La Velo Brewery

Craft Beer with a Rogue Touch

Enchanted by La Velo's brews but not satisfied with the first round, we curiously ordered a wheat Weiss that exudes a slight hint of banana.

Author: Aina Coll

Photographer: Jaume Oliver

The three iconic windmills flanking the always lively Indústria Street in Palma are an emblem of the Santa Catalina neighborhood. They have been part of its postcard since the 19th century and coexist with the neighborhood’s gastronomic offerings, which have been growing in recent years.

On the street, the bustle that starts to be noticed around 6:00 PM hints at the atmosphere that will crescendo as the night progresses, but at this hour, one can still enjoy a beer in peace at La Velo, a brewery, street food, and burger joint, as its sign clearly and directly announces. What better plan for a hot Thursday in July after work?

High tables and stools, sofas, and chairs of different colors, microcement floor, and a black ceiling shape the local's aesthetic—a space that’s a bit retro, a bit grunge, reminiscent of a factory or garage, but it’s a brewery, or better yet, all three at once because, upon entering, behind the glass, we discover the enormous tanks where they brew their own beer.

With Gorillaz as the soundtrack—Dreams aren't bad, our heads are mad, I love the girl, but God only knows it's—we observe, somewhat lost, the ten taps reigning at the bar, which change regularly. The current offerings, announced on the chalkboard, present us with a universe of brews we want to taste: summer lager, brown ale, fruit stout, session IPA, schwartz, Munich lager, Hazy IPA, doppelbock, neipa, and Weiss, but we opt to ask for advice. It’s always a good idea to be guided by the wisdom of the experts.

We are four—because a place like this should be visited with good company—and after the necessary explanations, we dive in. The tasting begins. We start with a Hazy IPA, a very creamy and bitter beer, probably the hardest of those we tried. Session IPA is the counterpoint: smooth and fruity, easy to drink and enjoyable; summer lager is light and refreshing—ideal for those who prefer to play it safe—and the Munich lager is simply difficult to describe with words due to all its nuances, but a very special choice that surprises and delights us equally.

Enchanted by La Velo's brews but not satisfied with the first round, we curiously ordered a wheat Weiss that exudes a slight hint of banana. Incredibly good and very different from anything we had drunk before, there was no better way to end our first experience here.

We love craft beers for many reasons, but surely one of the most notable is that they remind us of the joy of savoring slowly. Retaining the sip. Trying to decipher each nuance. Capturing the different aromas. And all while sharing a moment of laughter and picturesque conversations with your friends. It sounds good, but it tastes even better.

While tasting the beers, we nibbled on some popcorn and browsed the microbrewery’s menu: homemade fries from Sa Pobla, chicken fingers with Maonese cheese DOP, salads, and a long list of smash burgers made with national beef. Additionally, the menu features some appetizing vegan options, one of them with Bon Bessó cheese.

The best part of discovering a place and not tasting everything is that you leave wanting more. We left La Velo happy and satisfied but eager to return. Quality craft beer, exquisite service, and good company. No, there was no better plan for today. Blessed Thursdays!