Lager: The Quintessential Greek Beer
Lagers are the most prevalent style of beer produced in Greece, reflecting the influence of European brewing traditions. Greek lagers are typically light, crisp, and easy to drink, with a mild malt profile and a refreshing finish. Mythos is one of the most famous Greek lagers, known for its pale golden colour and balanced taste, with subtle malt sweetness and a clean, slightly bitter finish. It is a popular choice in the UK, often enjoyed as a refreshing option during the summer months.
Another well-known Greek lager is Fix Hellas, which has a slightly richer malt profile compared to Mythos. Fix Hellas offers a smooth, well-rounded flavour with a hint of sweetness and a gentle hop bitterness. Its clean, crisp character makes it a versatile beer that pairs well with a variety of foods, from grilled meats to seafood.
Pilsner: A Refreshing Mediterranean Twist
Pilsners are another popular style in Greece, offering a slightly hoppier and crisper alternative to the traditional lager. Alfa is a classic Greek pilsner that is light and refreshing, with a mild hop bitterness and a clean finish. It has a subtle malt sweetness, making it a great beer to enjoy on a warm day or with light Mediterranean cuisine. In the UK, Alfa is appreciated for its easy-drinking nature and its ability to complement a variety of dishes.
Greek Craft Beer: A Growing Movement
In recent years, Greece has seen a surge in craft beer production, with small breweries experimenting with a range of styles and flavours. Breweries like Septem and Nissos are leading the way, producing innovative beers that often incorporate local ingredients and flavours.
Septem’s Sunday’s Honey Golden Ale is a standout example, brewed with Greek honey, offering a unique flavour profile that combines floral and fruity notes with a gentle sweetness. This beer has a smooth, medium body with a slightly dry finish, making it a favourite among those who enjoy a beer with a bit of complexity.
Nissos Pilsner is another craft beer gaining popularity, known for its bright, crisp character and balanced bitterness. Brewed on the island of Tinos, Nissos Pilsner captures the essence of the Aegean with its refreshing, clean taste, and has won several awards for its quality and flavour.
Dark Beers: A Rarer Treat
While lagers and pilsners dominate the Greek beer landscape, there are also a few dark beers produced in the country, offering a richer, maltier experience. These beers tend to be less common but are worth seeking out for those who enjoy a more robust flavour. Fix Dark is one such example, offering a deep, roasted malt character with notes of caramel and chocolate. It’s smooth and slightly sweet, with a mild bitterness that balances the maltiness.
Greek Beers in the UK
In the UK, Greek beers like Mythos, Fix Hellas, and Alfa are readily available and popular among those looking for a refreshing, easy-drinking lager. As interest in craft beer continues to grow, UK consumers are also beginning to see more of Greece’s craft offerings, such as Septem and Nissos, on shelves and in specialty bars.
These beers offer a taste of Greece’s evolving beer culture, from the light and refreshing to the innovative and complex. Whether you’re enjoying a cold Mythos on a summer day or exploring the unique flavours of a Greek craft beer, these brews provide a delightful glimpse into the Mediterranean’s brewing heritage.
Popular Greek Beers