.
“It all started with a trip to Mexico,” says Danny Savala, the shop’s owner and a third-generation Mexican-American from Sacramento. “I was amazed to see how Mexican brewers were using unique ingredients like piloncillo, and that sparked my interest in the broader craft beer movement in the Mexican-American community.”
Savala’s exploration of this niche led him to create a space where people could find not just mainstream beers like Corona and Modelo, but a wide range of craft brews from across Mexico and California. The store’s inventory includes everything from homebrewed beers by Las Homegirls, an all-Latina group from Boyle Heights, to 8% ABV strong ales like “El Macho,” and even beers with playful nods to Mexican pop culture, such as “Vampiro-flavored” brews.
What makes Cervezalandia truly unique is Savala’s commitment to sourcing from small, local producers who may not have the same access to the mainstream market. “My goal is to support these independent brewers and create a space where the diversity of Mexican beer can be celebrated,” says Savala. “Beer licenses have become highly regulated in the past 20 years, and that’s limited access to craft beer, particularly for Latino communities. There’s nowhere else in the country where you’ll find this much variety of Mexican heritage beer.”
Savala’s commitment goes beyond curating beers; he is deeply invested in cultivating a sense of community. To that end, Cervezalandia hosts pop-up events, including the annual Cervezalandia festival, which debuted two years ago at Cesar Chavez Plaza in Sacramento. Savala has also partnered with local Mexican restaurateur Ernesto Delgado, who created a specialty beer, La Cosecha Dorada, using non-GMO maize from Tlaxcala, Mexico. This exclusive beer is now a fixture in Sacramento.
The beer scene in Southern California has long been a hotbed of Chicano craft brewing, with groups like SoCal Cerveceros leading the way. However, Savala has managed to bring that vibrant energy to Northern California through events and collaborations. He even celebrates local talent like John Anaya, the brewmaster at King Cong Brewing Company, who is recognized as the only Mexican-heritage brewer in Sacramento County. Anaya’s beers, including the popular Anything For Selenas West Coast IPA, often reflect his cultural roots and personal identity.
Sacramento may not immediately come to mind when one thinks of Chicano culture, but Savala is working to change that perception. He points to the Rebel Chicano Art Front, which emerged in the 1970s as a movement to reclaim space and identity through art in Sacramento. For Savala, this historical backdrop is a source of pride, and he hopes to use Cervezalandia to unite people from all walks of life around a shared love of beer.
“This isn’t just about selling beer,” Savala explains. “It’s about creating a space where people can connect over something meaningful. For many of us, beer is more than just a drink — it’s a symbol of hard work and relaxation, whether you’re on the farm or in the office. It’s a reward after a long week.”
In an era marked by cultural and political tensions, Cervezalandia serves as a reminder of the power of community, culture, and, of course, beer. Through its dedication to showcasing Mexican and Chicano brewers, it has carved out a place of its own in Sacramento’s diverse landscape, one bottle at a time.
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