Ping Pong with Mateo: The secrets, inspirations and favourites behind Cerveza SanFrutos
If you follow us closely on social media, you've likely already come across our latest reel. We put Mateo through a quick-fire round of questions—a fully-fledged beer "Ping Pong"—to get a first-hand look at his tastes, his inspirations, and what really drives him both inside and outside the brewery.
But since it's impossible to tell the whole story in a few seconds of video, today we want to dive deeper into his answers. If you've ever wondered what the mind behind Cerveza SanFrutos drinks, reads, or listens to, you're in the right place. Read on to discover everything that goes on behind the scenes.
The house picks: From the Lager to "El Veneno"
When it comes to championing our own, Mateo is absolutely clear. If we're talking about our core range, his undisputed everyday favourite is the Lager (German Pils). It's an honest, clean, refreshing beer, perfect for any occasion or spontaneous celebration.
However, when asked about his all-time favourite creation, the answer is emphatic and has a name of its own: El Veneno. One of our latest and wildest creations which, in Mateo's own words, "has turned out brilliantly". If you're a true fan of beers with character and a good dose of complexity, you know exactly what should be pouring into your glass next.
Inspiration and benchmarks: From Seville to Colorado
Behind every good brewery is a deep respect and admiration for the work of peers in the industry. Looking at the national scene, Mateo highlights Río Azul, in Seville, as his benchmark brewery. Their excellent technical approach and the great atmosphere in their taproom make them a true inspiration.
Internationally, he looks straight to Denver (Colorado, USA) to take his hat off to Bierstadt Lagerhaus, true artisan masters when it comes to bottom-fermented beers. Furthermore, when recalling a memorable beer that left a mark on him, Mateo rescues a collaborative gem: the team-up between La Quince and Contubernio to create a Helles aged in Sanlúcar manzanilla barrels. An absolute delight, elegant and sophisticated.
Beyond the hops: Culture, styles, and the unmissable event
The craft beer universe isn't exclusively limited to what's inside the glass, but extends to all the culture and lifestyle that naturally surrounds it. Delving into those more personal details, we discovered several interesting facets:
- His preferred style: Although he happily travels to countries with as much brewing tradition as Germany or the US to discover new things, if he had to choose just one style to enjoy forever, he goes for the magic and wild complexity of Lambic beers.
- The unmissable event: Mark this well in your calendar because it's a local recommendation. We're talking about the Sebúlcor Craft Beer Fair, in Segovia, an event full of authenticity.
- The cultural pairing: What's on the stereo and the reading list in Mateo's day-to-day life? In the background, the unmistakable rhythm and optimism of "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley. And on the bedside table, an eternal classic that never fails: a good poetry anthology by Antonio Machado.
Hit Play: The full video
If you still haven't seen this fun quick-fire round of questions and answers filmed live from the heart of our brewery, we've left the content right here for you. Turn up the speakers, hit play, and enjoy the inner workings of Cerveza SanFrutos.
And you? Do you agree with any of Mateo's choices or do you have another SanFrutos gem as your absolute go-to? Pop over to our online shop if you've worked up a sudden thirst, or leave us a comment telling us about that one beer you'll never forget.