<\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nLagers & Mezedes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Pairing: Traditional Greek lagers, known for their crispness and lightness, pair perfectly with mezedes \u2014 the small appetizer dishes Greeks adore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why it Works: The clean finish of a lager complements the often salty and tangy nature of dishes like tzatziki, dolmades, or calamari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IPAs & Grilled Meats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Pairing: The hoppy bitterness of an IPA contrasts wonderfully with the charred flavors of souvlaki or lamb chops off the grill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why it Works: The intense flavor of IPAs stands up to the robust taste of grilled meats, with the beer’s carbonation helping to cleanse the palate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wheat Beers & Seafood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Pairing: The citrus notes of a Greek wheat beer harmonize beautifully with dishes like grilled sardines, octopus salad, or fried anchovies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why it Works: The light and zesty profile of wheat beers doesn\u2019t overpower the delicate flavors of seafood, offering a refreshing counterpoint instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dark Ales & Rich Stews<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Pairing: Dark ales, with their roasted and malty flavors, are a match made in heaven for hearty stews like moussaka or pastitsio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why it Works: The richness of these dishes is complemented by the deep, complex flavors of the ale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pilsners & Greek Salads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Pairing: The crispness of a Greek pilsner meets its match in the fresh and tangy notes of a horiatiki salad, laden with feta, olives, and ripe tomatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why it Works: Pilsners, with their slight bitterness, provide a balance to the salty feta and olives while enhancing the freshness of the vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Herbal-infused Beers & Cheese Platters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Pairing: Greek craft beers, infused with local herbs, pair splendidly with a cheese board featuring the likes of manouri, kasseri, or graviera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why it Works: The aromatic profile of these beers plays off the diverse textures and flavors of Greek cheeses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barrel-aged Beers & Desserts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Pairing: Beers aged in wine or spirit barrels, with their nuanced flavors, are delightful when paired with sweets like baklava, galaktoboureko, or loukoumades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why it Works: The beer\u2019s complexity and depth echo the rich, syrupy goodness of these desserts, often enhancing or contrasting their sweetness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In essence, pairing Greek beer with Greek food is about respecting the nuances of each dish and drink, finding harmony and contrast in flavors. When done right, this pairing elevates both the meal and the brew, turning a simple dining experience into a memorable gastronomic adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Greek Beer Brands <\/h2>\n\n\n\n For beer lovers that are planning on traveling to Greece and want to try some of the local beers, here\u2019s a list of the best Greek beer brands available right now.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Athenian Brewery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Athenian Brewery is prominently located in Athens, Greece, and was founded in 1963. As one of the leading beer producers in the country, it boasts a rich history that spans over several decades. The brewery, which is a large establishment, has introduced a variety of international and local beer brands to the Greek market, with Alfa, FIX Hellas, and Fischer being among its most popular offerings. A fascinating tidbit about Athenian Brewery is that it operates as a subsidiary of Heineken N.V., one of the world’s most renowned brewing companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zeos Brewery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Zeos Brewery is situated in the historic city of Argos, Greece. Established in 1998, this thriving Greek brewery is known for producing authentic premium quality beer that adheres to the 500-year-old German Beer Purity Law. This means they use no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in their brews. Some of their notable beers include the Zeos Gold Pilsner, Zeos Black Weiss, and Zeos Blue Lager. A unique aspect of Zeos Brewery is their commitment to using only the finest ingredients, such as malted barley, malted wheat, hops, yeast, and pure deep mountain spring water. Their beers are hand-crafted by Canadian brewmaster David Wood, and they have garnered a cult-like following over the years. An interesting tidbit: the ancient Greek word for beer is “zythos,” which resonates with the name of the brewery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mythos Brewery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Mythos Brewery, based in Thessaloniki, Greece, has a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1997. Originally, the journey began in 1992 when the Boutari Group acquired Henninger Hellas S.A., the Greek distributor of the German Henninger beer. By 1994, it transformed into the Northern Greece Brewery S.A., aiming to establish a genuine domestic Greek beer presence. Mythos, its flagship light straw-colored lager beer, boasts an alcohol content of 4.7% (5% in Greece) and is available in various sizes and variants, including Mythos Ice and Mythos Radler. Over the years, the brewery underwent several ownership transitions, with a notable merger with Olympic Brewery in 2015, making it a subsidiary of the global Carlsberg Group. An intriguing tidbit about the brand is the resonance of its name “Mythos” with the ancient Greek term for beer, “zythos.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corfu Beer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Corfu Beer is a renowned brewery nestled on the picturesque island of Corfu in Greece. Celebrated for its artisanal beers, it encapsulates the essence of the Mediterranean in every brew. The brewery takes pride in using local ingredients and adhering to traditional brewing methods, ensuring each beer offers a unique flavor that resonates with both locals and tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fix Beer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Fix Beer has a storied history that is deeply intertwined with Greece’s brewing legacy. Founded in 1864 by Johann Karl Fix, it holds the distinction of being the first major brewery in Greece. The Fix family’s brewing roots in Greece trace back even further, with Johann’s father having started brewing beer in the country about 30 years prior. As the official purveyor to the Greek king, Fix Brewery enjoyed a monopoly position in the Greek market for nearly a century. However, the company faced bankruptcy in 1983. After several attempts to rejuvenate the brand, Fix beer made a triumphant return in 2009, thanks to its enduring popularity in Mediterranean countries. The relaunched beer, with its new label, pays homage to the original Fix beer’s rich history, showcasing the numerous gold medals and accolades it had won. An aggressive advertising campaign highlighting Fix beer’s historical significance in Greek society has further propelled its resurgence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Macedonian Thrace Brewery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Macedonian Thrace Brewery is a prominent Greek brewery located in Komotini, Greece. Founded by Greek American chemical engineer Demetri Politopoulos in 1996, the brewery’s mission was to produce the “first Greek beer” under the trade name “Vergina.” The inspiration for the brewery came about when Demetri and his brother, during a trip to North Mexico, were impressed by the variety of beer brands in the country. They realized that most beer trademarks in Greece were not locally owned, prompting the establishment of Macedonian Thrace Brewery. The brewery faced challenges in its early days, particularly from unfair competition tactics by Athenian Brewery, a Heineken subsidiary. However, it has since established itself as a significant player in the Greek beer market. Their flagship product, Vergina Beer, has a range that includes Vergina Premium Lager, Vergina Red, Vergina Weiss, Vergina Porfyra, Vergina Black, and Vergina Alcohol Free. Notably, in 2020, the company underwent a rebranding, introducing a new logo, graphics, and product packaging. Vergina beer products have found international acclaim, being exported to countries like the US, England, Italy, Australia, Japan, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Santorini Brewing Company<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Santorini Brewing Company is nestled in the traditional area of Mesa Gonia in Santorini. This brewery stands out as the only brewing operation on the island, dedicated to producing some of the finest beers not just in Santorini, but arguably in the country. Their brewing journey began in 2014, and since then, they have been committed to quality and authenticity. Each beer recipe they craft contains four fundamental components: malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. The emphasis on quality equipment and rare raw materials ensures that their beers have a distinctive taste and character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ELIXI Microbrewery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n ELIXI Microbrewery is a family business deeply rooted in its passion for producing quality Greek craft beer. Their dedication to the craft is evident in their diverse range of beers, each inspired by unique elements of Greek heritage and nature. One of their standout beers, “Delphi Beer,” draws inspiration from Delphi, considered the navel of Gaia by the ancient Greeks. This location is a significant monument of Greek heritage and is recognized globally. Another intriguing offering is the “Marea Beer,” named after the nautical term for tide. This beer pays homage to the unique tidal phenomenon at the Euripus Strait in Chalkida, located just minutes away from the brewery. ELIXI also prides itself on its limited edition series, where commerciality takes a backseat to creativity and experimentation. In 2017, they introduced the first Greek Triple Beers, which were fermented and matured in brand-new oak casks, a rarity in the global beer world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fresh Chios Beer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Fresh Chios Beer is a microbrewery located on the beautiful island of Chios, Greece. Chios is renowned for its unique mastic production, and the brewery might incorporate local ingredients and flavors into their brews. While I don’t have specific details about their beer lineup or history from the provided link, microbreweries like Fresh Chios Beer often emphasize artisanal brewing techniques and prioritize quality over quantity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NISSOS Brewery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n NISSOS Brewery is a symbol of the Greek island spirit, with its name translating to “island” in Greek. Born in the Cyclades and deeply connected to the Aegean sea, NISSOS is a reflection of the sun’s warmth, the white-washed houses of the islands, the exhilarating Cycladic light, and the fragrant springs. The brewery draws inspiration from nature, the works of men, and the fruits of the earth, encapsulating values of companionship, generosity, perseverance, innovation, and hospitality. NISSOS offers all-natural artisanal beers, crafted with curiosity, imagination, creativity, and a profound passion for quality organic beer. The beers are produced at their multi-awarded microbrewery located on the beloved island of Tinos. Founded by Alexandros Kouris, who was driven by a desire for change in both his personal and professional life, the Cyclades Microbrewery was established in 2012, amidst the Greek economic crisis. Rather than being deterred by the crisis, it acted as a catalyst, pushing the founders to create top-grade Cycladic beers that complement the authenticity of Greek island gastronomy. The brewery stands as a testament to creative, productive, independent, and human-led entrepreneurship, promoting values of authenticity and relationship-building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cretan Brewery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Cretan Brewery is located in the picturesque Zounaki village of Chania, Crete, surrounded by orange trees and olive groves. Founded in 2007 by native Cretan Ioannis Lionakis, the brewery underwent a significant expansion in 2015, amplifying its brewing capacity. The brewery is renowned for producing fresh, unfiltered beers that encapsulate Crete’s rich traditions. Cretan Brewery is dedicated to crafting beers without additives or preservatives, ensuring pure, full-flavored offerings. A notable aspect of their production is their eco-conscious approach, using sustainable energy sources and optimizing water usage, making them a beacon of environmental stewardship in the brewing world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Volkan Beer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Volkan Beer is an artisanal Greek beer that captures the essence of the volcanic and unique island of Santorini. Located in Zounaki village, the brewery is surrounded by orange trees and olive groves, and is situated just 25 km from Chania city center. Founded in 2007 by Ioannis Lionakis, a proud Cretan and mechanical engineer, the brewery was established with the vision of offering a fresh and delicious beer to the Cretan market. Volkan Beer boasts a range of flavors, including the “Santorini Blonde,” which is a pilsner infused with Santorini honey and citrus medica; the “Santorini Black,” a dunkel with hints of toasted rye and honey; the “Santorini Grey,” a wheat beer with notes of honey and bergamot; and the “Santorini White,” a light blonde lager with flavors of tropical fruits and honey. A unique aspect of Volkan Beer is its commitment to quality and sustainability. The beer is brewed with lava rock filtered mineral water, ensuring an authentic Santorini taste. Additionally, the brewery is environmentally conscious, using solar panels and burning olive pits for heating, and has optimized water usage in the brewing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concluding the Odyssey of Greek Beer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n From the storied past of ancient rituals to the vibrant tapestry of the modern craft beer movement, Greek beer is much more than a simple beverage. It’s a testament to a nation’s enduring spirit, a reflection of its rich landscape, and an embodiment of its culinary prowess. Greek beer stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, always rooted in history but never afraid to redefine its future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we’ve journeyed through its various facets, from the ancient brews of yore to today’s eclectic craft creations, it’s clear that Greek beer offers both the novice and the connoisseur a unique tasting experience. Paired with the country’s iconic dishes, it becomes not just a drink, but an integral part of the Hellenic gastronomic narrative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, the next time you find yourself sipping a cold glass on a sun-kissed Greek terrace or exploring the aisles of your local beer store, remember the story behind that brew. Embrace the flavors, celebrate the diversity, and raise a toast to the timeless charm of Greek beer. Yamas! \ud83c\udf7b<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Best Greek Beer Brands and Breweries: Local Beers of Greece - BrewTogether<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n