Drink Your Way Through Slovenia’s Craft Beer Scene
As a self-proclaimed beer enthusiast, I’ve journeyed far and wide in search of the perfect pint. But when my sister and I found ourselves in the charming city of Ljubljana, Slovenia, we stumbled upon a craft beer scene that took us by surprise.
Intrigued by the booming craft beer scene, we knew we had to experience it for ourselves. And that’s how we ended up on a delightful “Beer Lover’s Experience of Ljubljana” with our guide, Anze.
Sampling Slovenia’s Mildly Hoppy IPAs
Our first stop was Lokal, where we sampled an India Pale Ale (IPA) by the Human Fish Brewery. Now, I consider myself an IPA connoisseur, but this one was quite different from what I’m used to back home in the States. Anze explained that the hoppiness is dialed down in Slovenian IPAs, as the climate is not quite suitable for growing the strong, aromatic hops we find in our West Coast IPAs.
“This is about as hoppy as IPAs get in Slovenia,” Anze told me, as I sipped on the surprisingly mild brew. While I typically gravitate away from IPAs, this one was a pleasant surprise – light, refreshing, and easy to drink, even on a hot summer day.
Discovering Slovenia’s Unique Breweries
Next, we headed to the Captains Cabin, a cozy basement bar, where we sampled another IPA called the General Maister, brewed by Maister Brewery. Once again, the hoppy punch was dialed down, but the beer was still bursting with flavor.
What made this brewery interesting, though, was the fact that it’s a “gypsy brewery” – meaning they don’t own their own brewing equipment, but rather rent space and resources from other facilities. It’s a unique business model, reflecting the innovative spirit of Slovenia’s craft beer scene.
Exploring Riverside Pubs and Tiny Breweries
As the sun began to set, we made our way to Makalonca, a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the Ljubljanica River. Here, we sampled a pale ale from Mali Grad, the smallest brewery we visited, producing a mere 6,000 liters per year. Despite its tiny size, the pale ale was spot-on, with the familiar flavors I associate with the style.
“Even if you choose to forego the beer tour, I’d highly recommend visiting Makalonca for a drink when the weather is nice,” I told my sister, as we soaked in the stunning riverside views.
Discovering Witbiers and Historic Breweries
Our next stop took us to Hotel Tresor, where we sampled a witbier from Hercules Brewery. As a lover of Belgian-style beers, this was my personal favorite of the day. The citrusy, refreshing witbier was the perfect companion to the hot Slovenian summer.
Finally, we visited the most well-known brewery in Ljubljana, Union Brewery. After a guided tour of the historic facility, we settled in on the outdoor patio to sample their lagers and dark beers. While the dark beer wasn’t quite my cup of tea in the heat, the unfiltered lager was a delightful way to end our craft beer journey.
Embracing the Craft Beer Culture
Throughout the tour, I was struck by the welcoming, casual atmosphere at each of the breweries. Unlike the often-pretentious craft beer scene back home, Slovenia’s brewers seemed more focused on sharing their passion for beer than impressing beer snobs.
“For a beer lover, I can’t think of anything more fun than spending the evening discovering Slovenia’s best craft beers,” I told my sister as we reluctantly bid farewell to our new friend, Anze.
As we made our way back to our hotel, I couldn’t help but wonder why more people aren’t flocking to Slovenia to experience its burgeoning craft beer scene. With its mild, approachable IPAs, unique brewing styles, and stunning riverside pubs, this tiny country is a must-visit destination for any craft beer enthusiast.
Exploring Other Craft Beer Hubs
Of course, Slovenia isn’t the only destination worth exploring for craft beer lovers. The South Bay region of Los Angeles has also emerged as a hub for innovative, small-batch breweries, with roughly 20 operations in the area.
From the Common Space brewery, which boasts an impressive 30-barrel production system and a 4-barrel pilot system, to the long-standing Smog City Brewing, known for its award-winning IPAs and barrel-aged offerings, the South Bay is a craft beer lover’s paradise.
And on the opposite coast, the Maine Brewers’ Guild has been championing the state’s vibrant craft beer scene, which has grown exponentially in recent years. With over 150 breweries and counting, Maine has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for any serious beer enthusiast.
Embracing the Spirit of Craft Beer Tourism
Whether you’re exploring the mild-mannered IPAs of Slovenia, the hazy, hop-forward brews of Los Angeles, or the Belgian-inspired ales of Maine, the joy of craft beer tourism lies in the journey itself. It’s about discovering new flavors, unearthing hidden gems, and connecting with the passionate people behind the beer.
So, the next time you plan a trip, why not consider adding a craft beer tour to your itinerary? You never know what delightful surprises might be waiting for you. And who knows, you might just stumble upon your new favorite brewery – or even your new favorite country for beer lovers.
As for me, I’ll be keeping a close eye on The Up and Under Pub for the latest updates on the craft beer scene. After all, you can never have too many reasons to plan your next beer-centric adventure.
