Chela

The portrait

La Chela arrives like a tropical breeze in our range. We took the concept of Mexican cerveza and put it through our Swiss filter. The result? A lager that exudes sunshine without falling into the cliché of a bland beach beer.

The secret to its lightness lies in this barley and corn malt duo—just like our Latin cousins ​​have been making for generations. But here's where it gets interesting: we stashed lemongrass leaves into the recipe. This unexpected Asian touch creates an aromatic bridge with the Citra dry-hopping. It's our version of the brewing multiverse where Mexico City meets Bangkok in a Swiss vat.

At 22 IBU and 4.5%, it's as accessible as it gets. Crystal clear as Alpine spring water, fresh as a post-workout shower. Tradition dictates that you slip a lime wedge into this kind of beer? Do it. Or don't. Chela stands on its own, but it loves to be wooed with citrus.

The story

La Chela was born from a simple observation: our summers are getting hotter and hotter. We needed a heatwave-fighting weapon that wasn't just sparkling water in disguise. Our inspiration came from Mexican cantinas, where beer isn't just a drink—it's a portable air conditioning system.

The addition of lemongrass? An accidental stroke of genius. Someone had brought some fresh leaves back from an Asian market, and they were hanging around near the tanks during a test brew. "What if we try it?" Bingo. That subtle lemony note completely transformed the profile without overwhelming the Latin base.

The name Chela? It's the affectionate nickname Mexicans give to their beer. We adopted it because it resonated perfectly with our vision: an unpretentious beer full of character.

Food and beer pairings

La Chela excels with:

• Tacos al pastor (obviously)

• White fish ceviche

• Pad Thai (lemongrass makes the connection)

• Grilled meats marinated with lime

• Freshly mashed guacamole

• Margherita pizza on a heatwave evening

• Solo with or without lime wedge

The final word

La Chela has bowed out, but what a bow! This ambassador for scorching hot days proved that a light beer could have personality. It's sorely missed when the thermometer is soaring and we dream of a refreshing drink that isn't bland. For those who sipped it on a sunny terrace or after a workout, it remains the liquid memory of those moments when simplicity rhymed with bliss. As she so aptly put it: it's no substitute for sunscreen, but it really warmed the heart.

Cheers! 🍻

The recipe