about us
We are a small family business founded in 2013.
Before settling in Costa Rica in 2012, Alejandra and Michael visited many countries, trying local drinks such as calvados in Normandy, mezcal in Oaxaca, arak in Beirut, soju in Seoul, cider in Asturias, and malbec in Mendoza. These drinks beautifully capture the culture of the place where they were made. In Costa Rica, they tried to find a drink that had a distinctive taste and flavor that is truly Costa Rican, but found nothing. So they decided to make their own, and their adventure at Costa Rica Meadery began with the creation of Passiflora and Caribeño.
ARREBOL
THE ESSENCE OF COSTA RICA... IN A BOTTLE
We make Mead, Honey Wine and Beer for people who want to enjoy the best that Costa Rica has to offer.
Our innovative products awaken the senses and capture the essence of Costa Rica through the use of recipes inspired by cultural traditions and iconic, fresh, natural and local ingredients.
MOCA
Costa Rica Meadery celebrates the rich biodiversity and culture of Costa Rica.
It is Costa Rica's unique ingredients, such as honey from its tropical forests and exotic fruits from its lush valleys, that make Costa Rica Meadery products extraordinary.
HISTORY OF OUR COMPANY
2012
Alejandra Araya and Michael Lindeman started a beekeeping business at the Ark Herb Farm in Santa Barbara, Heredia.
2013
Began producing small batches of mead as a value-added product of honey. Formed Costa Rica Meadery S.A. to produce and sell mead. Participated in II Festival de Cerveza Artesanal Costa Rica.
2014
Began commercial sales of mead to selected bars and restaurants; developed ChiCheMel, fermenting honey with malted native corn. Participated in Costa Ballena Craft Beer Festival, III Festival de Cerveza Artesanal Costa Rica, Marina Beer Fest Quepos, St Pats Beer Festival Escazu. Released PASSIFLORA, NICOYANO, LALAJUELA.
2016
Began developing innovative meads using unusual ingredients. Began offering tasting tours at the Ark Herb Farm. Expanded malted corn production capacity. Participated in V Festival de Cerveza Artesanal. Won medals at Copa Cervezas de América Chile. Released MAZAMORRA.
2017
Won medals for best beer in Costa Rica and Central America with Capsicao at the Pura Indie International Beer Competition. Won medals at World Mead Challenge USA, Mead Free or Die USA, Copa Cervezas de América Chile.
2018
Moved operations from Alajuela to a larger facility inside El Arca in Heredia. Joined the Costa Rica Brewers Consortium. Started working with PROCOMER for export preparations. Hosted an international beer and mead pairing dinner. Presented meads internationally at SIAL in Paris, France. Won medals at Copa Latinoamericana de Cervezas Perú, Copa Cervezas de América Chile, Indy International Wine Competition USA.
2019
Received a grant from Crecimiento Verde for environmentally sustainable innovation; participated in the Barcelona Beer Festival and Festival de Cerveza Extremas in Buenos Aires. Won medals at Indy International Wine Competition and Mazer Cup USA. Released BEE WILD, PITANGA, COLADA, CINNFUL, CAPSICAO, CASIMIRO, BAMBOOZLE
2020
Focused on business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Selected for Program Alivio. Opened La Tienda Bottle Shop. Won medals at European Beer Challenge London, Released SINERGIA, MoCA, PLINIA, MORUS, ECLECTICA.
2021
Offered Pairing Dinners at El Arca Restaurante. Won medals at the Mazer Cup USA. Released MÉRIDA, KAGUYA, GÉNOVA, ET TU BRUTE, ACERTIJO, ARREBOL, ALBIZU.
2022
Won medals at Copa Cervezas de América Chile. Released KAHLO, EXE, PASSIFLORA RUM BARREL-AGED
2023
Focused on enhancing tours and tasting experiences. Participated in EXPOBIRRA beer festival. Won medals at Copa Cervezas de América Chile, Pola Dorada Colombia, Copa Cervecera del Pacifico México. Released OBSESIÓN, CREPÚSCULO.
2024
