Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor – Bold Hops Meet Mexican Soul

Updated → August 2025

Experience the boldest IPA from Los Cabos with Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor – a copper-colored 7% ABV craft beer featuring five hop additions and a strong malt backbone, now available for pickup or delivery at Wagon Wheel Liquors in downtown Durango.

The Mexican Craft Beer Revolution Taking America by Storm

The American beer landscape has undergone a seismic shift, with Mexican imports now representing the fastest-growing segment in the entire industry. This revolution extends far beyond familiar names like Corona and Modelo, reaching into the realm of craft brewing where innovative Mexican breweries are redefining what it means to create authentic cerveza artesanal. Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor stands at the forefront of this movement, representing a bold departure from traditional light lagers while honoring Mexico's brewing heritage.

Founded in Los Cabos, Baja Brewing Company has emerged as one of Mexico's pioneering craft breweries, operating since the late 1990s when the concept of cerveza artesanal was virtually unknown south of the border. Their commitment to quality and innovation has helped establish Mexican craft beer as a legitimate force in the global brewing scene, with their flagship Por Favor Mexican IPA earning recognition across North America for its distinctive approach to hop-forward brewing.

Why Mexican Imports Now Dominate US Beer Sales

The numbers tell a compelling story about the Mexican beer phenomenon. In 2024, Modelo Especial officially dethroned Bud Light as America's best-selling beer, backed by an estimated $65 million advertising spend in the first half of the year alone. This shift represents more than changing tastes – it reflects demographic and cultural transformations reshaping the American beverage industry. With Hispanic consumers representing 26% of Gen Z and growing, the demand for authentic Mexican beverages continues to surge exponentially.

Mexican craft breweries now account for over 2% of Mexico's total beer production, a figure that may seem modest but represents explosive growth from virtually zero just two decades ago. The northern states of Mexico, particularly Baja California, have become hotbeds of craft brewing innovation, with over half of the country's artisanal breweries concentrated in this region. This geographic concentration has created a unique brewing culture that blends American craft beer influences with distinctly Mexican flavors and traditions, exemplified perfectly in Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor.

Inside Baja Brewing Company's Craft Beer Journey

Baja Brewing Company's story begins in the coastal paradise of Los Cabos, where American expats and Mexican entrepreneurs recognized an opportunity to bring craft beer culture to a region dominated by light lagers. Establishing their brewery and taproom in San José del Cabo, they faced the challenge of educating consumers accustomed to Corona and Pacifico about the possibilities of full-flavored, hop-forward beers. Their perseverance paid off as locals and tourists alike embraced their innovative approach to brewing.

The creation of Por Favor Mexican IPA represents a pivotal moment in the brewery's evolution. Recognizing that Mexican beer drinkers were becoming more adventurous, the brewmasters set out to create an IPA that would challenge preconceptions while remaining approachable to those new to craft beer. The result was a copper-colored ale that balanced aggressive hopping with a substantial malt backbone, creating what many consider the perfect gateway IPA for the Mexican market.

How Por Favor Stacks Up Against Top Mexican IPAs

Among Mexican craft IPAs, Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor occupies a unique position as an English-style interpretation that bridges traditional and modern brewing approaches. While competitors like Minerva and Cru Cru lean heavily into American hop varieties and West Coast bitterness, Por Favor maintains a more balanced profile that appeals to both IPA enthusiasts and those transitioning from lighter beers.

Decoding the Five-Hop Flavor Symphony

The magic of Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor lies in its complex hop schedule, featuring five separate additions throughout the brewing process. This technique, borrowed from traditional English brewing methods, creates layers of flavor that unfold with each sip. The liberal use of Cascade hops provides the beer's signature floral and citrus notes, while supporting varieties add depth and complexity that distinguish it from single-hop IPAs.

Upon pouring, the beer reveals its distinctive copper color, darker than typical American IPAs but lighter than traditional English bitters. The aroma immediately announces the hop presence with notes of orange zest, pine, and subtle floral undertones. As the beer warms slightly, the malt character becomes more apparent, offering hints of caramel and biscuit that complement rather than compete with the hop profile.

Understanding the English-Style IPA Heritage

The decision to craft Por Favor as an English-style IPA reflects Baja Brewing's understanding of their market. Unlike West Coast IPAs that emphasize aggressive bitterness and minimal malt presence, English IPAs maintain a careful balance between hops and malt. This approach creates a more approachable beer for drinkers accustomed to the malt-forward profiles of traditional Mexican lagers while still delivering the hop character that defines the IPA category.

The strong malt backbone serves multiple purposes in this beer's architecture. Beyond providing balance to the hop bitterness, it contributes to the fuller mouthfeel that distinguishes English IPAs from their American counterparts. This substantial body makes Por Favor particularly satisfying when paired with hearty Mexican cuisine, standing up to bold flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Food Pairings That Elevate Your Experience

The robust flavor profile of Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor makes it an exceptional companion to both traditional Mexican dishes and contemporary fusion cuisine. The beer's hop bitterness cuts through rich, fatty foods like carnitas and barbacoa, while its malt sweetness complements spicy salsas and chile-based dishes. For an authentic Baja experience, pair it with grilled fish tacos topped with fresh cabbage slaw and lime.

Beyond Mexican cuisine, this versatile IPA excels with grilled meats, aged cheeses, and even chocolate-based desserts. The key lies in matching intensity – the beer's 7% ABV and bold flavor profile require equally assertive food partners. Consider serving it alongside a sharp cheddar cheese board, spicy chicken wings, or even a rich mole negro for an unforgettable flavor combination.

The Science of Serving Temperature

Temperature plays a crucial role in experiencing Por Favor Mexican IPA at its best. While many beer drinkers default to ice-cold serving temperatures, IPAs reveal their full complexity when served slightly warmer. The ideal temperature range for this English-style IPA falls between 45-50°F (7-10°C), allowing the hop aromatics to volatilize while maintaining refreshing drinkability.

To achieve optimal serving temperature, remove the beer from refrigeration 10-15 minutes before serving, or store it in a dedicated beer fridge set to the proper temperature. This small adjustment dramatically improves the drinking experience, revealing subtle flavors and aromas that remain hidden when the beer is served too cold. The malt character particularly benefits from proper temperature, showing notes of toffee and bread that balance the hop presence.

Choosing the Right Glass for Maximum Enjoyment

The vessel you choose for enjoying Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor significantly impacts your sensory experience. IPA glasses, with their ridged bases and tapered tops, concentrate hop aromas while maintaining proper head retention. Alternatively, a classic English pint glass honors the beer's stylistic heritage while providing ample room for the creamy head that develops from the beer's carbonation level.

For the ultimate tasting experience, consider using a tulip glass, which combines the benefits of aroma concentration with an elegant presentation. The curved bowl captures volatile hop compounds, while the flared lip directs the beer to the proper areas of your palate. Whatever glass you choose, ensure it's clean and free from soap residue, which can destroy head retention and alter the beer's flavor profile.

Keep Your IPA Fresh with Pro Storage Tips

Hop-forward beers like Por Favor Mexican IPA require careful storage to maintain their intended flavor profile. Unlike wines or strong ales that can improve with age, IPAs are best consumed fresh, ideally within 90 days of packaging. Store your six-pack in a cool, dark place, preferably in a refrigerator set between 38-45°F. Avoid temperature fluctuations, which can accelerate flavor degradation and create off-flavors.

Light exposure poses another threat to beer quality, particularly for hop-forward styles. The brown bottles used by Baja Brewing provide some protection, but extended exposure to fluorescent or direct sunlight can create "skunky" flavors through a photochemical reaction with hop compounds. Keep your beer in its cardboard carrier or store it in a dark corner of your refrigerator to preserve the fresh, floral hop character that makes this IPA special.

Maximize Savings During Wagon Wheel Happy Hours

Wagon Wheel Liquors transforms weekday afternoons into opportunities for craft beer exploration with their generous happy hour program. Every Monday through Friday from 4-6 PM, customers enjoy 5% off all beer purchases, making it the perfect time to stock up on Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor. This cash-or-check discount applies to individual bottles and six-packs alike, allowing you to try new beers without breaking the budget.

The happy hour tradition at Wagon Wheel reflects their commitment to making craft beer accessible to the Durango community. Combined with their knowledgeable staff who can guide you through beer selections and food pairings, these afternoon savings sessions have become a beloved local institution. Many customers plan their weekly beer purchases around these hours, taking advantage of the discount while enjoying personalized recommendations from staff members who genuinely understand craft beer.

Free Delivery and Pickup Options in Durango

Located in the heart of downtown Durango for over 60 years, Wagon Wheel Liquors has established itself as the premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Their commitment to customer convenience shines through their free delivery service, bringing Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor directly to your door. This service proves particularly valuable for larger orders or when Colorado weather makes travel challenging.

The store's central location at 30 Town Plaza offers ample free parking, a rarity in downtown areas. Whether you're a local regular or a visitor exploring Durango's craft beer scene, the convenient location makes it easy to stop by and browse their extensive selection. The staff takes pride in maintaining fresh inventory, with regular shipments ensuring that hop-forward beers like Por Favor arrive at peak freshness.

Weekly Tastings and Beer Education Events

Every Wednesday from 4-6 PM, Wagon Wheel Liquors transforms into a craft beer classroom with their complimentary tasting events. These sessions often feature selections from breweries like Baja Brewing, allowing customers to sample Por Favor Mexican IPA alongside other craft offerings. The informal atmosphere encourages questions and discussion, creating a community of informed beer enthusiasts who share recommendations and discoveries.

These tastings serve as more than promotional events – they represent Wagon Wheel's commitment to beer education. Staff members guide participants through proper tasting techniques, explain brewing processes, and suggest food pairings. For those new to craft beer, these sessions provide a risk-free opportunity to explore different styles before committing to a purchase. Regular attendees often discover their new favorite beers during these Wednesday gatherings.

Best Seasons to Enjoy This Copper Ale

While Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor delivers year-round satisfaction, certain seasons enhance its appeal. The beer's substantial body and warming alcohol content make it particularly enjoyable during Durango's crisp autumn evenings, when the copper color mirrors the changing aspen leaves. Spring also presents ideal conditions, as the floral hop notes complement the season's renewal while the malt backbone provides comfort during variable weather.

Summer shouldn't be overlooked for IPA enjoyment, despite conventional wisdom favoring lighter beers. The hop bitterness in Por Favor provides refreshing contrast to grilled foods at backyard barbecues, while its 7% ABV means you can sip slowly and savor rather than rushing through multiple lighter beers. Even winter has its place, with the beer's English ale character providing fireside comfort after a day on Durango's nearby ski slopes.

Supporting Local While Drinking Responsibly

Choosing Baja Brewing Mexican IPA Por Favor from Wagon Wheel Liquors represents more than a beverage purchase – it's an investment in local business and craft brewing culture. When you buy from locally-owned stores like Wagon Wheel, you support jobs in the Durango community and ensure that unique, small-batch beers remain available alongside mass-market options. The store's 60-year history demonstrates the value of these local connections.

The 7% ABV of this Mexican IPA demands respect and moderation. One six-ounce pour contains approximately the same alcohol as 1.5 standard beers, making it important to pace consumption accordingly. Wagon Wheel's knowledgeable staff can recommend session beers for longer gatherings or suggest food pairings that help moderate alcohol absorption. Their commitment to responsible service has made them a trusted partner in Durango's hospitality community for generations.