Located in the trendy area of Villa Morra neighbourhood, Asunción, Palo Santo has become a trusted name in Paraguay’s craft beer community since 2016. The brewpub offers a mix of in-house brewed beer and locally-made dry gin, served with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after work with colleagues, or a place to meet with friends before heading out for the night.
A Comfortable, Versatile Space
One of the things that makes Palo Santo stand out is its spacious, well-thought-out venue. The open-plan layout in a warehouse brewpub with a U-shaped bar, creates a cozy yet open environment. There’s enough space for patrons to move around, relax, or mingle, and it’s a popular location for social meet-ups such as those run by the Paraguay Digital Nomads community and the Bitcoin Paraguay community.
For more casual visits, the other side of the bar features high tables and chairs, perfect for those looking to socialise. If you enjoy being outdoors or need a place to step outside for a smoke, the patio offers a nice space to relax. There’s also the option of booking one of two private rooms on the second floor for smaller gatherings or business events.
Nitsuga: The Signature Beers of Palo Santo Brewing Co
When it comes to beer selections, Palo Santo’s best signature beer is Nitsuga – the brewery’s flagship brew. It is named after Agustín Pío Barrios, a famous Paraguayan composer (the beer’s name is his name written backwards). Through Nitsuga, Palo Santo showcases its passion for both beer-making and local traditions, crafting a brew that aligns with Paraguay’s arts and culture. This connection is evident in the local artistic touch found on the beer’s packaging.
Nitsuga. Photo: Palo Santo
A Selection of Flavorful Beers
At Palo Santo, you will find a variety of beers to suit different tastes. Here are a few popular ones:
- Contemplación (Belgian Witbier): This smooth, refreshing Belgian-style wheat beer is made with a unique combination of malted barley, oats, and local ingredients like kuratu seed, orange peel, and lemon peel. It won Best Belgian Ale at the 2019 Craft Beer Competition in Chile.
- Aire Paraguayo (American Pale Ale): This American-style pale ale is made from 100% malted barley. With medium bitterness and floral and citrus notes, it’s a balanced beer that is both refreshing and flavorful.
- Preludio (India Pale Ale – IPA): A classic IPA with a high bitterness and a golden color. Expect citrus and fruity notes, perfect for IPA lovers.
- Maxixe (Black Rye IPA): A dark beer with an 8% ABV. The deep malts balance out the strong alcohol content, bringing out chocolate and coffee flavors.
- Mabelita Cream Ale: A light, easy-to-drink cream ale that’s become a favorite. Golden in color and made with corn flakes and malted barley, it’s refreshing and smooth.
Beer Options. Photo: Palo Santo
Beer prices are reasonable for a craft brewery in Paraguay:
- Beers: ₲15,000 to ₲25,000 (Paraguayan Guarani) each, depending on the style and size (US$2-3).
- Beer Flights: ₲40,000 to ₲50,000, giving you the chance to sample multiple beers at once (US$5-6).
Palo Santo also offers a selection of food that pairs well with their beers. The menu features classic pub-style dishes like burgers, fries, pizzas, tacos, and food platters to share.
Isabel Dry Gin: A New Addition
In 2024, Palo Santo Brewing Co. introduced Isabel Dry Gin, handcrafted with local herbs, bringing a uniquely Paraguayan twist to the classic London Dry style. The gin comes in two variants:
- Isabel Apepú London Dry Gin: Made with apepú bark, this version offers subtle citrus and resinous aromas.
- Isabel Cedrón London Dry Gin: This gin blends cedrón kapi’I (similar to lemongrass), cedrón Paraguay, and juniper for fresh, herbal notes.
These gins are not only a tribute to Paraguayan botanicals but also to Doña Gregoria Isabel Villalba, the muse of the Paraguayan composer Agustín Pío Barrios (the inspiration for the Nitsuga flagship brew).
The gin is priced at ₲89,000 for a 750ml bottle and is available to buy or enjoy in cocktails like the Palo Santo Brew-levardier. It’s a refreshing addition to the menu and another way Palo Santo Brewing Co. showcases Paraguay’s native aromatic.
Gin Isabel. Photo: Palo Santo
The Story Behind Palo Santo Brewing Co.
Palo Santo Brewing Co. was founded in 2016, when a group of friends with the similar passion for craft beers decided to bring quality, locally brewed beer to Asunción. They started small, brewing limited batches, but quickly grew to meet the rising demand. Now, the brewpub produces up to 500 liters of beer per month and has become a go-to place for anyone in the area looking to enjoy a good beer.
Palo Santo Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
Photo: Palo Santo
Why Visit?
If you’re looking for a lively, social atmosphere in a warm, welcoming venue with versatile seating arrangements that cater to different group sizes and activities while enjoying a pint of unique local flavor, Palo Santo is the place to be. Whether you’re there to have a quiet dinner, enjoy drinks with friends, or host a private event, Palo Santo provides a comfortable space that adapts to your needs. With a variety of signature Nitsuga beers, combined with the freshly launched aromatic Isabel Dry Gin, and a space that suits everything from casual hangouts to private events, it’s more than just a brewpub — it’s a place to relax, connect, and experience something exciting. Whether you are a craft beer enthusiast or just want to hang out with new friends, Palo Santo offers a unique experience in Asunción!
