Do you smell that distinct aroma of malt and hops? That’s the essence of the Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma. This brewery is a true icon of Monterrey. It stands as a testament to Mexico’s rich brewing heritage.
Founded in 1890, Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma has a fascinating story. Isaac Garza Garza and Francisca Muguerza Crespo established it. They had support from José A. Muguerza Crespo Joseph M. Schnaider and Francisco Sada Gómez. It started as Fábrica de Hielo y Cerveza Cuauhtémoc. This translates to Cuauhtémoc Ice and Beer Factory.
Initially, the brewery was a key part of the FEMSA company. The brewery’s story began in 1886. Isaac Garza and José Calderón Penilla traveled to St. Louis Missouri. They met with Joseph M. Schnaider. They wanted to distribute beer. Their plan was to eventually open a plant to manufacture it.
The Cervecería León was organized. It began producing its first products in an artisanal way. The early days were marked by innovation. The brewery introduced Carta Blanca beer. It had a cork stopper reinforced with wire. Joseph M. Schnaider oversaw the construction of the plant. Companies from San Antonio Texas were contracted. The plant covered twenty hectares. The architect O. J. Wilhelmi designed it. Ernest Jansen later replaced Wilhelmi.
By 1903, Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma had about 650 workers and 40 employees. The annual production was 100000 barrels. It could produce 80000 bottles and 365 tons of ice daily. In 1909, the brewery produced 300000 barrels of beer annually. Its daily capacity was 300000 bottles and 750 tons of ice. The workforce grew to 1500 workers.
The quality of the Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma products earned international recognition. It presided over the International Jury of Beers at the Madrid International Exposition of 1907. King Alfonso XIII of Spain granted it the honor of being a Royal Supplier. He authorized the use of the royal arms on product labels.
The Mexican Revolution impacted the brewery. In 1913, Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc reduced its business. It closed its agencies. It lost clientele. Despite these challenges, the brewery adapted. It improved administration and accounting systems. It solved transport problems. It bought railroad cars.
In 1918, Isaac Garza, Luis G. Sada and Francisco G. Sada created a cooperative. It was for the savings and investments of the brewery’s workers. Today, it is known as Sociedad Cuauhtémoc y Famosa. It supports the development of brewery workers.
By 1940, production had exceeded 100 million liters. In 1954, Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc acquired the Compa Cervecera de Tecate. They added Tecate beer to their portfolio. The architect Ernest C. Janssen designed the Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc building. It features a neoclassical style. Its structure has steel beams in the columns. The facade is made of brick and black marble from Cerro del Topo Chico.
Today, Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma stands as a symbol of Mexican brewing tradition. The brewery merged with Cervecería Moctezuma in 1985. In 2010, FEMSA sold Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma to Heineken International. It continues to produce popular brands. These include Dos Equis Sol Bohemia and Tecate. Its legacy is a testament to the vision and resilience of its founders.