A guide to Spain’s craft beer scene
Spain is a country renowned for its wine and sangria, but in recent years, it’s also become a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts. The craft beer movement has taken Spain by storm, with small breweries popping up in every region, each offering unique flavors and styles. From the bustling streets of Barcelona to the historic alleys of Madrid, beer lovers will find a plethora of options to satisfy their taste buds. This guide will take you on a journey through Spains vibrant craft beer scene, highlighting some of the best breweries, bars, and festivals along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to try something new, Spain has something to offer for everyone.
The Craft Beer Boom in Barcelona
Barcelona, with its cosmopolitan vibe and artistic heritage, is the perfect place to start your craft beer adventure. The city is home to some of Spain’s most innovative breweries, where traditional brewing techniques meet modern creativity. One of the must-visit spots is Edge Brewing, located in the Poble Nou district. Founded by two Americans, Edge Brewing combines American brewing styles with local ingredients to create unique beers that have gained international acclaim. Their Hoptimista IPA and Flor de la Vida pale ale are just a couple of the standout options on their menu. For a more local experience, head to Cerveses La Pirata, a brewery that started as a homebrewing project and quickly gained a cult following. Their Súria and La Tremenda are both excellent examples of the creativity coming out of Barcelona’s craft beer scene. No visit to Barcelona would be complete without a stop at BierCaB, a bar and bottle shop that boasts one of the largest selections of craft beer in the city. With over 30 taps and hundreds of bottles from around the world, BierCaB is a beer lover’s paradise. The bar also serves delicious tapas, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a few pints after a long day of exploring the city.
Madrid’s Hidden Beer Gems
Madrid may be better known for its tapas bars and flamenco shows, but the city is also home to a burgeoning craft beer scene. While it may not have as many breweries as Barcelona, Madrid makes up for it with quality and diversity. One of the city’s most iconic breweries is La Virgen, located just outside the city center. La Virgen is known for its commitment to using all-natural ingredients and traditional brewing methods, resulting in beers that are both refreshing and flavorful. Their flagship beer, La Virgen Lager, is a crisp and clean brew that’s perfect for sipping on a warm Madrid afternoon. For something a little different, try their Jamón beer, which is brewed with real Iberian ham for a truly unique flavor experience. Madrid is also home to some fantastic craft beer bars, including Fábrica Maravillas, a microbrewery and bar located in the heart of the Malasaña neighborhood. This cozy spot brews all of its beers on-site, ensuring that every pint is as fresh as possible. Their Malasaña Ale and FL(ipa) are both highly recommended. If you’re looking for a wide selection of international and local brews, head to La Tape, where you’ll find over 40 beers on tap and a menu of beer-inspired dishes to accompany them.
Exploring Regional Brews in Andalusia
Andalusia, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals, is also home to a growing craft beer scene. The region’s warm climate and diverse culinary traditions make it an ideal place to enjoy a cold beer. One of the standout breweries in Andalusia is Cervezas Alhambra, based in Granada. While Alhambra is a larger brewery, it has embraced the craft beer movement by producing a range of artisanal beers that showcase the flavors of the region. Their Alhambra Reserva 1925 is a strong lager with a deep amber color and a complex, malty flavor that pairs perfectly with Andalusian tapas. Another great Andalusian brewery is Malaqa, located in Málaga. Malaqa is known for its experimental approach to brewing, using local ingredients like orange peel and honey to create distinctive beers. Their Malaqa Pale Ale and Nazarí Porter are both excellent choices for those looking to sample the best of Andalusian craft beer. If you’re traveling through Seville, be sure to stop by Maquila Bar, a microbrewery and bar that produces all of its beers on-site. With a rotating selection of house-brewed beers and a menu of delicious tapas, Maquila Bar is a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Basque Country’s Beer Revolution
The Basque Country is known for its gastronomic excellence, and it’s no surprise that the region’s craft beer scene is just as impressive. The Basque people have a long tradition of brewing, and this heritage is reflected in the quality of the beers produced here. One of the most famous Basque breweries is Naparbier, located in the town of Noain. Naparbier is known for its bold, hoppy beers, and their Aker IPA and ZZ+ Imperial IPA are both must-tries for hopheads. Another standout brewery in the Basque Country is Basqueland Brewing Project, which was founded by three American expats who wanted to bring the flavors of the West Coast to Spain. Their Imparable IPA and Santa Clara Lager are both excellent examples of the brewery’s creative approach to brewing. San Sebastián, the culinary capital of the Basque Country, is also home to some fantastic craft beer bars. Gros, a neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere and excellent pintxos bars, is a great place to start your beer tour. Stop by Bar Desy, where you’ll find a wide selection of local and international craft beers, or head to The Loaf, a bakery and beer bar that serves up delicious sandwiches and a rotating selection of craft beers on tap.
Raise a Glass to Spain’s Beer Renaissance
Spain’s craft beer scene is a testament to the country’s growing appreciation for quality and creativity in brewing. From the bustling cities of Madrid and Barcelona to the picturesque landscapes of Andalusia and the Basque Country, there are countless opportunities to discover new and exciting beers. So why not raise a glass and toast to Spain’s beer renaissance? Cheers to good times and great brews!
