Want to Try Craft Beer in São Miguel? — Visit Azores Brewing Company
- Aina & Dani
- Jun 29
- 4 min read
When you think of São Miguel, the first things that probably come to mind are its volcanoes, lagoons, and lush green landscapes. But did you know you can also enjoy local craft beer in São Miguel? Yes, at Azores Brewing Company.
This independent brewery is located in the heart of the island and has achieved something not so easy: capturing the essence of São Miguel and expressing it through beer. So, if you’re a craft beer lover (or just want to try something different during your trip), make sure to check this place out.
Founded by Tara and Edmundo, Azores Brewing Company is built on science — Tara is a chemist and Edmundo is an engineer. And what we love and what makes them stand out is that Tara is one of the few female brewers in Europe!
A Unique and New Experience in São Miguel
This project is still fairly new, so you could be among the first to try these local craft beers on São Miguel. Although the idea began developing in 2020, the brewery opened its doors in 2024 after nearly a year of construction.
Since then, Azores Brewing Company has become the fastest-growing craft brewery in the Azores, with a steadily evolving production and a distribution network that already reaches bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels across the island.
They also host events throughout the year, so if you want to stay updated on what’s happening, we recommend checking out their Instagram where they regularly post their event calendar.
What Is the Visit Like?
One thing you’ll love about Azores Brewing Company is their Beer Garden, an outdoor space perfect for relaxing while enjoying some of the best beers in the Azores. Here, you can order a tasting flight to sample several beers, learn a bit about their brewing process, and if you’re lucky, catch a special event.
And if you get hungry (which tends to happen…), you’re in luck: on the same premises, you’ll find Jonny’s Smokehouse — a barbecue joint serving smoked dishes that pair perfectly with craft beer. Seriously, don’t underestimate how good some smoked wings or pulled pork taste while you’re sipping on these local Azores brews.
Is Visiting Azores Brewing Company Worth It?
If you’re in São Miguel and looking for a different (and tasty) local experience, the answer is yes. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just want to enjoy a good drink in a pleasant atmosphere, this is one of those spots that doesn’t always make it into every travel guide — but definitely deserves a visit.
Cheers!
Resources to plan your trip to São Miguel:
PLAN YOUR TRIP: We love São Miguel, which is why we’ve created our website where you can find the most complete travel guide to São Miguel. Explore everything you can visit and do in São Miguel by region, the best way to plan your itinerary, and make the most of your time.
ACCOMMODATION IN SÃO MIGUEL: We recommend staying in Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande if you want to have access to services like supermarkets and restaurants nearby. To choose the best accommodation, don’t miss our article on where to stay in São Miguel or save money with this selection of budget accommodations in São Miguel.
TRANSPORTATION: Renting a car is the best way to explore the island of São Miguel since you’ll have the freedom to reach all the island’s points of interest. In our article on car rental in São Miguel, we cover everything you need to know about driving on the island and how to book the best vehicle. To book, we always use Discovery Cars, our favorite comparison tool with the best deals.
CLIMATE: São Miguel’s climate is subtropical oceanic, although if we had to describe it in one word, it would be: unpredictable. For us, the best months to visit the island are June or September, although each season has its pros and cons. We tell you everything in this article.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: São Miguel is the perfect place to enjoy nature and offers many activities you can’t miss, such as whale and dolphin watching, swimming with wild dolphins, or canyoning. For years, we’ve been booking all our activities through Civitatis or GetYourGuide. Both are reliable, and we love the ease of booking, plus they offer something for everyone!
HIKING TRAILS: All the hiking trails recommended in this post are explained in detail in this article.
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