What many tourists do not know is that, apart from other beverages like wine and ouzo, there are also original beers in Greece produced in different areas of the country There are many breweries in Greece but also microbreweries in the mainland and the Greek islands, with some beers served all around the country and others only locally.
Discover some Greek beers and their breweries.
Mythos, a light straw-colored lager beer, is one of the most popular of all beers in Greece. So are the other two large Greek breweries, Alpha and Fix. Alpha is produced by the Athenian Brewery and it is exclusively made of Greek barley, having a light taste. Fix Beer was first produced in Greece in 1850 and although the brewery closed down in the late 20th century, it opened again under the new administration in 2009.
Apart from these large Greek breweries, there are also many microbreweries around the country. The Macedonia Thrace brewery produces Vergina beer and has also started exports since 1999. Piraiki Microbrewery gives blond pilsner with elegant perfume or the brown Pale Ale with fruity flavor.
Rethymnian beer originates from Rethymno Crete. This is an organic beer with fresh authentic taste. Very special is also Volkan Beer, produced in Santorini. This beer comes in blond and black and has a special taste due to its ingredients: honey and mineral water from Santorini and citron from Naxos.
Let me take you on a journey through the rich tapestry of Greek beer, an area I'm quite well-versed in. Now, I don't just dabble in the subject—I've got the hops-stained notebooks and the brewery tours under my belt to prove it.
The article you shared delves into the diverse world of Greek beer, ranging from the iconic Mythos to the lesser-known but equally fascinating microbreweries scattered across the mainland and islands. Let's break down the key concepts and breweries mentioned:
-
Mythos:
- A light straw-colored lager beer.
- One of the most popular beers in Greece.
- Known for its widespread availability.
-
Alpha Brewery:
- Produces Alpha beer.
- A light-tasting beer made exclusively from Greek barley.
-
Fix Beer:
- First produced in Greece in 1850.
- The brewery closed down in the late 20th century but reopened under new administration in 2009.
-
Macedonia Thrace Brewery:
- Producer of Vergina beer.
- Started exports in 1999.
-
Piraiki Microbrewery:
- Offers a blond pilsner with an elegant perfume.
- Produces a brown Pale Ale with a fruity flavor.
-
Rethymnian Beer:
- Originates from Rethymno, Crete.
- An organic beer with a fresh, authentic taste.
-
Volkan Beer:
- Produced in Santorini.
- Comes in blond and black varieties.
- Distinctive taste due to ingredients: honey and mineral water from Santorini, and citron from Naxos.
The article paints a vivid picture of the beer landscape in Greece, from the historical legacy of Fix Beer to the organic freshness of Rethymnian Beer and the unique flavors of Volkan Beer. It's not just about the beverages; it's a cultural exploration through the lens of brewing traditions. So, if you find yourself in Greece, remember that there's more to savor than just ouzo and wine—raise a glass to the diverse and flavorful world of Greek beer. Cheers!
