Compared to countries such as Germany or the Czech Republic , the history of brewing in Greece is short. Wine has long been preferred here, and beer was given a secondary role.
In ancient times, the Greeks even had a legend that said that Dionysus, the god of the plant kingdom and winemaking, left Mesopotamia only because they drank a lot of beer there. Attitudes towards the drink began to change only in the middle of the 19th century, when the Bavarian prince Otto became the king of independent Greece. It was during his reign that talented German brewers came to the country.The first brewery opened in Greece in 1864. Today it is one of the largest companies in its industry, producing the famous Fix brand.
Greek beer today
For many, when traveling around Greece, a large selection of all kinds of foamy drinks comes as a surprise. It produces both traditional, well-known varieties in the world, such as India ale (IPA) or light lager, and excellent craft beer, a source of pride for small private enterprises.
By the way, there are about 40 microbreweries in the country. All of them compete well with the “big three” – the Alpha, Mythos and Fix brands, which produce the most famous Greek beer.
Historically, the Greeks prefer to quench their thirst with a foamy drink in the heat, relegating it to the background the rest of the time. However, this trend is increasingly becoming a thing of the past as the industry develops and young people change their habits. Today, beer in Greece can be an excellent addition to national food, on par with local wines . Thus, you should order locally produced golden lager or pilsner with fish and seafood, and tender veal goes well with ale.Proof that the love for beer is increasingly sweeping the country is the annual autumn Athens Beer Festival. During the holiday – which is 2 weeks! – you can have time to try over 250 of the best varieties brought by brewers from Greece and other countries.
5 Popular Greek Beers
A lot of foreign beer is produced in Greece under license. For example, Dutch Amstel and Heineken, German Lowenbrau, Belgian Stella Artois. However, national brands are in no way inferior to them in quality.
Mythos
The brand, which appeared in 1997, very quickly gained popularity and today is one of the three leaders in the Greek market. It mainly produces inexpensive beer – it costs a little more than 1 € (0.5 l). The drink has a bitter taste, but is easy to drink. The alcohol content usually does not exceed 5%.
The main variety is Mythos Lager (alc. 4.7%), which has a number of awards and special marks. This light beer, which is distinguished by lush foam, has a light fruity aroma with a small admixture of hops and a sweetish taste. Available in volumes of 0.5 l and 0.33 l.
Fix
This is the very first vintage beer in Greece, which even those who have never tried it know. Despite the difficulties that arose for the company in the second half of the 20th century and forced it to practically close, the brand still survived. The full production of products on the Greek market was established only in 2010.
Fix beer is produced both at home and abroad: in the USA and Canada. It belongs to the light varieties of the lager type and is inexpensive, about 1 € per 0.5 liter. The leading brand is Fix Hellas. This is a sweet and sour beer with a light malt aroma, the strength of the drink does not exceed 5%.
Alpha
Another oldest beer brand in the country, the history of which goes back about half a century. The company produces 3 varieties: “Alpha”, “Alpha” Weiss (both – 5%) and “Alpha” Strong (7%). They are distinguished by lush foam, rich taste and beautiful golden color. This beer is easy to drink and very refreshing in hot weather.
Alpha Weiss is made from 100% Greek barley and has light fruity notes on the palate. It is served with traditional Greek dishes and seafood.
Like many other domestic brands, Alpha beer is also sold inexpensively in Greece. A 0.5 liter bottle costs 0.50-1 € depending on the place of sale.
Volkan
One of the most titled beer brands in Greece, whose homeland is the beautiful volcanic island of Santorini. The company produces Blonde pilsner and Black, Gray and White lagers. Their key ingredient is unique local honey, which is harvested only once a year. In order for it to retain its beneficial properties, it is added only at the very end during beer production. As a result, the drink acquires a characteristic soft sweetness.
Another rare component of Volkan beer is citron. Its essence makes the taste of the drink truly unique and incomparable: a little dry, spicy and at the same time sweet. Never before has such an ingredient been used in brewing.
The strength of all varieties is 5%. Products are produced in volumes of 0.33 and 0.5 liters. Beer costs from 4 € and more.
Vergina
The production of Vergina beer began in the late 90s of the 20th century. The company’s goal was to create authentic Greek beer that could compete with foreign brands. Today, the brand produces Premium Lager, brewed in accordance with the German “Beer Purity Law,” Porfyra (light, unfiltered 6.3% ABV), Weiss and Red.
Beer is characterized by a rich, intense taste and aroma with fruity and even honey notes. It goes well with cheeses, meat and vegetable dishes. Products cost an average of 2 €.Other famous Greek beer brands: Septem, Bios 5, Zeos, Corfu Beer, Piraïki, Kirki, Blue Island, NEDA, NHSOS, B29.
Beer in the country can be bought in a store or tasted in any bar and restaurant. True, in the second case you will have to pay a little more. So, if you ask yourself how much beer costs in Greece in Athens establishments , then on the menu you can find prices from 6 € per 0.33 liter and above. But be careful: having ordered it at least once, you will certainly want to repeat this pleasure again.