Beers from Turkey
Turkey may be more famous for its rich coffee and strong raki, but the country’s beer scene is steadily growing. With a brewing history influenced by both European and Middle Eastern traditions, Turkish beers offer a variety of styles and flavours, mainly focusing on refreshing lagers that complement the country’s warm climate. Although Turkey’s beer industry is still developing compared to neighbouring European countries, there are several notable brands and breweries producing quality beer for both domestic consumption and export.
Types of Beers in Turkey
Lagers
Lagers dominate the Turkish beer market, and they are the most widely consumed style of beer in the country. These beers are typically light, crisp, and easy to drink, making them ideal for Turkey’s hot summers and Mediterranean meals.
Efes Pilsen: Efes Pilsen is the most iconic beer in Turkey, representing over 80% of the market share. This pale lager is known for its light malt flavour and subtle bitterness. It has a smooth, slightly sweet finish with a crisp body, making it a refreshing choice in the Turkish heat.
Bomonti: Another popular Turkish lager, Bomonti offers a fuller, more robust flavour than Efes. With a mild maltiness and a slight hop bitterness, Bomonti has a richer taste while maintaining the easy-drinking characteristics that are typical of Turkish beers. Bomonti also produces a darker version, Bomonti Filtresiz (unfiltered), which has a slightly hazier appearance and a fuller mouthfeel.
Pilsners
Pilsners are a popular subset of lagers in Turkey, offering a slightly more pronounced hop bitterness than the lighter lagers. They are refreshing, light-bodied, and typically have a clean finish, making them a preferred choice for casual drinkers.
Tuborg Gold: While Tuborg is originally a Danish brand, it is brewed locally in Turkey and has become a popular pilsner in the country. Tuborg Gold offers a balanced flavour with light malty sweetness and a noticeable hop bitterness. The beer has a smooth, crisp finish and is a favourite among Turkish drinkers who prefer a bit more complexity in their lagers.
Efes Extra: A variation of the classic Efes Pilsen, Efes Extra is a stronger, more robust pilsner. It has a higher alcohol content and a more pronounced malt flavour, combined with a sharper bitterness. Efes Extra is for those who enjoy a fuller-bodied beer while still wanting the clean, refreshing qualities of a pilsner.
Craft and Speciality Beers
While the craft beer movement in Turkey is still in its infancy, there are a few breweries experimenting with more unique styles and flavours, bringing diversity to the Turkish beer market.
Gara Guzu Amber Ale: Gara Guzu is one of Turkey’s few independent craft breweries, and their amber ale is a standout product. It features a blend of caramel and malt sweetness, balanced by a gentle hop bitterness. The beer has a medium body and a rich amber colour, making it a pleasant alternative to the lighter lagers and pilsners that dominate the market.
Pera Porter: Pera Brewery, another independent brewery in Turkey, produces this dark and rich porter. With flavours of roasted malt, chocolate, and a slight smokiness, Pera Porter is a bold departure from the typical Turkish beer offerings. It has a creamy texture and a slightly bitter finish, making it ideal for those looking for a heavier, more complex beer.
Flavours of Turkish Beers
Light and Crisp
The most common flavour profile in Turkish beers is light and crisp, with a focus on refreshment. Beers like Efes Pilsen and Bomonti are designed to be easily drinkable, with mild malt flavours and a clean finish. These beers are perfect for Turkey’s warm weather and are typically served ice-cold to enhance their refreshing qualities.
Malty and Balanced
Some Turkish beers, particularly pilsners like Tuborg Gold and Efes Extra, offer a bit more balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. These beers have a slightly fuller body than standard lagers, with subtle caramel or bread-like malt flavours and a moderate bitterness. They maintain the light, refreshing characteristics but offer a bit more depth.
Rich and Bold
Although less common, Turkey’s growing craft beer scene is producing more robust and flavourful beers, such as Gara Guzu Amber Ale and Pera Porter. These beers feature richer malt profiles, with flavours ranging from caramel and toffee to roasted malt and chocolate. While these are not typical of the mainstream Turkish beer market, they provide a glimpse into the potential diversity of beer in the country.
Popular Turkish Beers Available in the UK
Several Turkish beers are available in the UK, primarily through online retailers or Turkish restaurants. Efes Pilsen is the most widely distributed Turkish beer internationally, often found in supermarkets and specialist stores. Bomonti and Tuborg Gold are also available but are less commonly found outside Turkey. Craft beers like Gara Guzu or Pera Porter are harder to come by in the UK but can sometimes be sourced through niche online craft beer retailers.
Conclusion
Turkey’s beer scene is characterised by light, refreshing lagers that reflect the country’s warm climate and casual drinking culture. Iconic brands like Efes Pilsen, Bomonti, and Tuborg Gold dominate the market, offering easy-drinking beers that pair well with Turkish cuisine. However, a burgeoning craft beer movement is beginning to introduce more diverse styles, from amber ales to porters, giving Turkish beer lovers and international enthusiasts new flavours to explore. Whether enjoying a classic Turkish lager or discovering one of the country’s craft brews, Turkish beers offer something for both casual drinkers and beer aficionados alike.
