Beer in Croatia – Tips for Connoisseurs

If you are vacationing in Croatia and love beer, you will probably want to try a typical Croatian beer. To ensure you don't stand clueless in front of the beverage shelf during your visit to the local supermarket, we have summarized here which beer Croatia is known for and which varieties taste particularly good.

Beers in Croatia – Background

Wine has a long tradition in Croatia, but breweries do not have a long history. The two oldest breweries that brew Croatia's most famous beer are no more than 150 years old. Both types, Karlovacko pivo and Ozujsko pivo, are lagers with a full-bodied taste that remain very popular among beers in Croatia.

When the first craft beers appeared on the Croatian market ten years ago, the selection of beers in Croatia changed drastically. Today, there are many excellent craft beers from smaller breweries with Croatian origins. Find out here which beer makes Croatia worth a trip.

Karlovacko pivo – Traditional Beer of Croatia

Karlovacko is probably the most popular and well-known beer in Croatia. It tastes spicy and smooth and has an alcohol content of 5 percent. Since 2003, the traditional Croatian beer has been part of the Heineken group and is available almost everywhere. The brewery is located in the city of Karlovac, which is also worth a visit for its historic buildings.

Insider Tip of Croatian Beers: Velebitsko Pivo

An insider tip among Croatian beers is Velebitsko Pivo. This beer is made in a small place behind the Velebit mountain range, called Donje Pazariste. So far, this beer is only available in the immediate vicinity of the brewery in Croatia, but both locals and visitors rave about its smooth, malty taste, which gives hope that production will soon expand.

Croatian Craft Beer from the Island of Hvar

On the island of Hvar, there is a small brewery called Vuentovo that makes its own craft beer. With the finest natural ingredients, various flavors are experimented with that will surprise your palate. The dark beer IPA AljaskiMrgud from their own production has now achieved legendary status for the brewery.

Breweries from Zagreb – Specialties of Croatian Beers

As versatile and fascinating as the capital of Croatia itself, so are its beers. Various IPAs and ales from Zagreb are sold all over the country. Among the most famous breweries are Nova Runda, but also Zmajska pivovara, both of which have kept their headquarters in Zagreb.

Zmajska pivovara is known for its beers in 0.3-liter bottles, with a dragon depicted on the labels. The taste is simple and just delicious. Many of the beer varieties are only available in Croatia at certain times of the year, as they are enriched with seasonal ingredients.

More complex notes also play a role in many beers from Nova Runda, which specializes in IPAs. Both breweries have decisively shaped the enjoyment of beer in Croatia.

Beer in Croatia – Organic IPA in Istria

The Croatian craft beer scene has an incredible amount to offer. A smaller brewery that has taken all hearts by storm is EKO Craft Beer Kampanjola in Istria, in the town of Savicenta. This brewery stands for the natural beers of Croatia, brewed exclusively with organic ingredients. The color of the naturally cloudy beers is convincing, just like their taste with bitter notes. Especially recommended is the Red Ale Crvena.

Croatian Beers: Award-Winning IPA from Split

Another reason to visit the beautiful coastal city of Split is the LAB Split brewery. This IPA brewery has already won several awards and was one of the first breweries for IPA beer in Croatia.

The title for the best beer in Croatia in 2018 and 2019 was more than deserved by this brewery. Bestsellers include Barba APA, Blonde Ale Punica, as well as English Ale and Chinook APA. Nothing beats the feeling of enjoying an ice-cold IPA with a view of the Split coast.

On a Discovery Tour in Croatia? The Right Accommodation is Available at Crovillas

Are you curious about the selection of Croatian beers? Do you also want to taste the best beer in Croatia? Whether a beach holiday or a city break with lots of variety, at Crovillas you will find the accommodation that will make your holiday something special. Our beautiful villas are the best conditions for a unique and relaxing holiday in impressive Croatia with your friends or family. Do you have any questions? Then feel free to contact us.