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February 8, 2024 57 mins

Michel, Vivian, and Hiram, are not just every day people. These three along with their team, make up two La Paz craft breweries: Black Marlin Brewing Co and Pacific Brew. And while these three wonderful humans are brewers, owners, and entrepreneurs, more importantly, they are all also friends.

And isn't that what craft beer is actually about? Community and friendship over a damn good beer? Exactly, and that is why we were lucky enough to chat with the three them together to learn more about Black Marlin Brewing Co and Pacific Brew. But to also learn more about the stories behind the people that have a passion for craft beer in Baja.

Meet Michel and Vivian from Black Marlin Brewing Co

Michel Davidson originally started Black Marlin as a cold brew coffee company. And then he met Hiram who had yet to open Pacific Brew. Hiram wanted to know if Michel had ever brewed beer before. Starting with a Mr. Brew Kit, Michel and Hiram gave it a go.

Michel, a crossfit competitor and car lover, he figured why not also open a brewery and restaurant. Eventually he and Hiram excelled beyond that initial Mr. Brew. They purchased a kettle used to make tamales, modified it for brewing, and then roped Vivian into the mix. And as they say, the rest is history.

Ernesto Vivian, co-founder at Black Marlin, athlete, architect, and designer, helped design and build out both taprooms. Alongside Michel and Hiram, Vivian helped to change the craft beer scene in La Paz and Baja Sur.

Meet Hiram from Pacific Brew

Working at a bottle shop and then with Michel at Black Marlin Brewing Co, Hiram Saenz, a competitive skateboarder and once a culinary arts student, knew he wanted more than just a job. Along came his business partner, Adam, who asked if Hiram knew how to brew – he did. Voila! The two of them began planning a La Paz brewery of their own. Welcome to Pacific Brew.

La Paz Craft Breweries

This is the story behind two La Paz craft breweries. Each unique. Each contributing to the expansion of the La Paz and Baja California Sur craft beer scene. And while the two breweries have their own style and ambiance, all of the friends who own, brew, and operate these Baja Sur breweries, are supportive of each other, their families, their goals, and the growth of a city they all love.

Welcome to craft beer in La Paz, Baja California Sur, where beer is just the instrument that gets the people together.

Click here for the full show notes, images, links, and more.

Stay Connected with Black Marlin Brewing Co

Black Marlin Brewing Co

Belisario Domínguez 1249-C, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico

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Stay Connected with Pacific Brew

Pacific Brew

Belisario Domínguez 1430, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico

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The Craft Beer Travel & Adventure Podcast is hosted by Living a Stout Life, where we share stories, community, and resources for all your craft beer travel and adventure lifestyle needs.

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