Nicaraguan Beers: History, Brands, and Craft Brews

Few things beat a beer bien al pelo (ice-cold) in Nicaragua’s tropical heat. Whether it sits next to an asado, a Pacific beach, or a table of friends, beer is part of pinolero culture.

This is a walk through the history of beer in Nicaragua: how Victoria and Toña were born, and what’s happening in the growing Nicaraguan craft beer scene.

The origin of beer in Nicaragua

The national beer story officially starts on March 22, 1926, when Compañía Cervecera de Nicaragua (CCN) was founded in Managua. Three years later, in 1929, Nicaraguans tasted their first commercial beer: Xolotlán, named after Lake Managua.

Xolotlán was a milestone, but the World War II shortage of raw materials forced production to stop. The industry didn’t quit; it reinvented itself and launched new beers that shaped later palates.

Nicaragua’s giants: Victoria and Toña

Today the market is led by two legendary brands that now share the same parent company, but still have different stories and flavor profiles.

Victoria: the pioneer

Launched in 1943 to fill the gap left by Xolotlán, Victoria became the country’s first modern beer hit.

• Flavor profile: A classic lager, with more body and a slightly more pronounced bitterness.
• Its place: Over the decades it has stayed the favorite of traditional drinkers who want a beer with more character.

Toña: national pride

Born in 1977 from the now-defunct Industrial Cervecera S.A. (ICSA), Toña changed the market.

• Flavor profile: Very smooth, balanced, and refreshing — a fit for Nicaragua’s climate.
• Its impact: Memorable ads that leaned on Nica customs helped start the famous “beer war.” Today it’s a clear national identity symbol and is exported abroad.

The rise of craft beer in Nicaragua

Beyond the big brands, recent years have grown a real craft beer scene in Nicaragua. Local brewers are working with global styles (IPAs, stouts, golden ales) and mixing in local ingredients.

If you care about beer, these craft options are worth trying:

• Moropotente (Carazo): The real pioneers of the movement. Their stout “Lado Oscuro” and blonde ale “19 Días” have a strong reputation for quality.
• San Juan del Sur Cervecería: In the surf capital, they specialize in lighter styles. Their Keller Pilsner is known as a beach pairing.
• Cerro Negro Brewing Company (León): Named after León’s active volcano, they make IPAs and stouts with a bolder, more intense edge for adventurous palates.
• TABÚ (Masaya): An innovative project led by women brewers. They stand out with “La Morena” (a dark beer with coffee notes) and also work with mead.

Did you know...?

• Victoria’s name: Launched in 1943, it was a direct tribute to the Allied victory in World War II.
• Where “Toña” comes from: The name is an affectionate nod to “Antonia,” one of the most traditional women’s names in Nicaragua at the time.
• Historic merger: For two decades Toña and Victoria were rivals. The fight ended when ICSA and CCN merged between 1995 and 1996, putting production under CCN.

Next time you’re settling in for the weekend, remember a good drink deserves good food. At Asados La Brocha we grill cuts over charcoal. Order your asado, pair it with Toña, Victoria, or your favorite craft beer, and have the Nicaraguan plate as it actually tastes. Salud.