ISO Cusquena Negra

On a recent trip to New York, I had a great dinner at an East Village Peruvian place called Lima's Taste. The food was excellent, but the beer I had was amazing. It was a dark beer from Peru called Cusquena Negra. It was fruity, a little smoky and as smooth as a salsa dance instructor. They also brew a basic lager that's great as well. I haven't been able to find it here, having checked the usual suspects like Sam's. Are there any markets that specialize in beers from Latin and South America? Better yet, has anyone run across this brand?

I've seen it as Cusquena Malta. When I've seen it. I haven't come across it in Chicago. It is brewed in the schwarzbier style: a dark (brown to impenetrable) lager that's not bitter, not sweet, not fruity, roasted malt in taste and aroma, can have a touch of smoke. Personally, I think it's kind of a simple example of style ... pleasant, but a bit sweet.

If you can't find the Cusquena - actually, even if you can - try a few other schwarzbiers. Sprecher's Black Bavarian is somewhat local and one of the best. Easy to find at stores and at bars. Goose Island has made a nice schwarzbier in the past but I think it was only available at the brewpubs.

Rogue's Skullsplitter is another favorite of mine though it's not indicative of the style - too big, too bitter, too hoppy ... and the hops bring citrus. As every particle has an anti-particle, this could be considered the anti-schwarzbier. I imagine a tasting in which a Sprecher drinker gasps at the skullsplitter "your schwarz is bigger than mine." Or Kelis sings a paen to it (her schwarz, is better than yours), and lifts a fiver from your wallet when your eyes are elsewhere.

rien

I never specifically looked, but don't recall ever seeing Cusquena in Chicago. I'll keep my eyes open. One place you might want to check is Moreno's Liquors in La Villita. They have a good selection of Non-North American beers as well as one of the best tequila departments in Chicago.

I don't know the store, but reportedly Mis Amigos on Bryn Mawr carries South American beers. Is anyone familiar with the place?

Of the several Peruvian restaurants in Chicago, I think only Rinconcito Sudamericano has a liquor license. I haven't visited and don't know what beers they may serve.

Moreno's Liquors
'Casa Tequilera'
3724 W 26th St
Chicago
773-277-7737

Mis Amigos Fruit Market and Liquors
3318 W Bryn Mawr Av
Chicago
773-866-1726

Rinconcito Sudamericano
1954 W Armitage Av
Chicago
773-489-3126

Rene,

I thought you might have some good leads. I look forward to running these down.