In the heart of Puerto Vallarta, where vibrant culture meets pristine beaches, lies Monzon, a microbrewery and bar that’s more than just a place to grab a beer. Monzon is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of community.
Reid, one of the owners, has been a part of Puerto Vallarta for six years. Monzon, which opened its doors in 2016, has weathered its fair share of challenges, especially during the turbulent times brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. The journey was challenging, but Reid, alongside his wife, embarked on this venture with determination.
Before their Puerto Vallarta chapter, Reid honed his brewing skills in a small brewery in Mumbai, India, known as The Barking Deer. The journey to Monzon was set in motion when they moved to India in their early twenties. Reid supported his wife, an elementary school teacher, as she pursued her career, but he soon felt the itch to do something new.
For Mumbai’s Oktoberfest, they opened their first brewery. Reid’s enthusiasm and determination even led to a job offer after jokingly saying, “You can take my photo if you give me a job.” In just two weeks, he went from a beer enthusiast to a brewer, and in this nano brewery, he acquired the skills needed for Monzon.
Their path eventually led them to Puerto Vallarta. They fell in love with the city during their visits in 2009, and a chance real estate opportunity in 2016 turned into their dream come true. Although they faced challenges opening their establishment (like many others) in August 2017, Monzon became a reality.
Monzon is not just a brewery; it’s a place where the art of crafting beer is taken seriously. They import top-quality ingredients, focusing on Canadian Mexican malted barley for their brews. Their bar exclusively features Mexican spirits, each with a handwritten label.
But Monzon’s true essence lies in its commitment to the community. They operate on a five-day workweek, ensuring their employees enjoy a meal and a beer at the end of their shifts. Their mission statement, “To make the world feel like a smaller place over a beer,” reflects their dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The name “Monzon” itself holds a story; it means monsoon in India. Just like in the past when the monsoons arrived, bringing people together at the brewery without the distractions of cellphones or TV, Monzon aims to foster that sense of togetherness.
Community engagement is at the core of Monzon’s values. For every beer sold, they donate a peso to a charity. The count is meticulously recorded on their website. Even during the challenging months of the pandemic, Monzon gave back by providing hot meals to anyone in need — with the help of donations.
Monzon’s commitment to its craft and community shines brightly despite the hardships. They recently celebrated six years in business and experienced their first profit in January 2020, just before the pandemic hit. During the lockdown, they pivoted to deliveries and continued to support their community.
Monzon’s dedication to collaboration extends beyond the brewing process. They believe that pilsners and lagers are the next big thing in the craft beer scene, and they love partnering with other breweries to explore new horizons.
Beyond beer, Monzon is a place where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and the love for craft beer knows no bounds. With the catchy tune “Keep Me Hanging On” as a constant backdrop and the artistic touch of muralist Adrian Tekano, Monzon is a unique establishment that captures the essence of Puerto Vallarta.
Monzon is a beacon of community, resilience, and exceptional brews in the heart of this coastal paradise. It’s not just a place; it’s an experience waiting to be savored.
Monzon is located at Venustiano Carranza 239 Colonia Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48380
