Spanish Beer Route: A sparkling journey through Spain

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The Craft Beer Route in Spain is a sensory experience that takes you to know the history, culture and passion that surrounds the brewing of beer in the country. Because exploring Spain goes beyond its landscapes, beaches and the exquisite gastronomy we all know. There is a more refreshing way to discover the essence of its cities and towns: through beer!

It's an experience that will not only delight your palate, but will also lead you to discover stories and places that feel different with every sip. In this article you will discover from the lively beer scene in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, to the festivals that celebrate this drink in all its diversity.

Dare to travel a journey of flavors, textures and traditions that connects beer lovers from all over the world. So whether you're looking for a craft beer Spain or just a refreshing moment on your trip, this comprehensive guide will give you the perfect starting point for your beer journey.

Craft Beer Route: A sparkling journey through our most emblematic places in Spain

Spain is known for its wines, but craft beer is rapidly gaining ground. And an important fact is that it is the second largest beer consuming country in the world, behind only the Czech Republic. From the north to the south of the country, microbreweries are emerging with innovative proposals and unique flavors.

A trip along a beer route through Spain will allow you to learn more about this trend that blends tradition and modernity, while enjoying an impressive variety of craft beers that tell stories of their land and their creators.

The history of beer in Spain

The history of beer in Spain has a special charm, combining ancient traditions with the freshness of modern innovation.

The origins of beer in the Iberian Peninsula

Although beer is not the oldest alcoholic beverage in the Iberian Peninsula (wine and sherry have that distinction), there are records that show that Iberian peoples were already experimenting with the fermentation of cereals. It was from the 19th century onwards, with industrialization, that beer began to expand and become popular in the large Spanish cities.

Back in 1890, Casimiro Mahou founded the Cerveza y Fábrica de Hielos in Madrid, which would eventually become the Mahou-San Miguel group. Later the factory moved to Guadalajara, where today you can make visits, tastings and tastings: a place to book on your beer route.

In Zaragoza in 1900 La Zaragozana was founded, a group to which Ámbar beer belongs, with a factory that can be visited and which is listed as Industrial Heritage of Aragón. In 1904 Cruzcampo arrived in Seville, and in 1906 Hijos de Rivera was founded in La Coruña.

For many years, commercial brands dominated the market, offering mild and refreshing lagers.

The rise of craft beer in Spain

Until the Industrial Revolution, beer was brewed in monasteries and abbeys. In the last decade, Spain has witnessed a true craft beer boom. From being a passing fad, it has become a movement that celebrates creativity and passion for brewing.

Currently, there are more than 500 microbreweries throughout the country, each with its own recipes and methods. This has not only diversified the offer, but has also created a beer tasting culture that is attracting more and more local and international tourists to the beer route.

Beer Route: Not to be missed festivals

If you are a beer lover, you can't miss some of the best festivals held annually in Spain, where the beer community gathers to toast and share their love for this beverage.

Oktoberfest Madrid (Madrid)

Although the original Oktoberfest is German, Madrid has adopted the tradition with its own twist. If you plan your trip along the beer route, you can start with this event that takes place in October. Here you can find local craft beers, Bavarian dishes, and a lot of live activities. An excellent opportunity to get to know the best of beer tourism in the capital.

Barcelona Beer Festival (Barcelona)

One of the most important craft beer festivals in Spain, the Barcelona Beer Festival takes place every March and attracts breweries from all over the world. In addition to craft beer, there is also live music, shows and food from renowned restaurateurs to accompany the beer. It's the perfect place to discover new brands, participate in guided tastings and learn about beer culture.

Granada Beer Festival

If your beer route passes through this festival, a series of tastings, pairings, spicy contests, beer-related games and bouncy castles for children will make for an unforgettable day.

Beermad (Madrid)

It is the most awaited beer fair in Madrid. Here you will find street food, musical performances, talks, workshops and dozens of craft beers worth tasting during our beer route.

Biergarten BCN (Barcelona)

Here there are all kinds of beers, a frankfurter eating contest and concerts and DJs. You can see more here

Other beer festivals are the UFO Fest, in Valdemoros, the Craft Beer Festival, in Puertito de Güímar, Tenerife, the Fira de la Cervesa Artesana, in Sant Feliu, Birragoza, in Zaragoza, the Beer Bao, in Basauri or the Feria de la Cerveza de Valencia.

Beer museums: A journey to the heart of brewing

For those who wish to delve deeper into the history and brewing processes, Spain has museums that explore the fascinating world of beer.

Brewery Museum of Almeria

Here you can see a collection of more than 2,000 beer cans from 72 different countries.

Don't leave Almeria without visiting the enchanting La Bajadilla in Roquetas de Mar

Moritz Beer Museum (Barcelona)

The first beer museum in Catalonia offers a unique insight into the renaissance of beer in the region. In addition, the Moritz Beer Lab allows visitors to create their own beers and understand the art of craft brewing.

MEGA (La Coruña)

Located in Galicia, this museum is a must stop on the Spanish beer route. Here you can learn about the history of one of the country's most beloved brands, see the production process and, of course, taste some of its best varieties. It is the most outstanding beer museum in Spain. Created by Hijos de Rivera, the business group that sells beers such as Estrella Galicia or 1906. Here you can visit eight different sectors that include the origins of beer, raw materials, brewing, packaging, distribution, advertising, as well as tasting, workshops and a store.

One of the most popular activities is the guided tour with beer tasting, cheese pairing, canned food pairing, Galician sausage pairing and beer massage. In addition, this beer museum also organizes beercraft sessions and concerts.

Cruzcampo Factory (Seville)

It welcomes you with tastings of seven different beers, tapping workshops and dinners with live music, all of them activities to enjoy around beer.

Brewery routes through the main Spanish cities

Each region has its own beer charm and many destinations have their own beer route. We have dozens of fairs that have beer as a protagonist, with the aim of giving visibility to those smaller brands that produce craft beer. The festivals usually have several tastings of craft beers paired with products from the exhibitors and of course, musical performances.

These are some of the cities that you cannot miss in your itinerary to know the best beer in Spain.

Barcelona: The Craft Beer Capital of Catalonia

Barcelona is known for its innovative spirit, and its beer scene is no exception. Places like Edge Brewing and Garage Beer Co. are references for those looking to explore unique and international flavors. Take the opportunity to visit some local brewpubs where they will surprise you with their creativity.

On a stroll through Barcelona? Discover the best beaches in Barceloneta

Madrid: A paradise for beer lovers

In Madrid, the beer offer is as diverse as its population. With breweries like La Virgen and Mad Brewing, you can enjoy from classic beers to more daring proposals. In addition, there are organized routes that take you through the best craft bars in the city.

Seville: The cradle of Andalusian beer

The heat of the south goes perfectly with a cold beer. In Seville, craft beer is gaining prominence. In addition to tasting local beers like those of Cervezas Albero, you can enjoy bars with terraces that offer spectacular views while you cool off.

Cave of Sadurní in Begues

Located in the town of Begues, in the province of Barcelona, the cave of San Sadurní was discovered by a group of archaeologists who found traces of a primitive beer brewed with malted barley more than 6,000 years ago. Guided tours of this archaeological site are available.

Monastery of Yuste in Cáceres

The monastery of Yuste, located in Cuacos de Yuste, in the province of Cáceres, welcomed Emperor Charles V, who went there to spend the last days of his life. There he set up a small Belgian brewery called Legado de Yuste. Unfortunately, it is no longer on the market.

Crown your tour resting in unique accommodations

Perfect pairings: Beer and Spanish gastronomy

A good beer deserves a good accompaniment. In Spain, the tapas tradition makes it easy to find the perfect beer pairing.

Try a refreshing ipa with ham croquettes, or a stout with a good manchego cheese. The possibilities are endless and delicious.

Tips for planning your beer route

To make the most of your beer route and to organize your tailor-made itineraryhere are some tips:

• Plan your stops: Find out which breweries and bars you will be visiting in advance to make the most of your time.
• Book guided tastings: Many places offer beer tasting experiences that include tours and detailed explanations.
• Explore local options: Don't limit yourself to big brands, give local microbreweries a chance - you'll be surprised!

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