Walk into any neighborhood bar in Dallas and look at the tap handles. You'll see the giants, sure. But look for the colorful, Loteria-inspired cans. That's Four Corners Brewing Company. They didn't just open a brewery; they basically bottled the soul of a city that was, for a long time, struggling to find its craft identity.
It started in 2012. Back then, West Dallas wasn't the trendy, high-rise-filled skyline it is today. It was industrial. It was gritty. It was exactly where George Esquivel, Greg Rossi, and Steve Porcari decided to plant a flag. They weren't just looking for cheap rent; they were looking for a culture that matched their vision of "Bicultural" brewing.
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The Loteria Connection
If you've ever seen a can of El Chingón, you know the branding. It’s iconic. Honestly, it’s probably one of the most successful branding exercises in the history of Texas craft beer. They leaned into the Mexican-American heritage of Dallas in a way that felt authentic, not like a marketing gimmick. They used the Loteria card aesthetic to tell a story about their community. El Chingón isn't just a heavy-hitting IPA; it's a statement.
The name itself? It’s a bit of a wink and a nod. In Mexican slang, it can mean "the boss" or "the best," but it’s got a bit of an edge to it. This wasn't corporate beer. It was beer with a personality that matched the heat of a Texas summer.
The beer itself matters, too. We’re talking about a 7.3% ABV IPA that manages to be bold without being a "palate wrecker." It’s balanced. That balance is what kept them alive when other breweries were chasing trends that died out in six months.
Moving to the Cedars
Growth happens. By 2017, the original West Dallas spot was too small. They moved to a massive, renovated stable in The Cedars district, just south of downtown Dallas. This wasn't just a move for more tank space; it was about creating a destination.
The taproom there is massive. It’s got that high-ceiling, industrial-cool vibe, but it’s warm. You’ll see families there. You’ll see people on dates. You’ll see old-school Dallas residents who remember what the neighborhood used to look like. They turned a 1916 building into a hub. That’s not easy. It takes a lot of capital and even more grit to navigate the zoning and historic preservation requirements of a city like Dallas.
The Constellation Brands Era
Here is where things get interesting—and where some "purists" got a little salty. In 2018, Constellation Brands bought Four Corners Brewing Company.
Constellation is a monster. They own Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico. When a "craft" brewery gets bought by a global conglomerate, the internet usually loses its mind. People scream "sellout." They worry the recipe will change. They assume the soul is gone.
But let’s look at the reality. Constellation didn't buy them to turn El Chingón into Bud Light. They bought them because Four Corners had figured out a demographic that the big players were failing to reach: the modern, bicultural consumer.
George Esquivel stayed on as co-founder and lead. That's a big deal. Usually, the founders take the check and vanish to a beach in Cabo. Staying on meant the vision stayed intact. The acquisition provided the resources for massive distribution. Suddenly, you could find Four Corners in grocery stores across the state, not just in specialized bottle shops in Deep Ellum.
Beyond the IPA: The Portfolio
Most people know them for the IPA, but they’ve branched out. You have to.
- El Super Abeja: A honey blonde ale that is dangerously easy to drink.
- La Bajada: A Mexican-style lager that actually tastes like a craft product, not a watery adjunct.
- Heart of Gold: Their classic blonde ale. It’s simple. It’s clean.
- Buchita: Their foray into the seltzer/sparkling water world, flavored with things like hibiscus.
They’ve played with seasonal releases, too. They do a lot of small-batch stuff that you can only find at the taproom. That’s how you keep the locals happy while the big trucks are hauling pallets of El Chingón to H-E-B.
Why It Matters Today
The craft beer market is crowded. Like, really crowded. In 2026, the novelty of "locally brewed" has worn off. People want quality, and they want a brand they actually like. Four Corners survived the "Great Craft Shakeout" because they had a clear identity from day one.
They didn't try to be a German brewhouse. They didn't try to be a sterile, modern laboratory. They were unapologetically Dallas. Unapologetically bicultural.
If you’re visiting Dallas, the brewery is a mandatory stop. Not just for the beer, but for the architecture of the building and the view of the skyline. It represents the "New South" in a way that feels earned.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re looking to dive into the world of Texas craft beer, or if you're just a fan of the brand, here is how to actually experience Four Corners Brewing Company properly:
- Visit the Taproom in The Cedars: Don't just buy a six-pack at the store. Go to the source. The atmosphere in that renovated stable is half the experience. Check their calendar for "Loteria Nights"—it’s exactly what it sounds like, and it’s a blast.
- Try the Flight: Don't just stick to El Chingón. Their lagers are underrated. Ask the bartender what’s new on the small-batch tap. They often have experimental brews that never make it to cans.
- Explore the Neighborhood: The Cedars is an incredible part of Dallas that many tourists miss. Grab a beer at Four Corners, then walk over to some of the local galleries or the nearby Lee Harvey’s for a completely different vibe.
- Look at the Art: Take a second to actually look at the can designs. Each one tells a story about the flavor profile and the culture that inspired it. It’s some of the best graphic design in the industry, period.
The story of Four Corners isn't just about beer. It's about how a brand can successfully navigate the transition from a neighborhood startup to a global subsidiary without losing the very thing that made it special in the first place. That’s a rare feat in any business, especially one as volatile as brewing.
Support your local brewers. Drink the good stuff. And maybe, if you're lucky, win a round of Loteria while you're at it.