Beers from Greece
While Greece is better known for its wine and spirits, the country’s beer scene has grown steadily in recent years. With a mix of traditional lagers, refreshing pale ales, and an emerging craft beer movement, Greek beers offer something for every palate. Whether you’re enjoying a cold lager at a beachside taverna or sampling a locally brewed craft beer, Greece has a range of flavours and styles that reflect its Mediterranean heritage and growing brewing culture.
Types of Greek Beers
Lager
Lager is the most widely consumed beer style in Greece, with several local brands dominating the market. Greek lagers are typically pale, golden in colour, and light in body, making them perfect for the country’s warm climate. These beers are crisp and refreshing, with a mild malt sweetness balanced by a light hop bitterness. Mythos and Fix Hellas are two of the most popular lagers in Greece, offering easy-drinking options that are widely available across the country. These beers are perfect for pairing with traditional Greek cuisine, such as grilled meats, seafood, and fresh salads.
Pilsner
Pilsners are a popular variation of lagers in Greece, offering a slightly more pronounced bitterness compared to standard lagers. Greek Pilsners tend to have a clean, crisp taste with floral and herbal hop aromas, thanks to the use of European hops. Brands like Alfa and Vergina produce Pilsners that are refreshing and light but with a touch more complexity than typical lagers. These beers are well-suited for a hot day or as an accompaniment to grilled foods, such as souvlaki and gyros.
Pale Ale
The rise of craft beer in Greece has brought with it a growing number of pale ales. These beers are typically more flavourful than lagers, with a stronger malt presence and more pronounced hop bitterness. Greek pale ales often feature citrus and floral hop notes, balanced by a malty backbone. Santorini Brewing Company’s Yellow Donkey is a well-known example of a Greek pale ale, offering fruity, tropical flavours and a slightly hoppy finish. This style is gaining popularity among beer enthusiasts looking for more robust and aromatic beers.
Wheat Beer (Weissbier)
Wheat beer, or Weissbier, is another style that has become popular in Greece, particularly during the summer months. These beers are brewed with a significant portion of wheat, giving them a smooth, slightly creamy texture and a hazy appearance. Greek wheat beers are often fruity and aromatic, with notes of banana and clove from the yeast, similar to their German counterparts. Beers like Septem’s Weiss Honey are great examples of this style, offering a refreshing, slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with lighter dishes and seafood.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
The craft beer movement in Greece has also introduced a range of IPAs, known for their bold hop flavours and aromas. Greek IPAs often feature tropical fruit, citrus, and pine notes, with a well-balanced bitterness. These beers tend to be more adventurous and cater to craft beer aficionados seeking more intense hop profiles. Microbreweries like Noctua and Seven Island Brewing have gained recognition for their hoppy and aromatic IPAs, which showcase the innovation and creativity of Greek brewers.
Flavours of Greek Beers
Crisp and Refreshing
Greek lagers and Pilsners are known for their light and refreshing qualities. These beers are often pale in colour, with a clean, crisp taste that makes them easy to drink in Greece’s warm climate. The mild malt sweetness is balanced by a light bitterness, offering a perfect complement to Mediterranean cuisine.
Fruity and Aromatic
Wheat beers and pale ales from Greece offer more complex flavour profiles, with fruity and aromatic characteristics. Wheat beers tend to have banana, clove, and sometimes citrus notes, making them refreshing and ideal for summertime. Pale ales often feature citrus and tropical fruit aromas, with a slightly more robust malt presence.
Bold and Hoppy
IPAs are gaining popularity in Greece, especially within the craft beer scene. These beers are bold and hoppy, with tropical fruit, citrus, and pine flavours dominating the palate. The hop-forward nature of IPAs provides a stronger bitterness that is balanced by a solid malt backbone, making them more intense than traditional Greek lagers.
Conclusion
The beer culture in Greece has evolved significantly over the years, from the dominance of light lagers and Pilsners to the emergence of a vibrant craft beer scene. Whether you prefer the crisp refreshment of a traditional Greek lager, the fruity aromas of a pale ale, or the bold bitterness of an IPA, Greece’s beer landscape offers a wide range of flavours and styles. The growing number of microbreweries and craft beer producers across the country ensures that beer lovers can find something new and exciting to enjoy, all while experiencing the unique character of Greek brewing. As the industry continues to grow, Greek beers are poised to become a favourite choice for both locals and visitors alike.
