The Portland Debut of Nick Velasquez’s Cerveceria Norte
A new Portland based brewery will make its debut this week. After nearly two decades in brewing, Nick Velasquez is excited to announce the debut of his new brewery, Cerveceria Norte. Nick’s day job is the Assistant Brewmaster at Zoiglhaus Brewing Company in Portland and it is there where he has brewed his first two beers – Clara IPA and Gallo Mexican-Style Lager.
Cerveceria Norte – Norte for short – is a new beer brand that focuses on traditional-style beers with a contemporary American Craft Beer vision. Norte uses only North American malts and hops to create quality, unique to style beers with a fresh eye and palate.
Nick has almost 20 years of brewing experience in the craft brewing industry. First starting in the early 2000s at Steelhead Brewing Company in Eugene, OR, where he was able to gain insights into the process. When he moved back to Southern California, he took on a position brewing at BJ’s Brewhouse in Oxnard, CA, his hometown.
After spending a couple years there, he stepped out of the industry for to work at Patagonia Corporate Headquarters in Ventura, CA. In time, the desire to get back into the brewing industry grew. He started his own brand, Ouroboros Ales, that he owned and operated. Ouroboros Ales was distributed throughout the Southern California area.
He then worked as Head Brewer at Surf Brewery in Ventura before moving to Bozeman, Montana. There he was able to create fun and exciting beers as Head Brewer at Bunkhouse Brewery.
Over the years Nick knew that in time he would like to return to the Pacific Northwest He missed the culture that the area has to offer. Back in Portland in January of 2020, he was hired on at Widmer Brothers Brewing. After a short stay there, he was hired on as the Cellar Manager at Great Notion Brewing.
In an effort to further his career opportunities, Nick took on the role as the Assistant Brewmaster at Zoiglhaus. It is here where Norte was born.
Now, others can finally taste Nick’s vision as he launches his beer at a handful of events over the next week.
Cerveceria Norte Launch Events:
- Belmont Station – Thursday, May 11 4-7 p.m.
- Johns Market Beaverton – Friday, May 12 4-7 p.m.
- Loyal Legion Beaverton – Saturday, May 13 Noon-3 p.m.
- Loyal Legion SE Portland – Saturday, May 13 4-7 p.m.
- Noble Hop – Thursday, May 18 4-8 p.m.
- Lents Draft and Bottle – Friday, May 19 5-8 p.m.
The first two beers from Cerveceria Norte are available year-round in draft (50L and 1/6 bbl sizes) and 12oz cans through Maletis Beverage, River Barrel Distributing and Bigfoot Beverages. Below are details on each beer as provided by the brewery.
Clara IPA
Extra pale IPA with light malt complexity and fruity citrus aroma. Hopped with Amarillo, Azacca and Citra. 6.2% ABV 35 IBU
Gallo Mexican-Style Lager
Camacho “El Gallo” Maldonado struts through the yard. Gallo (Gay-yoh) refreshingly plumes with light, crisp and clean flavors. A traditional Mexican-Style Lager made with a high percentage of Non-GMO corn, North American malt and hops, Gallo will get your “quiquiriquí” on. 4.7% ABV 19 IBU
Nick is excited to bring Norte to life in the Pacific Northwest and is eager to join this great beer scene!
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About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.