Guillermo Fernández, brewer and owner of Cervecería Aurelia in the Virgen del Huerto neighbourhood of Asunción, won the gold medal in the Irish Dry Stout category at the 2025 Copa Guaraní de Cervezas (Copa Guaraní Beer Competition), the fastest-growing beer contest in Hispanic America.
The competition took place in Paraguay’s capital in August, attracting both commercial breweries and homebrewers from across Latin America. Recognised by an international panel of judges, this distinction marks a milestone in Fernández’ craft journey.
The Copa Guaraní competition
The fourth edition of the Copa Guaraní de Cervezas hosted the largest number of entries yet, judged by experts with international certifications and decades of experience. Declared to be of national cultural and tourist interest, the event has become a prestigious benchmark for brewers.
For Fernández, the award goes beyond prestige. “The judges give you detailed feedback on colour, aroma and flavour. It shows you what is good, what needs correcting, and helps you continue improving,” he explains.
This combination of recognition and constructive criticism is what makes the competition so meaningful for participants.
Crafting the Cervecería Aurelia Irish Stout Gold Medal
The champion beer is the result of years of experimentation and refinement. Fernández explains that the recipe gradually evolved through adjustments in malt combinations and flavour balance, drawing on earlier brews and continuous testing until it reached the profile they sought.
“We adjusted ingredients, removed some malts, tried different versions, and in the end, we sent what we enjoyed drinking ourselves.”
Entering the competition was, for him, less about winning trophies and more about measuring their craft against recognised international standards. Fernández believes this approach gave the stout its strength.
By remaining true to traditional style guidelines while expressing their own character, the team created a brew that impressed both judges and loyal customers. The medal, therefore, celebrates both technical mastery and authenticity.
What the victory means
Winning at Copa Guaraní has boosted morale at the brewery. The gold-medal-winning brewer describes the medal as a source of confidence and motivation for his team, encouraging them to continue refining their beers and raising the bar. For the pub’s loyal customers, the award has become a point of pride and celebration.
Looking forward, the owner’s ambitions remain local rather than global. He is focused on strengthening the brand’s presence in Paraguay, growing the venue’s community, and ensuring sustainable growth without compromising its independent spirit.
Competitions are not his main priority, yet he stated that the team will continue to enter when the beers are ready, valuing the feedback more than the trophies.
Visit Cervecería Aurelia as a VIP Member
For those interested in tasting the award-winning Irish Stout and the rest of Cervecería Aurelia’s creations, the establishment can be found on San Miguel Street in the Virgen del Huerto neighbourhood of Asunción.
VIP Members of The Asunción Times also receive a 10% discount simply by presenting their VIP Member Benefits. This benefit is part of a series of exclusive perks designed for our loyal readers, ensuring that supporting local brewing comes with both flavour and added value.
Visitors are welcomed with a lively atmosphere where craft is celebrated, making it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts in the city.
For more information check Cervecería Aurelia on Instagram.
