The Rise of Croatian Craft Beer: A Journey from Fizzy Lagers to Bold Brews
Look around Croatia, and you’ll spot it everywhere: the frothy head of a beer, a constant companion in cafes, bars, and by the sea. Once known mainly as a wine country, Croatia’s national drink has quietly become, well, beer. But this wasn’t always the case—beer only took hold here a couple of centuries ago. For a long time, it was mainly lager, the simple, bubbly kind you’d find in any supermarket or pub. Then, around 2013, things changed, and Croatia’s craft beer scene was born.
It started in an unexpected place: Buje, a small town in Istria. Here, San Servolo brewery made its debut with unfiltered, unpasteurized, bottle-conditioned beers—an entirely new kind of drink for Croatian shelves. The fancy label and unique flavor caught people’s attention, proving that beer didn’t have to be “just another lager.” Their success snowballed, leading to the creation of Croatia’s only “beer resort,” complete with a spa where you can soak in beer-based treatments. Yes, it’s a real thing. But the real craft beer explosion came a little later in Zagreb, where two true pioneers emerged: Nova Runda and Zmajska Pivovara.
In a classic underdog story, the founders of these breweries weren’t your stereotypical bearded hipsters with artisanal tendencies—they were regular guys with regular jobs in IT, banking, and engineering. They just loved beer, so much that they left secure careers behind to chase a dream. Nova Runda crowdfunded their first American Pale Ale, which instantly struck a chord with locals. Not to be outdone, Zmajska launched its own pale ale, quickly making waves; just a year later, Zmajska made RateBeer’s list of the top 10 up-and-coming breweries worldwide. Suddenly, craft beer in Croatia was no longer just a hobby—it was a movement.
And that movement spread like wildfire. New breweries began popping up everywhere. Zagreb became a central hub with names like Varionica, Pulfer, and Primarius leading the way. Meanwhile, small-town breweries across the country got creative, embracing Croatia’s regional flavors and ingredients. Bura Brewery in Poreč joined the Istrian beer scene, while Kampanjola in Svetvinčenat became Croatia’s only certified organic brewery. Fabrika in Vodnjan entered the scene with exciting flavors, adding a fresh twist to the market. Croatian craft brewers took inspiration from international styles but added local flair. San Servolo’s truffle-infused blonde ale, for instance, pays homage to Istria’s famous truffles. Meanwhile, Zadar’s Brlog cooperative brewery features a sour beer infused with marasca cherry, a native Croatian fruit with a long history in regional liqueurs.
Medvedgrad Brewery in Zagreb offers a unique mix of tradition and innovation. Since 1994, Medvedgrad has been making easy-drinking lagers in the city’s pubs. When the founder’s sons took over, they infused the family business with fresh ideas, creating new styles to satisfy a younger
generation’s tastes. Garden Brewery, another Zagreb-based gem, took a modern approach. Originally set up by a British expat to serve beer at his Adriatic music festivals, Garden quickly became a cultural hotspot. Located in Zagreb’s industrial zone, Garden is a mecca for craft lovers, foodies, and partiers alike, offering not just beer but an entire lifestyle centered around good vibes and great brews.
Ten years after its inception, Croatia’s craft beer scene has grown into something vibrant and diverse. Today, there are around 80 craft breweries across the country, from the coast to the capital. This might sound modest, but for a country of its size, it’s an impressive feat. The beer varieties on offer now include everything from IPAs and porters to sours and stouts. As Croatian palates expand, so does the array of craft beer bars, taprooms, and festivals. Popular craft beer venues include Goblet and Ambasada in Zagreb, Craft Beer Shop in Medulin, Valhalla in Zagreb, Leopold’s in Split, and Gajba in Osijek.
Craft beer in Croatia isn’t just a trend; it’s a tight-knit community fueled by passion. Brewers and drinkers alike share an enthusiasm for new flavors and an appreciation for quality and creativity. This spirit of exploration has transformed Croatian beer from humble lagers to a complex, multifaceted world where local ingredients, tradition, and innovation come together. So, next time you’re in Croatia, grab a truffle ale, a cherry sour, or an Istrian lager—you’ll be raising a glass to a new Croatian tradition in the making. Cheers!
Top Rated Breweries Croatia’s Craft Beer
San Servolo
Medvedgrad
5th Element
The Garden Brewery
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