The art of HopSin: Sintra's authentic beer

Sérgio Pardal, producer of HopSin craft beer

Sintra's first official craft beer is now six years old. From the sweetest to the most intense hop flavor, HopSin craft beer is made for all tastes.

It's a beer that causes admiration at the first sip, for bringing together such rich and intense flavors. Its name is authentic to the region, where "Sin" means Sintra and "Hop" refers to hops, one of the constituents of the beer.

Its production is based in Colares and is focused especially on local consumption. For Sérgio Pardal, HopSin's brewer, the secret to overcoming challenges is to combine willpower with a passion for beer. The producer explains that "we are impacted by the cereal, energy and gas crises, but we are passionate about it".

It was his passion for this drink and his connection to Sintra that led Sérgio to abandon his career in the pharmaceutical industry to start producing craft beer, capable of surprising even the most demanding palate.

"Craft beers" are beers sculpted to the will of a brewer and that's what Sérgio is passionate about.

The experience that the blend of natural ingredients from the Sintra region makes possible is something that characterizes this craft beer. There are beers that are blended with the region's fruits or even produced in conjunction with the Adega Cooperativa de Colares, the oldest in the country and Made in Sintra, providing incomparable flavors. And unforgettable.

In fact, the entire production of HopSin craft beer can be seen as a streetcar that takes people on a journey to discover special places in Sintra. Even today you can see the scales with which the streetcars were weighed, right at the entrance to the factory.

How are the most authentic beers from the Sintra region produced?

Factory where HopSin craft beers are produced

The brewing process is simple. Beer has four basic ingredients: water, malt, hops and yeast.

This delicate beer is made from malt, a cereal that produces enzymes used in beer production. This cereal is carefully boiled between 63 and 67ºC for 1 hour in order to extract the wort. And it is this exposure to heat that has an impact on the beer's color and taste. 

After boiling the wort, the hops are added to the beer, which give it the typical flavour that characterizes the Sintra region.

The secret is here. And we're not afraid to reveal it. In HopSin beer, local products are used to give the drink its unique flavors, whether through the use of local raspberries or blends with wine must from the Adega de Colares.

HopSin craft beer is not just "another" craft drink. HopSin provides moments of leisure. Welcoming and unforgettable experiences. Those who visit the brewery are part of the process. New flavors are always emerging, so customer feedback is very important for maintaining the roots of this Made in Sintra craft beer.

"We contribute to the region's circular economy"

Sérgio Pardal, producer of HopSin craft beer

In the midst of all this authenticity that characterizes HopSin craft beer, there is also room for the development of the local economy.

One of the major concerns in the production of this beer is sustainability and sharing with other local producers, with the aim of improving the quality of everyone's business. Every process is designed to produce as little waste as possible, which is why the solid parts left over from the production of the beer, made up of cereals, are used to feed animals from neighboring producers and to make compost. These animals will later produce food for other people to eat.

The best thing about this process is the "cheeses produced by the animals that I have indirectly fed", a factor that shows the great connection that each producer has with each other, making sure that their products are unique.

This diversity of products and collaboration between producers is an excellent reflection of the exposure that the Sintra region has and that Made in Sintra provides.

This Made in Sintra craft beer is unique and is true proof that it is possible to reconcile the pleasure of tasting with environmental responsibility. Sustainable production and the circular economy are key points in this process, allowing each beer to be enjoyed with the knowledge that it has been produced with respect for the environment and the local community.

From the fruitiest aromas to the most intense flavors, with a range of beers that vary from season to season, what attracts customers from all corners of the world is diversity and authenticity.

Innovation is the house specialty

HopSin craft beer going out for a drink

This unique craft beer comes to life through an innovative and passionate process, which involves the mixed fermentation of malt and grape must. The perfect marriage of these ingredients results in a beer with an authentic fruity taste that captivates the most demanding palates.

Some beer bottles are authentic tributes to the charming towns and villages of Sintra. Names like Colares and Mag8 (read Magoito) give life to the different beers that make up the brand's portfolio. Each label tells a unique story, inspired by the distinct characteristics of the region and the passion of the master brewers who dedicate themselves to creating unparalleled sensory experiences.

Innovation is the special ingredient that brings this Made in Sintra beer to life. Creative techniques are explored that combine surprising ingredients to create flavors that defy expectations. Through innovation, each beer becomes a unique masterpiece, harmoniously balancing acidity and sweetness, providing a memorable sensory experience.

Made in Sintra craft beer is more than just a drink, it is a reflection of the passion, dedication and innovation that permeate every stage of the production process. Each sip is an invitation to explore the unknown, to savor the result of hard work and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Being Made in Sintra is more than a brand, it's a symbol of quality, authenticity and creativity. It's a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that flourishes in this enchanting region. It's proof that when we combine tradition with innovation, we create something truly extraordinary. And Sérgio Pardal is able to experience all these sensations.

Find out more about HopSin craft beer here