Turkey’s beer scene, while less well-known internationally, offers a range of styles that reflect both traditional brewing methods and contemporary craft innovations.
From crisp lagers to unique craft beers, Turkish beers are starting to make their mark in the UK, offering a distinctive flavour profile influenced by the country’s diverse culture.
Popular Turkish Beer Styles
Lagers: Crisp and Refreshing
Lagers are the most prevalent type of beer in Turkey, appreciated for their clean and refreshing qualities that suit the country’s warm climate. These beers are typically light in body and flavour, making them ideal for casual drinking.
Efes Pilsen is the flagship beer of Turkey and one of the most recognisable Turkish lagers. It is a pale, golden beer known for its crisp, clean taste with subtle malt sweetness and a gentle hop bitterness. Efes Pilsen is designed to be refreshing and easy-drinking, making it a popular choice in Turkey and abroad. In the UK, Efes Pilsen is widely available in supermarkets and Turkish restaurants, known for its consistent quality.
Murat 124 is another notable lager, offering a slightly richer malt profile compared to Efes. It features a balanced flavour with a touch of sweetness and a mild bitterness. Murat 124 is appreciated for its smoothness and is available in select UK shops and Turkish eateries.
Tuborg is a popular international lager brewed in Turkey under license. It has a light, crisp taste with a mild malt sweetness and a refreshing finish. Tuborg is a common sight in Turkish bars and restaurants and can also be found in the UK, often in supermarkets and international food stores.
Craft Beers: Innovation and Variety
Turkey’s craft beer scene is growing, with several breweries producing a range of innovative and high-quality beers. These craft beers offer more diverse flavours and styles compared to traditional lagers.
Brewdog Turkey is part of the international Brewdog brand, which operates a brewery in Turkey. Their Brewdog Istanbul IPA features vibrant hop flavours with notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine. It’s a well-balanced IPA with a smooth bitterness, catering to fans of hoppy beers. Brewdog Istanbul beers are available in the UK through specialist craft beer shops and online retailers.
Pera is a Turkish craft brewery known for its diverse range of beers. Their Pera Pale Ale is notable for its balanced bitterness, floral hop aroma, and a light malt base. It’s a refreshing and approachable pale ale, reflecting the brewery’s commitment to quality. Pera beers are starting to appear in the UK craft beer market, particularly through specialist retailers.
Garaj is another prominent Turkish craft brewery offering unique beers such as Garaj IPA. This IPA features bold hop flavours with hints of citrus and tropical fruit, combined with a well-rounded malt profile. Garaj beers are making their way into the UK market, found in select craft beer shops and online platforms.
Turkish Beers in the UK
In the UK, Turkish beers are becoming more accessible, with brands like Efes Pilsen, Murat 124, and Tuborg widely available in supermarkets, international food stores, and Turkish restaurants. These lagers are well-regarded for their refreshing qualities and consistent taste.
The Turkish craft beer scene is also gaining recognition, with breweries such as Brewdog Turkey, Pera, and Garaj offering innovative and high-quality brews. These craft beers are increasingly available through specialist craft beer shops and online retailers, catering to those looking for unique and diverse beer experiences.
Overall, Turkish beers provide a rich selection of flavours and styles that reflect the country's brewing traditions and modern craft innovations. Whether enjoying a classic lager or exploring the creative offerings from Turkish craft breweries, Turkish beers offer a distinctive and enjoyable drinking experience that is steadily gaining popularity in the UK.