From Paros and Mykonos to Lesvos, Samothrace and Zakynthos, we choose 12 beers from Greek islands worth trying.
The Greek microbrewery has gained in recent years a strong island presence. Small breweries now operate in the Cyclades, the North Aegean, the Ionian Islands, Crete and Evia, creating beers directly linked to their place of production. Others have reached the liquor stores and shops throughout the country and others remain more local, so we often need to travel to the island itself to test them.
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12 beers from Greek islands to refrigerate this summer
We chose 12 beers from 12 Greek islands, from classic lager and pilsner to blonde and pale ale. You will not necessarily find them all on the shelves of supermarkets because several are produced in small quantities and are available in the microbreweries themselves, in selected cellars and shops, in dining areas or especially on the island where they were created.
Paros: 56 Isles Pariani Lager
Just outside Naoussa is Paros Microbrewery, where 56 Isles beers are produced. The name refers to the 56 islands of Cyclades, while the relationship with the place also passes to the raw materials used by the brewery in some of its labels. For our summer fridge we choose Pariani Lager, a fresh lager with 5% alcohol and intense anthrax. It has a balanced body, in the presence of hops and mild, clean aftertaste, features that make it an easy choice for hot days and for a summer table with snacks, fish and seafood.
Samothrace: Fonias Pale Ale
Near Kamariotisa operates Microbrewery Samothrace, which uses, among other things, malt from Thrace and water from Samothraki. Fonias is a fresh, undefiled and unfiltered Pale Ale with 6.2% alcohol. Her aromatic profile shows peach and citrus fruits, while her bitterness remains balanced. The name comes from Fonias, one of the most famous torrents and waterfalls of the island. An interesting detail is also found in the package, where the name and type of beer are listed in Braille.
Mykonos: Mikonu Fresh Lager
Mykonos Brewing Company produces in Mykonos Mikonu Fresh Lager, an unspoiled lager with 5% alcohol. It has a cool character, aromas that move between malt, flowers and citrus fruits and vibrant carbonization. This label has a specific character: according to the brewery, it is produced and distributed exclusively in Mykonos. So if you find yourself on the island, it's one of the local beers you deserve to look for.
Lesbos: Nissiopi Blonde Ale – Sigri Brewery
Sigri Brewery was born in Sigri, western Lesvos and acts as a nomadic microbrewery. One of its most characteristic labels is Nissiopi Blonde Ale, named after Nissope, the long island opposite Sigri. It has 5.5% alcohol, malt base, notes of citrus, low bitterness and dry finish. A choice that removes us from the list's lager and pilsner and shows a different side of the Greek island craft scene.
Santorini: Yellow Donkey
In the Middle Corner is the Santorini Brewing Company, the microbrewery that made the features «donkeys» the part of the modern culinary image of Santorini. Yellow Donkey is fresh and unfiltered, with golden color, citrus aromas and balanced hop presence. It is the most recognizable of Santorini's Donkey Beers and a good starting point for anyone who wants to meet the local microbrewery.
Ikaria: Ikariotissa Lager
Icariotissa is a beer that states its origin already by her name. From the microbrewery range we choose Ikariotissa Lager, a blonde lager with 5% alcohol. Produced from water, barley malt, hops and yeast and has a clean, easy-to-drink profile that makes it suitable for the high temperatures of summer. In the same family there are now Ale, Red Ale, Porter and other labels.
Chios: Fresh Chios Beer
Chios microbrewery began its production in the early part of the previous decade and Fresh Chios Beer became the label that introduced her to the wider public. It is a fresh, unspoiled small-production beer with fruity character and aromas of hops and citrus fruits. As its name suggests, it is intended to be consumed fresh and is one of the typical beers that one can look for in Chios.
Corfu: Corfu Beer Royal Ionian Pilsner
In the Arillas of northwestern Corfu is the Corfiot Microbrewery, which has created the Corfu Beer series. From its labels we choose Royal Ionian Pilsner, a blonde pilsner with 5% alcohol, the presence of hops and characteristic but balanced bitterness. It fits particularly with fish, seafood and fried appetizers and is one of the local beers that is worth searching for when we are in Corfu.
Kefalonia: Kefalonian Premium Lager
In Karavomylos operates the Microbrewery of Kefalonia and Ithaca. Kefalonian Premium Lager is an unspoiled lager with 5% alcohol, mild bitterness, distinctive aromas of citrus and malt character. According to the brewery, it is produced all year round and available at several places of focus on the island. Her mild tasteful profile makes her an easy companion for salads, fish, seafood and grilled chicken.
Crete: Harma
Since 2007 Cretan Brewery has been operating in Zounaki Chania. Its production is linked to western Crete and includes different types of beer, from lager to more intense and aromatic versions. The blonde Harma has a golden yellow, slightly cloudy color, aromas reminiscent of citrus flowers and freshly cut grass, a sour taste and moderate bitterness. If you encounter her barreling at one of her disposal points, it is worth trying as fresh as possible.
Zakynthos: Levante Xigia Pils
Levante is the first microbrewery of Zakynthos and began its operation in 2017. It is located in the area of Agios Petros, near Xygkia, which give their name to Xigia Pils. These are unfiltered pils with 3.5% alcohol, produced from water, barley malt, hop and yeast. The relatively low alcoholic grade makes it one of the list's lightest choices and particularly interesting for the summer.
Evia: September Monday’s Pilsner
Since 2009, Septem, one of the Greek microbreweries with a very wide range, has been operating in the Evia Hours. For our summer refrigerator we choose Monday’s Pilsner, a fresh, unpastered beer with 5% alcohol. It has aromas of flowers, citrus fruits and hops, while in taste it combines malt with refreshing acidity and bitterness. A pilsner with a more aromatic character than the classic industrial versions of the style.
Where will you get beer from Greek microbreweries?
Small Greek breweries beers are not necessarily available in large supermarket chains. You can search them in updated cellars, shops with Greek products and craft beer, catering areas, the points of sale of the breweries themselves and, in some cases, only on the island where they are produced. Also, you can search them at the e-shop
- Greekbeershop. gr
- beer24.gr
- www.ekava.gr
- www.canava.gr
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