For beer enthusiasts planning a trip to Greece, here’s a list of the best Greek beer brands to explore.
Athenian Brewery
Founded in 1963 and located in Athens, Athenian Brewery is one of Greece’s leading beer producers. The brewery has a rich history and offers a variety of local and international beer brands, with Alfa, FIX Hellas, and Fischer being among the most popular. A notable fact is that Athenian Brewery operates as a subsidiary of Heineken N.V.
Zeos Brewery
Located in Argos, Zeos Brewery was established in 1998 and is known for its commitment to the 500-year-old German Beer Purity Law, ensuring no artificial additives in its brews. Notable beers include Zeos Gold Pilsner, Zeos Black Weiss, and Zeos Blue Lager. The brewery emphasizes quality ingredients, hand-crafted by Canadian brewmaster David Wood, and has a loyal following.
Mythos Brewery
Based in Thessaloniki, Mythos Brewery was founded in 1997 but traces its roots back to 1992, when it was part of the Boutari Group. Its flagship product, Mythos, is a light lager with an alcohol content of 4.7%. After several ownership changes, it became a subsidiary of Carlsberg Group in 2015. The name “Mythos” resonates with the ancient Greek word for beer, “mythos.”
Corfu Beer
Nestled on the island of Corfu, Corfu Beer is celebrated for its artisanal beers that capture the Mediterranean spirit. The brewery uses local ingredients and traditional methods to create unique flavours that locals and tourists appreciate.
Fix Beer
Founded in 1864 by Johann Karl Fix, Fix Beer is Greece’s first major brewery. Once the official supplier to the Greek king, it faced bankruptcy in 1983 but made a successful comeback in 2009. The relaunched beer honours its rich history and has won numerous accolades, supported by an effective advertising campaign.
Macedonian Thrace Brewery
Established in 1996 by Greek American Demetri Politopoulos in Komotini, this brewery aims to create authentic Greek beer under the Vergina brand. Despite early challenges, it has emerged as a significant player in the Greek beer market. Vergina beer, including its range of variants, has gained international recognition.
Santorini Brewing Company
Located in Mesa Gonia, Santorini Brewing Company is the only brewery on the island and has been dedicated to quality since 2014. Its beers, made from four fundamental ingredients, reflect Santorini’s unique character.
ELIXI Microbrewery
ELIXI Microbrewery is a family-run business focused on producing high-quality Greek craft beer. Their standout offerings, like “Delphi Beer,” draw inspiration from Greece’s heritage, while their limited edition series emphasizes creativity and experimentation.
Fresh Chios Beer
This microbrewery on Chios Island incorporates local mastic production into its brews, emphasizing artisanal techniques and quality ingredients. However, specific details about its lineup are limited.
NISSOS Brewery
Founded in 2012 on the island of Tinos, NISSOS Brewery embodies the spirit of the Cyclades with its all-natural artisanal beers. The brewery promotes values of authenticity and community, crafting beers that reflect the island’s beauty and culture.
Cretan Brewery
Located in Chania, Crete, this brewery was founded in 2007 by Ioannis Lionakis. Known for its fresh, unfiltered beers made without additives, Cretan Brewery emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
Volkan Beer
Volkan Beer, established by Ioannis Lionakis in 2007, captures the essence of Santorini. Its range includes unique flavours like Santorini Blonde and Santorini Black, brewed with lava rock-filtered water and a commitment to sustainability through solar energy and optimized water usage.
Explore these brands to experience Greece’s diverse and vibrant beer culture truly!