Dos Luces. The sun and the moon. Inti and Metztli. Chicha and Pulque. We chose the name Dos Luces because it represents the duality of light – While you might be tempted to imagine this as light and darkness, we prefer to consider the bright light of day in contrast to the brightest beacon of light at night. Call it divine inspiration or simply the accumulation of ideas within two swirling brains, Dos Luces represents the idea that there is always light when you look for it.
An Incan staple still enjoyed throughout the Andes, Chicha is a beer brewed from corn. Various corns can be used to craft a great Chicha. Traditionally, corn was made fermentable by either chewing on it, or by germination, much like barley, into jora, a sun-dried corn malt. Dos Luces brews with malted blue corn to give our Chicha its distinctive color and flavor. Our Chichas are nicknamed “Inti” after the Incan god of the sun, because it offers the consistency and radiance that makes everyone smile. Sweet and refreshing, Chicha is an everyday indulgence that goes great with spicy foods from jalapeños to buffalo wings.
The cups of the Aztecs give us Pulque, traditionally made from the spontaneously fermented aguamiel, the sap of the maguey plant. Pulque is experiencing a revival across Mexico, where these fresh, vibrant brews are being enjoyed late into the night. At Dos Luces, we take inspiration from aguamiel and regional corn, and blending maguey nectar with our malted blue corn, applying our own approach to this timeless tradition. Touched with cinnamon and mixed with fruits the spicy, sweet, and sour flavors, take what might be heavy metal soundtrack and turning it into a symphony on your tongue. Nicknamed “Metztli” for the Aztec god of the moon, our Pulque just might lead to some lunacy if you’re not careful. With bold sweet and sour flavors, as well as higher alcohol, Pulque offers a more intense experience that pairs well with complex dishes like molès and ratatouille.
Túpac Amaru was the last valiant Sapa Inca, or Emperor, of the Inca people. Two hundred years later, another Túpac Amaru, claiming to be the last descendant of the royal family, led the rebellion against Spanish rule, which set the stage for the eventual independence of Peru.
We honor both of these leaders with Túpac Amaru, an “Imperial” Chicha brewed to please the gods but exclusively enjoyed by the people. Túpac Amaru III is produced annually for release in March, with ingredients and barrels varying year by year, and with seasonal variations released in June and December.
2021
Peach (June)
Vanilla Black Chicha (December)
2020
Mango & Arbol Chile (June) Pomegranate (December)
2019
Sour Cherry
The story of Moctezuma is one of inspired creation and tragic destruction. Moctezuma grew the Aztec Empire beyond the imagination, to the vibrant shores of the “Sea of the Sky.” The next Moctezuma outdid his namesake and brought the Empire’s reach to its absolute peak, before it was shattered by the brutal waves of history.
We honor both of the two previous Moctezumas with our own “Imperial” Pulque. In the spirit of creation, we let the flavors of the maguey reach their fermented zenith, achieving a deep tartness and complexity that is then enhanced by time within barrels. Moctezuma III is produced annually for release in May, with ingredients and barrels varying year by year, and with a seasonal variation released in September
2021
Hibiscus
2020
Strawberry
2019
Prickly Pear
The Aztec originated Tepache, which is currently made in Mexico using pineapple (rind and core), panela, and cinnamon. The original Aztec recipe undoubtedly used corn, as the Nahuatl word tepãtl means “drink made from corn.” We seek to bring these ancient traditions back to life in a new form with our Seasonal Tepache, by adding different fruit and spices to each batch. Even with the additions, the cinnamon is the dominant flavor, creating a sensation that is both refreshing and flavorful.
Inspired by Chicha Morada, a non-alcoholic Peruvian drink made from purple corn, and the light, crisp Agua Frescas from Mexico, we’ve brewed a hard Agua Fresca that melds the refreshing flavors of purple corn and lime. We call it “Muluc,” a Mayan word for an offering of water to the gods, in honor of the “Dos Luces” that serve as the inspirational lights of our brewery.
Made from purple corn, fruit, spices, and sugar, think of it as Peruvian root beer. Ours is made much like our Chicha, but unfermented, and sweetened with a touch of panela (unrefined cane sugar).