A Northern collaboration celebrating Portuguese ingredients and craft beer with identity
The BRABRA IPA is the type of beer that only exists when two teams share the same vision — and have the courage to execute it together. Born from a collaboration between Cerveja Letra, from Braga, and Brighops, from Bragança, this IPA is a limited edition that celebrates the best of Portuguese craft: territory, local ingredients, and technique at the service of flavor.
A secret: David Cadete was my colleague in the first edition of the Beer Sommelier Postgraduate course at the Porto School of Hotel and Tourism. A master brewer, he is dedicated to revitalizing and promoting hop production — of the most diverse varieties — in the Bragança region, and he recently launched his brand: Brighops. On the other side, Cerveja Letra is a landmark in the Portuguese craft beer scene, known for its innovation and quality, and an essential, long-standing partner of Syndicato. It is, therefore, a pleasure to introduce you to this BraBra!!
Two “Bra”s, one beer
The name says it all. “Bra” for Braga, “Bra” for Bragança — a strong, direct sound that carries regional identity in every syllable. Letra is one of the most recognized breweries in the national craft scene, based in Vila Verde, Minho, with a reputation built on consistency, quality, and a deep connection to the territory. Brighops brings the Transmontano character — determined, authentic, and rooted in the Portuguese Northeast.
Together, they created an IPA that is more than the sum of its parts.
100% Portuguese ingredients — and that makes a difference
At a time when "local" is increasingly valued, the BRABRA IPA goes beyond the talk. The base is built on Portuguese barley malt and unmalted rye, two traditional cereals that provide body, texture, and a sense of terroir that is difficult to replicate. The water used is Minho water, sourced in the Vila Verde region — clean, soft, and with the mineral character of the Portuguese Northwest.
On this solid foundation, the brewers worked with three hops of great personality: Cascade, Chinook, and Mosaic — a triad that covers the entire aromatic spectrum, from citrus to tropical, from resinous to floral.
What you'll find in the glass
The BRABRA IPA presents itself with a deep, hazy golden color, characteristic of an unfiltered IPA with personality. The aroma is immediate and generous: citrus, mango, passion fruit, and pine arrive in layers, preparing the palate for what's to come.
On the palate, it is refreshing and vibrant, with medium body and a present but perfectly balanced bitterness. The finish is dry and clean — the kind of finish that inevitably invites another sip.
At 7% ABV, it has presence without losing elegance. A modern IPA, with technique and identity.
How and what to drink it with
BraBra's hopped and tropical profile calls for pairings that enhance its aromatic intensity without overpowering it:
- 🍔 Spicy chicken burger with barbecue sauce — the resinous notes of the Chinook find a perfect echo
- 🌮 Fish tacos with guacamole and pico de gallo — the citrus from the Cascade dialogues directly with lime and cilantro
- 🧀 Aged cheddar — the creaminess and intensity of the cheese unexpectedly balance the bitterness
- 🍕 Pepperoni pizza — a classic palate cleanser, where the vibrant carbonation cuts through the fat of the sausage
- 🥗 Shrimp salad with mango and citrus vinaigrette — amplifies the tropical tones of the Mosaic without competing for the spotlight
Why you shouldn't miss this edition
The BRABRA IPA is a limited edition — and like all good collaborations, it doesn't last forever. It is a beer that represents the best of what Portuguese craft has to offer today: two breweries with their own identity, national ingredients with purpose, and a result that justifies every detail of the process.
Available here in the Syndicato shop in a 44cl can.
Store upright, in a cool, dry place. Do not age. Best consumed fresh — and with good company
Co-Founder & Beer Sommelier
