Directory: Beer Tourism in the Basque Country
“Winter is coming,” say the hardy northerners of Game of Thrones. In Spain, northerners also prepare for winter with beers with a high alcohol content, which are also perfect for storing for a long time in crypts or wherever one sees fit. The truth is that Melisandre was only half right, because the night is dark, but it does not hold terrors. On the contrary, it holds dark wonders. At this point, you’ll know which region of Spain we’re referring to. Yes, the master brewers of the Basque Country are experts in the noble art of Russian Imperial Stouts, so well suited to the cold winter, but they know how to brew many other styles just as well.
In the north of the Iberian Peninsula, breweries and beer bars abound where you can stop to refresh your spirit after enjoying everything this region has to offer. If you’re heading to the Basque Country for beer tourism, don’t miss this list of production sites you can visit.
- The Basquery Beer Factory: brewpub in Bilbao
- Zarautz Beer Company: brewery in Zarautz (Gipuzkoa)
- Txorierri Garagardoak: brewery in Sondika (Biscay)
- Borbor Brewery: brewery in Deba (Gipuzkoa)
- Urban Beer: brewery in Zamudio (Biscay)
- BÝRA: brewery in Nanclares de la Oca (Álava)
- Mala Gissona: brewery in Oiartzun (Gipuzkoa)
- Tito Blas: brewery in Gorliz (Biscay).
- Bidassoa Basque Brewery: brewery in Irún (Gipuzkoa)
- Boga Garagardoa: brewery in Mungia (Biscay)
- Gar & Gar: brewery in Donostia (Gipuzkoa)
- Basqueland Brewing Project: brewery in Hernani (Guipúzcoa)
- Olbea Pilsner: brewery in Salvatierra (Álava)
- Gross: brewery in San Sebastián
- Laugar Brewery: brewery in Gordexola (Biscay)
- Pagoa Basque Beer: brewery in Oiartzun (Gipuzkoa)
- Olañeta: brewery in Rentería (Guipúzcoa)
- Baias Garagardotegia: brewery in Oiardo Urkabustaiz (Álava)
- Etxeandia Garardauak: brewery in Urduliz (Biscay)
As you can see, most microbreweries are located in Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia. In addition, of the fifty companies dedicated to beer production in the Basque Country, fewer than half have their own brewery. In other words, most are nomadic brewers working in other people’s facilities.
If your visit to Euskadi is a quick one, you can’t miss Laugar’s “petrols”. The brewers from Biscay have a well-earned reputation for making excellent dark beers. On the other hand, if you’re a hop addict, you should try the range of pale ales and IPAs brewed by Gross in San Sebastián. In any case, enjoy your visit to one of the most beer-loving regions in Spain. It’s sure to leave a lasting impression!
