Slovenia’s Vibrant Craft Beer Scene – A Whistle-stop Tour Of The Main Breweries.
Slovenia is home to one of the fastest-growing craft beer scenes in the world. As one of the world’s largest producers of hops, ranked 6th, Slovenia is not new to the beer brewing scene. Historical evidence shows that beer was brewed here as far back as the 12th century.
However, the craft beer scene has been booming since its introduction back in 2008, with the establishment of dozens of breweries across the country. While there were only two major beer brands, Laško and Union, in the country since the Second World War, the establishment of trendy craft beer breweries all over the country has led to the introduction of numerous innovative beers that are taking the market by storm.
These include a variety of pale ales, porters and IPA’s etc. that draw inspiration from different parts of the world for the richest flavours and most enticing experiences. Various travel blogs have started picking up on the craft beer scene, especially in Ljubljana – TravelWanker.World – Ljubljana serving craft beers
Here’s a list of some of Slovenia’s top craft beer breweries.
Tektonik Brewery
As one of the most successful and well-known craft beer brewery in Slovenia, Tektonik brewery is located in the heart of Ljubljana. Housed in an old building which was previously used as a printing house for one of Slovenia’s oldest newspapers, Tektonik produces eight different types of beers; most of which draw inspiration from German, Belgian and English brewing practices. Their beers are also sold in local supermarkets, food shops and bars, making them highly accessible.
Loo-Blah-Nah Brewery
As the second craft beer brewery in the city of Ljubljana, Loo-Blah-Nah is also quite popular in the craft beer scene. Their wide selection of beers includes a Belgian ale, Amber ale, Golden ale, IPA and a memorable English pale ale. Both their golden and amber ales are said to have an American character. Their beers are also available at some local bars and beer shops.
Union Brewery
To demonstrate the growing popularity of craft beer in Slovenia, Union brewery – Ljubljana’s largest and oldest brewery – has also entered the scene. While its Union brand still controls a large piece of the local beer market, the brewery now produces a number of dark lagers and an unfiltered blonde that are making waves in the craft beer scene as well. The brewery also offers visitors a tour of their facility, started in 1864, which includes a tasting in their on-site pub.
Human Fish Brewery
No list of Slovenia’s top craft beer breweries would be complete without mentioning one of the earliest entrants into this market, the Human Fish. Established in 2008, the brewery which is now located in Vrhnika, housed in a building that was previously used as a dairy factory, after moving from Slovenj Gradec produces a variety of special and session beers that have gained popularity in Slovenia and even other parts of the world. It is, however, worth noting that this brewery is outside the Ljubljana city limits; 20 Km away to be precise.
While it’s possible to find a collection of most locally produced craft beers on tap or on shelves in a variety of bars, beer shops and even supermarkets in Ljubljana, visiting each one separately is definitely the best way to experience their uniqueness.
Find out more – Google Map of Ljubljana craft beers.