About us

The Dream

We believe the future is in your own hands and that following your heart is the path to true fulfillment. It was with this conviction that Melissa and Bastiaan decided to pursue their dream.

For years, they have shared a passion for craft beer. Bastiaan has over 13 years of experience as a professional brewer, while Melissa uses her expertise as a marketer and graphic designer to bring the brand's story and image to life. This combination of craftsmanship and creativity forms the foundation of Cervecería de Zarra.

The Spanish village of Zarra

The foundation of our brewery lies in the mountain village of Zarra, located in the beautiful Ayora Valley. The tranquility, nature, and rich local traditions make this place the ideal home base for us.

Zarra is known for its delicious cherries, which are celebrated every June during the traditional Cherry Festival. The connection with the village and its surroundings is an important source of inspiration for Cervecería de Zarra.

The beers

With an eye for quality, local ingredients, and original recipes, Bastiaan is inspired by the colours, scents, and flavours of the Ayora Valley. By collaborating with local farmers and producers, we incorporate regional ingredients into our beers.

This way, in every glass, you taste not only craftsmanship but also the character of the surroundings where Cervecería de Zarra originated.

Meet the team

Bastiaan Liebrecht

HEAD BREWER & CEO

Brewer Bastiaan has over 10 years of experience as a professional brewer and has developed more than 50 unique beer recipes. He gained experience at Brouwerij de Prael, Brouwerij Troost, and Baxbier, among others, and also works as a brewer and consultant for hospitality and retail. His craftsmanship was recently further honored when one of his clients was mentioned in the Michelin Guide, with their beers also receiving praise.

Melissa Korsmit

MARKETING / DESIGN & COO

Melissa combines her passion for design and marketing with years of experience as an entrepreneur. She has worked for various brands, including those in the superyacht industry, automotive, and food sector, and translates that knowledge into a strong and recognizable brand. At Cervecería de Zarra, she is responsible for the branding, marketing, and design of everything you see.

Dënis van der Heijden

SALES NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM

As a beer sommelier and founder of Bierjolais Primeur, Dënis knows better than anyone how to get people excited about special beers. As an ambassador for Cervecería de Zarra and responsible for sales in the Netherlands and Belgium, he brings our beers to restaurants, specialty stores, and beer enthusiasts. For Dënis, craft beer is about more than just taste. It's about craftsmanship, connection, and the story behind every glass. That's precisely why he feels at home at Cervecería de Zarra, where local ingredients, craftsmanship, and collaboration are central.

Jochem van de Kletersteeg

SALES SPAIN

Jochem has years of experience in the food sector, where he developed into a driven and successful salesperson. He has also made his Spanish dream come true and feels completely at home in the region. With his commercial experience, good command of the Spanish language, and passion for craft beer, Jochem is a valuable addition to the Cervecería de Zarra team. He enjoys building sustainable relationships and ensures that our beers find their way to hospitality venues, specialty stores, and other lovers of artisanal beer.