A Live Guide to Local Craft Beer
Marc Rodríguez, a developer from Manresa, has launched BirraKm0, a free digital map dedicated to artisan beer producers and venues across Catalonia. The platform, available as both a website and mobile app for Android and iOS, currently lists around 200 locations including breweries, taprooms, brewpubs, specialist shops and nomadic brands that sell at markets or online. Rodríguez, who has worked as a programmer for two decades, spent the past year building the tool after repeated frustrations trying to find functioning craft beer spots with friends. Information was often outdated, scattered across old blogs or unreliable platforms.
I wanted to easily find places from my phone and support local businesses at the same time,
said Rodríguez, explaining the motivation behind the project.
Verified Listings and User Contributions
The map distinguishes between different types of venues: production breweries, taprooms linked to them, brewpubs that make and serve on-site, and specialty retailers. Over half of the current entries have been manually verified for accuracy. Users can search by comarca (county) or proximity, view addresses, phone numbers, websites, social media links and photos, and access details about available beers where updated. They can also save favourites, add reviews and images, and report inaccuracies such as closures. The app uses Google Maps and includes filters for gluten-free options and non-alcoholic beers, catering to specific dietary preferences.
A Gamified Passport System
One playful feature is the "cerveser passport" (beer lover's passport). When users come within 300 metres of a listed venue, they can digitally stamp it, collecting virtual stamps as they visit new places or explore different regions.
It’s about rewarding discovery, not drinking,
Rodríguez stressed, highlighting that the focus is on engagement with local culture rather than alcohol consumption.
Supporting Small Producers
Businesses can claim their listing to update information directly. A future subscription tier, yet to be activated, will allow venues to upload beer photos and announce events, with push notifications sent to nearby users. Though developed largely solo, Rodríguez receives help from friends, family and anonymous contributors who test the app, flag errors and identify new locations. Around 50 people are already registered on the platform, and the map continues to expand daily. He recommends spots like Hoppit Escape in Manresa, a combination of craft beer bar and escape room, and Refu Fàbrica in Bossòst, Vall d’Aran, among others in concentrated clusters like Barcelona’s Sant Andreu district. BirraKm0 is funded independently and does not sell or share user data. All content is moderated before publication. Users retain rights to their contributions but grant permission for public display. To learn more or download the app, visit birrakm0.app.
Reported by elperiodico.cat, birrakm0.app, taxi.amb.cat, El Periódico (CA).
