Greece is famous around the world for its wines and spirits like ouzo and raki. In recent years, many new craft breweries have opened in mainland Greece and on some of the islands. They are producing great beers of different colours, aromas, tastes and strengths that are attracting global attention.
Recent archaeological excavations have revealed that beer was first made in Greece during the Bronze Age (3,300- 1,200 BC). In modern times, the first commercial brewery opened in 1864 and today, more than 70 local beers are made and beer is an important part of the local culture.
The best known Greek beers are Fix and Mythos and both of these beers are now produced by the multinationals Heineken and Carlsberg. These two companies control 85% of the beer produced in Greece, but the remaining 15% is produced by innovative, independent breweries with increasing success.
In the past, beer makers have imported the raw materials but now some are establishing farms to grow their own hops and barley. I am a big fan of beer, and whenever I am given the opportunity, I try to taste a new one
Here is a list of the Greek beers you have to taste in Greece:
Famous Greek Beers to Try
Beers from Mainland Greece
ALI I.P.A
Produced in: Thessaloniki
Light in alcohol content and bitterness, this amber colored beer from Thessaloniki is very aromatic with citrus notes. It is unfiltered and unpasteurized.
Argos Star
Produced in: Argolis
This lager marries the sweetness of malt with the bitterness of hops. Fruity, subtle tastes. The aftertaste is sweet, leaving behind the bitter elements.
Odyssey White Rhapsody
From: Atalanti
This golden-colored beer is topped with nice white foam. Defined by its aromas of fruit, herbs, straw, and some light and spicy notes. Average body with gentle carbonation.
Vergina Premium Lager
Produced in: Macedonia
Featuring a light and fresh flavor, this premium lager is special thanks to its selected hop aromas.
Vergina Red
Produced in: Macedonia
Intense and full-bodied, featuring a fine amber color, Vergina Red boasts a fruity aroma reminiscent of exotic fruits, berries, and honey.
Vergina Weiss
Produced in: Macedonia
This sparkling beer with a cloudy appearance has a rich fruity aroma, reminiscent of clove and banana.
Voreia Wit
Produced in: Serres
With its cloudy golden color and medium white foam, Voreia Wit features a bit of bitterness and dryness with a few caramel aromas. The flavor is dry with a hint of sweet almond in the mouth.
EZA Premium Pilsener
Produced in: Atalanti
The taste is a testament to the historic brewery: tawny with body, aroma, and bitterness. This foam is rich and long with a slightly fruity and bitter taste at the end.
Zeos Pilsner
Produced in: Argos
This full-bodied pilsner has a light flowery aroma and a hint of fruit. Crisp on the palate with a long aftertaste.
Zeos Black Mark
Produced in: Argos
This full-bodied beer features a velvety texture, medium bitterness with a caramel flavor, and the aroma of roasted coffee. Black Mak is a genuine unpasteurized beer.
Blue Island – Pear Delight
Produced in: Atalanti
This fresh beverage is a perfect alcohol substitute with a fresh pear aroma and taste. Gluten and alcohol-free drink.
Bios
Produced in: Athens
This quality lager has been made in a sizeable brewery in Athens since 2011. The beer is called ‘Bios 5’ as five different grains are used to produce the beer
Beers from the Greeks Islands
Fresh Chios Beer
Produced in: Chios island
Produced in Chios from selected malt varieties and whole hops, this unique beer is bottled without pasteurization. It retains its flavor and other organoleptic characteristics. Hops and citrus aromas dominate its taste while the body is rich with fruits and a touch of bitterness.
Chios Smoked Porter
Produced in: Chios island
This black-colored beer with a full, thick, and creamy head has aromas of coffee, dark chocolate, roasted malts. Medium lacing, good retention, and light acidity.
Corfu Red Ale
Produced in: Corfu
Known for its lightweight yet distinctive flavor, this ale’s malt and hops are equally balanced with fruity flavors of orange, lemon, and grape. Slightly caramel with a moderate aftertaste.
Marea Beer
From: Evia island
Marea beer is a double malt ale produced from five gain malts. It owns a distinct robust taste and the aroma of citrus and dried fruits. Unfiltered and unpasteurized, Marea beer is a deep golden color beer with orange highlights. Notice the slightly sweet taste of the malt while the bitterness of the hops leaves a distinct aftertaste.
Nisos Pilsner
From: Tinos island
Born on the Cycladic island of Tinos, Nisos is a rich flavored beer with excellent aromas.
Septem 8th Day
Produced in: Evia island
Three types of hops are incorporated in this classic India pale ale which boasts scents of citrus and peach. It has an aromatic character with a long aftertaste.
Septem Thursday’s Red Ale
Produced in: Evia island
Colored reddish-brown, this Irish red ale beer is known for its moderate sweetness, caramel flavors, distinct hop aroma, and mildly bitter finish.
Volkan Black
Produced in: Santorini
This 100% Greek porter beer owns an excellent texture, flavor, and aroma. Taste the local honey, citrus fruits, and the unique lava rock filter basalt from Santorini.
Volkan Grey
Produced in: Santorini island
With a bright, refreshing taste, this beer boasts aromas of bergamot as well as lime and lemon blossom. It finishes sweetly thanks to the inclusion of Santorini honey. The foam is medium length.
Charma
Produced in: Crete
Made in Chania on the island of Crete, this brewery advertises its beers as being ‘Crete in a glass’. The brewery produces eight different beers, pale ales, and lagers including Charma Mexicana and Charma American Pilsner.
Crazy Donkey
Produced in: Santorini
This popular beer is made on the island of Santorini. There are a variety of labels to choose from – white, yellow, red, crazy and even Christmas Donkey.
Ikariotissa Ale
Produced in: Ikaria
It is said that drinking the waters from the island of Ikaria ensures longevity, so imagine being able to drink a beer made on the island from its famous water! This excellent beer won a ‘Superior Taste Award’ in Brussels in 2020.
Solo
Produced in: Crete
Made on the island of Crete, Solo is instantly recognized by its dramatic label portraying a smoking volcano. Solo is described as ‘craft beer with a soul’. The Solo microbrewery is located near Heraklion, The brewery produces six beers including the impressive Jikiun Triple Decochon Imperial Pilsner.
There are more Greek beers from microbreweries available around Greece. So when traveling keep your eyes open.
Have you tried any Greek beer?
Which one is your favorite?
I’ve been to Greece twice with the last time being in 2007. Mythos was the only beer I tried the last time. However, I was able to try the Volkan Black in Banff, Alberta earlier this year at a Greek restaurant. And I tried Fix Hellas at Toronto’s Greek festival this Summer. Both beers were excellent, by the way. When did Volkan Black come out, though? My last trip to Greece included a three day stay on Santorini, but I don’t recall seeing Volcan Black or Volcan Grey being available at all.
Hey Ray , – Ive been a fan of Fix Hellas for a long time. First tasted on semester abroad program to Greece in 1973. Don’t know if it is the same though as I heard that Heineken bought Fix.
Hello
My name is Dave, I am from Calgary Alberta Canada. Unfortunately Mythos is no longer available in Canada. Can you reccomend a close alternative?
Thanks
Unfortunately, I am not familiar with Greek beers available in Canada but you can try EZA lager, Alpha, Nisos, Mamos they are similar to Mythos.