Norte Brewing Company: Brewery in the Sky

After spending time visiting the breweries of Ensenada and visiting the Plaza Fiesta in Tijuana containing numerous breweries in one location, I went searching for my last stop. It was Norte Brewing company or as I now call it: "Brewery in the Sky.".The brewery was located in downtown Tijuana but we couldn't find it. The lack of street signs was one problem, poor directions was another and, honestly, I don't think some people knew what a craft brewery was. We were constantly being told that it was next to a particular building but it would have been easier if people were just a little bit more specific.After looking for it for an hour, I was standing next to a grocery and my companion was trying to get a bead on its location. Finally, a man in front of a panaderia said to go across the street to the parking structure, take the elevator to the fifth floor, take a left and you will find the brewery.I was willing to try anything; I was getting thirsty

Looking from the brewery towards the car park

The brewery looks very modern inside with classic bar tables and stools and it was dark being later in the evening. What must be one of the most spectacular views of Tijuana opened up before us. I thought, OK, this is first stop on a date or maybe a last stop on a date. It would definitely impress I think, if it were not for the parking garage right outside the door. It was a fitting and amazing finish to our journey down to the breweries of Baja, Mexico.

In Portland, Oregon, McMenimans, one of the original Oregon breweries, buys closed down high schools and old folks homes and places tap houses, movie theaters and hotels inside of them. To me, Norte and breweries like Border Psycho were doing things just as creative by  Keeping Beer Weird. To summarize the journey, I thought the Mexican brewery strengths were in the Pale Ales which to me seemed better flavored than their American counterparts. In Mexico, I think of drinking something refreshing and they delivered on that account. I thought their IPA's in general could have been stronger and their Stouts more robust. Border Psycho had the top Mexican beer with its use of the chili that reminded so well of the local surroundings.I can still feel the burn in my throat. I needed to see more of that. Malmut Brewery had the best beer, a porter, consistent from start to finish with almost a caramel hint and it was simply called "Porter."


I've got my eye on a possible future trip to Chihuahua or Mexico city and maybe a return to Portland.So go psycho and visit the craft breweries across the border. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly rewarded.

Looking from the cars into the breweries