Spain is famed for its beer culture. It’s not uncommon to see people from all walks of life, from police officers to retirees, in a bar having a swift half of shandy at any time of the day. The drinking culture is definitely very different from what we’re used to, with a small beer and something to nibble on being seen as a sociable and perfectly acceptable pastime.
Some typical Spanish beer brands that you can find almost anywhere on the Iberian peninsula include Mahou, Alhambra, San Miguel, Estrella and Cruzcampo. Walk into any bar and ask for a caña (the traditional half pint), and you’ll probably get one of these on draught. So what about the craft beers? There are over 400 microbreweries on Spanish soil as of 2018, so what are the best artisan brews from Spain?
1. La Sagra
Wheat beers have been growing in popularity in Spain in recent years largely thanks to the success of such beers as La Sagra, a blonde white beer made in Toledo in the Belgian style. At 5.2%, it’s not the strongest craft beer on our list but it’s certainly one of the best-loved, lightly flavoured with coriander seeds and orange peel for a fresh and fruity taste.
2. La Virgen
This slightly bitter brown ale from Spain’s capital, Madrid, is slightly stronger, with an alcohol content of 6.2% ABV. It has a dark colour and a distinctive flavour that come from its being brewed with roasted chestnuts, which means it can only be made during the winter months. Other varieties of this label to look out for include their IPA, the ‘negro’ dark ale and the ‘Jamonera’, supposedly the perfect accompaniment to a plate of Spanish cured ham.
3. Barbière
Also from Toledo, this is another Belgian-style beer with the unmistakable brand image of a bearded hipster. With an astonishing amber-red colour and appetising undertones of honey and biscuit, this is truly a special beer which was even voted by the public to be the best beer at the Oktoberfest Craft Beer Night. A white ale with a light body but an intense taste, it’s just 4.8% ABV.
4. Maier
At a full 8%, this is the second strongest Spanish craft beer on our list and it’s from the southern Andalusian region of Cadiz, an area famous for its incredible beaches and opportunities to go surfing. This authentic IPA is brewed with love and care for a rich and powerful nose and taste, and it’s not too expensive either – just three euro per bottle.
5. Montseny
Originating in Spain’s bustling Mediterranean metropolis, Barcelona, this experimental Imperial Stout is intense, robust, complex and … spicy! Made with a good dose of two different types of chilli pepper, this beer is not for the faint of heart, or mouth! What’s more, this craft-lovers’ curiosity has an alcohol content of 11%, so remember to drink in moderation.