Ocean Lab Brewing! Yeah! I was enjoying my second beer ever from Puerto Rico's Ocean Lab brewery! OK, so, really it was my third beer, because a bottle of SJU Lager that I had at the Cafe Bella Vista bar at El Conquistador resort was infected, and after a few sips I had to send it back. That beer is a Munich Helles in style, and should not taste like vinegar, but it did. When I told the bartender, he tilted his head and asked "Infected?" I said it's a bottling line defect. Trust me. I know what I'm talking about.
I had him bring me a Maya West Puerto Rican Lager. He poured it into a cup, then threw the bottle away, a shame because I wanted to see what the bottle said.
Nota Bene: when they talk about the west coast here, they are talking about the west coast of Puerto Rico, not California. I did not get to visit that area of this beautiful island, in fact I was on east coast in Fajardo. Maya West was a perfect accompaniment to a stroll around the resort on a warm May afternoon all the same. I would peg the beer as broadly in the pilsner style.
Maya West Puerto Rican Lager has an alcohol content of 4.5% by volume according to the brewery website.
About Ocean Lab Brewing
Founded in 2016, Ocean Lab Brewing Co. is one of Puerto Rico's most celebrated craft breweries, known for beach‑side brewing and beers well suited for tropical climes. It operates out of Isla Verde - Carolina, directly on the beach at the Vivo Beach Club complex.
Tasting Notes
My cup of Maya West Puerto Rican lager held a brilliant golden liquid with a moderate head of foam and a nose of crisp bready malt. Taking a sip, the beer was again bready malty, clean and medium in body. It finished with a gently balancing bitter finish and was refreshing indeed in the warmth and humidity by the Atlantic Ocean.
Value & Verdict
I paid $7 for my bottle at the resort bar,, and the brewery sells it for $13.99 a six-pack, $50 a case. It is slightly higher at Pueblo Supermarkets, where it goes for $14.49 currently. I would definitely drink this one again.
