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The best craft beer in the Balkans to try
The best craft beer in the Balkans to try
Craft brewing has been gaining popularity over the past few years, with many independent brands emerging in Europe. Together with the classic beer lines, several young brewers from the Balkans have managed to put their name on the "beer map". Through experimentation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, the following seven Balkan beer brands combine unique flavors with distinctive designs. Here are our top picks of craft beers you should try.
Bulgaria
Even though Bulgaria is not the most popular beer tourism destination in Europe, Bulgaria has a long tradition of brewing beer dating back to the 19th century. Therefore, it is not surprising that three of the recommended brands are Bulgarian.Ah!
This brand was founded by Rory Miller, a young American who settled in Bulgaria, where he found inspiration and ingredients to start his own brewing business. Although the beer is brewed in Belgium, the recipes and designs for Ah! local. Mint, Mursala tea (local herb) and Bulgarian hops are used to create unique flavors. And not only the taste of beer is unique, but also the appearance and name. The names for the beers were inspired by the number of the recipe they were made from. In addition, Bulgarian artists and illustrators have become involved in packaging design. You can find beer Ah! in selected stores in Bulgaria. For more information visit their Facebook page.Ailyak
Behind this new brand is a brewing duo that so far can only be found at special events and exhibitions. Joro and Plumi are a pair of young entrepreneurs working together on a project. "Ailyak" is a slang term meaning laid-back and chilled, perfectly reflecting the brand's taste and worldview. Joro Hristov, who is in charge of the brewing process, is experimenting with unusual flavors such as amarillo and echinacea. The packaging design is also bold, with bright colors and vibrant typography. The beer is brewed locally in Sofia and the founders are looking for a suitable enterprise to start commercial production. Now Ailyak beer can only be tasted at industry events such as Expo Milano 2015 or in local bars. For updates, you can follow their Facebook page.rosebrew
Bulgaria is well known for the production of rose oil and rose water. Already the name Rosebrew hints at the main ingredient for their beer - rose water. Ivaylo Penev, co-founder of the brand, after years of culinary experimentation and the growing demand for craft beer in Europe figured out how to use organic rose water for his beer. In addition, hints of hibiscus, coriander and chocolate contribute to the exceptional taste of Rosebrew products. All beers are organic and suitable for vegans. Those wishing to purchase a bottle or two can do so on the Rosebrew website.Romania
According to a 2010 study by the World Health Organization, Romanians are among the largest beer drinkers in the world. Beer brewing has a long tradition in Romania, which has its origins in the regions of Transylvania and Moldova. Romania currently boasts a number of microbreweries producing high quality craft beer.Zaganu
Zaganu is a brand that is produced by an independent mini-brewery in the Romanian region of Meneciu-Ungureni. The beer is produced, bottled and labeled by hand. The production is carried out by a small team of local residents of the village of Maneciu under the expert guidance of master brewer Ileana. Now the brewery produces two types of beer; "Blonda" (light beer) and "Bruna" (dark beer). Both are naturally fermented for at least 21 to 30 days, then bottled with a 45 day shelf life. The relatively short shelf life of the beer is the reason why it is bottled on demand. Zaganu is sold primarily locally and in specialty stores or at events.Bere Sara
Bere Sara is an unfiltered homemade beer. The entire production process is carried out by hand using selected ingredients and spring water straight from the heart of the Carpathians. The beer bears the emblem of the Banat region as a completely local product. Thanks to manual production, each bottle has its own unique taste. Everyone who wants to try Bere Sarah can order it online or find it in the Sarah boarding house in the picturesque village of Valug.Serbia
Beer is a very popular drink in Serbia and many Serbs drink it as often as coffee. However, beyond these national borders, Serbian beer is not well known. However, this is gradually changing and then independent Serbian breweries enter the European market.Cabinet
“Cabinet” beer is produced in Nemenikuch, at the foot of Mount Kosmaia. The person behind the brand is Bronimir Melentievich, who strives to create a holistic experience of drinking beer. The brewery is experimenting with both local and exotic flavors and ingredients such as lemon balm, honey, hemp, orange and tangerine just to name a few. In addition to the characteristic tastes, Kabinet beer stands out for its artistic packaging design - the result of collaborations with various artists, from visual artists to photographers, to illustrators and graphic designers. “Cabinet” beer can be purchased in specialized stores, as well as online.Greece
Beer consumption in Greece dates back to ancient Greek times, when pale imported beer was in high demand. However, the first breweries in Greece opened only at the end of the 19th century. Currently, locally produced beer is gaining popularity not only among the Greeks, but also on the international market.Voreia
Voreia beer is produced at the Siris microbrewery in Serres, Greece. Greek barley and distinctive coffee and caramel flavors are trademarks of Voreia. The brewery is proud to be the first micro-enterprise of its kind in northern Greece. The beer is, of course, unpasteurized, with four different varieties - IPA, Pilsener, Wit and Stout. Voreia can be found in specialized stores.