History of Cruzcampo
About Us
The history of Cruzcampo, brewers since 1904, is a story of joyful living and taking pleasure in the little everyday things.
Because life is better when you see the glass as half full rather than half empty…
Tomas & Roberto
In the summer of 1904, brothers Tomás and Roberto Osborne decided to pursue a dream: To create a beer that would be perfect for the warm southern climate; a beer tailed for Andalucians that could be enjoyed at a very low temperature, whilst maintaining its flavour and aroma.
They left their family business and their native Puerto de Santa María to find their own brewery in Sevilla, Nervión.
They chose Sevilla and the Guadalquivir River for its high-quality water, similar to the Pilsen River (The iconic brewery).
The Brewery
The brewery was established in Avenida Andalucía and took its name from “El Templete de la Cruz del Campo”, a monument built in the 40th century, representing the last stop of the famous Via Crucis of the Sevillian Holy Week.
Gambrinus
Here Tomás and Roberto began to brew their famous Cruzcampo beer inspired by the Legend of Jan Primus (otherwise known as Gambrinus, the brand’s icon); a medieval legend with 1000 years of history, that talks a story about the ancient Master Brewers looking for a new leader: the strongest and bravest of them all. Whoever was able to carry an enormous barrel to the finish line would win the title of the new King of Beer.
One after the other tried, some able to move it a few meters, but none of them managed to get close to the finish line. Gambrinus decided to opt for ingenuity instead of brute force. He installed a tap on the barrel and began to drink and share the beer with others until the barrel was empty. He then effortlessly lifted the keg, carried it to the finish line and was crowned the new King of Beer.
Gambrinus is seen as a guardian of beer, brewing and simply enjoying life. Since 1926 he has featured on the Cruzcampo packaging and represents a key part of the history of the brand, and is a lesson on how to enjoy each day as it comes.
