If you're a beer lover, you might not have considered Georgia as your next beer destination. But the country's craft beer scene is on the rise, and it's worth exploring. Georgian craft beer is unique, with flavors and ingredients that reflect the country's history and culture. In this guide, we'll introduce you to Georgian craft beer and help you plan your beer journey.
The History of Beer in Georgia
Beer has been brewed in Georgia for centuries. In fact, the country has a long tradition of brewing beer with local ingredients like corn, wheat, and barley. However, during the Soviet era, beer production was centralized, and local breweries were shut down. It wasn't until the 1990s that the craft beer scene began to emerge in Georgia.
Georgian Craft Beer Today
Today, Georgia has a small but growing craft beer scene. There are several breweries in Tbilisi and other cities, and they're producing a range of beers with unique flavors and ingredients. Some of the most popular styles of Georgian craft beer include:
- Lager: A light, refreshing beer that's perfect for hot Georgian summers.
- IPA: A hoppy beer that's popular among craft beer enthusiasts.
- Stout: A dark, rich beer that's perfect for cooler weather.
Georgian Beer Ingredients
One of the things that makes Georgian craft beer unique is the use of local ingredients. Many breweries use Georgian hops, which have a distinct flavor that's different from hops grown in other parts of the world. Other popular ingredients include Georgian honey, fruit, and spices.
For example, the 9 Mta Brewery in Kazbegi, a small mountain town in northern Georgia, uses local water from the mountains to brew their beer. They also use local malt and hops to create their unique flavors. The brewery's location also provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular destination for beer lovers and tourists alike.
Georgian Beer Culture
Drinking beer is a social activity in Georgia, and it's often accompanied by food and music. In fact, many Georgian breweries have taprooms where you can enjoy a beer and a meal. Georgian cuisine is also a great match for beer, with dishes like khinkali (dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese bread) that pair well with a cold beer.
For example, the Black Lion Brewery in Tbilisi offers a range of beers and a taproom where you can enjoy a meal and live music. The brewery's menu includes traditional Georgian dishes like khachapuri and chakhokhbili (chicken stew), as well as international favorites like burgers and pizza.
Where to Find Georgian Craft Beer
If you're planning a trip to Georgia, there are several breweries and bars that you should check out. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Natakhtari Brewery: This is one of the largest breweries in Georgia, and it's located just outside of Tbilisi. They offer tours of the brewery and tastings of their beers.
- Black Lion Brewery: This brewery is located in Tbilisi and offers a range of beers, including IPAs and stouts. They also have a taproom where you can enjoy a beer and a meal.
- 9 Mta Brewery: This brewery is located in the mountain town of Kazbegi and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. They specialize in lagers and offer tours of the brewery.
Tips for Tasting Georgian Craft Beer
If you're new to Georgian craft beer, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your tasting experience:
- Start with a light beer: If you're new to craft beer, start with a light beer like a lager. This will help you get a sense of the flavors and ingredients used in Georgian beer.
- Try different styles: Georgian breweries produce a range of beer styles, so don't be afraid to try something new.
- Pair with Georgian food: Georgian cuisine is a great match for beer, so be sure to try some local dishes with your beer.
- Visit breweries: Visiting a brewery is a great way to learn more about the beer-making process and taste fresh beer straight from the source.
Conclusion
Georgian craft beer is an up-and-coming scene that's worth exploring. With unique flavors and ingredients, it offers a taste of Georgian culture and history. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for something new to try, Georgian craft beer is sure to impress. So, grab a cold one and enjoy the taste of Georgia!