Valencia’s Craft Beer Renaissance: More Than Just Paella!
Ah, Valencia! The city of sunshine, paella, and the stunning City of Arts and Sciences. While its culinary reputation often precedes it, there’s a vibrant and rapidly growing craft beer scene that’s just begging to be explored. As a local who’s spent years navigating the labyrinthine streets of the old town and the modern avenues alike, I can tell you that Valencia is no longer just a destination for traditional Spanish flavors. The craft beer revolution has arrived, bringing with it innovative breweries, cozy taprooms, and a passionate community of beer lovers. Forget what you thought you knew about Spanish beer; Valencia is brewing up a storm, and I’m here to guide you through the best of it.
From Horchata to Hops: A Shifting Palate
For a long time, the Spanish beer landscape was dominated by a few large, mass-produced lagers. However, a generation of young Valencians, inspired by global craft beer trends and eager to experiment, has begun to change the game. This movement isn’t just about new breweries; it’s about a shift in appreciation. People here are increasingly seeking out complex flavors, diverse styles, and locally produced, high-quality beverages. This newfound appreciation has fueled the growth of numerous establishments dedicated to showcasing the best of craft beer, both local and international.
Where to Find the Best Craft Beer in Valencia
Navigating a new city’s beer scene can be daunting. But fear not! I’ve curated a list of must-visit spots, from hidden gems to popular haunts, ensuring you get a true taste of Valencia’s craft beer prowess. These are places I frequent, places I recommend to visiting friends, and places that truly represent the spirit of this evolving scene.
Must-Visit Taprooms and Bars:
- La Moza (Carrer dels Trenchs, 4): This is, hands down, one of my absolute favorite spots. La Moza is a true sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts. It’s a relatively small space, but it’s packed with character and an ever-rotating selection of beers on tap, often featuring local Valencian breweries alongside national and international craft favorites. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, always ready with a recommendation. Their focus on quality and variety is exceptional. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend an afternoon sampling different brews and chatting with fellow beer lovers. They often have live music too, adding to the already fantastic atmosphere.
- Beershake (Carrer de la Reina, 14): Located in the heart of the city, not far from the iconic Central Market, Beershake is another essential stop. This bar boasts an impressive array of taps, often featuring an even wider selection than La Moza, especially if you’re looking for a broader international craft selection. They also have a substantial bottled and canned beer collection. The vibe here is usually lively, making it a great place to start or end your evening. They frequently host tasting events and brewery spotlights, so check their social media for upcoming happenings.
- Olivares (Carrer de la Mar, 22): While Olivares might be known for its extensive wine selection (and it truly is impressive!), they have also carved out a significant niche for craft beer. Located in the trendy Ruzafa neighborhood, this is a spot that bridges the gap between traditional appreciation for quality beverages and the new wave of craft beer. They often have a carefully selected range of craft beers on tap and in bottles, focusing on quality over quantity. It’s a more sophisticated setting, perfect for those who appreciate a well-curated list and a relaxed ambiance.
- El Llar de L’Abra (Carrer del Mestre Lluís Serrano, 1): This place is a bit of a hidden gem, located a little further out from the absolute city center, but absolutely worth the journey. El Llar de L’Abra offers a more intimate and community-focused experience. They have a good selection of craft beers, often with a strong emphasis on regional producers. The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious, making it a favorite among locals who want to discover new brews in a relaxed setting.
- Bar Crema (Carrer del Doctor Manuel Candela, 21): Another favorite in the Ruzafa district, Bar Crema is a bar that has embraced the craft beer movement wholeheartedly. They have a solid rotating tap list and a good selection of bottles, often featuring some of the most innovative breweries from Spain and beyond. The staff are friendly and approachable, and the atmosphere is always buzzing. It’s a great place to experience the local vibe while enjoying some excellent beer.
Breweries to Explore (and Where to Find Their Beer):
While Valencia has a burgeoning brewery scene, some of these operations are still quite small, meaning their taprooms might be limited or their distribution focused on select bars. However, you can often find their fantastic brews pouring at the taprooms mentioned above. Here are a few local breweries to keep an eye out for:
- Tyris: One of the pioneers in the Valencian craft beer scene, Tyris is a must-try. They offer a range of accessible and delicious beers, from their signature blonde ale to more experimental brews. You’ll find Tyris on tap in many of the bars listed, and they often have their own events or tasting sessions. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a local favorite.
- Guineu: Hailing from nearby Barcelona but with a strong presence in Valencia, Guineu brews some truly exceptional and often adventurous beers. Their IPAs and sours are particularly noteworthy. Keep an eye out for their distinctive label in bottles and cans at your favorite craft beer spots.
- Barceloneta Cervecería: Though the name suggests Barcelona, this brewery has a significant following in Valencia. They produce a variety of styles, and their beers are a staple in many craft beer bars across the city. Look for their well-crafted lagers and pale ales.
- Laugar Brewery: Another Basque Country brewery that has gained immense popularity in Valencia. Laugar is known for its high-quality, well-balanced beers across various styles. You’ll often find their brews featured on tap lists and in bottle shops.
- Althaia: From Catalonia, Althaia offers a diverse range of beers, from classic styles to more contemporary craft offerings. Their consistent quality makes them a reliable choice when you’re looking for something new to try.
Beyond the Beer: Valencia’s Culinary Pairings
While enjoying a craft beer, it’s only natural to think about food. Valencia offers incredible culinary experiences that pair wonderfully with a diverse range of beers. Don’t limit yourself to traditional tapas; many places serving craft beer also offer gourmet burgers, artisanal cheeses, and even more refined small plates that complement the complex flavors of craft beer.
- For a crisp Lager or Pilsner: Think light, refreshing tapas like esgarraet (marinated roasted peppers and cod), clóchinas (Valencian mussels, when in season), or a simple plate of jamón ibérico.
- With a hoppy IPA: Spicy dishes, grilled meats, or anything with a bit of a kick will stand up beautifully to the bitterness and aromatic qualities of an IPA.
- For a rich Stout or Porter: Indulge in chocolate-based desserts or strong, aged cheeses. Valencia has some fantastic artisanal cheese shops if you want to create your own pairing board.
- With Sours or Fruited Beers: These often pair well with seafood, lighter salads, or even some of the more innovative fusion cuisine you can find in Valencia’s growing food scene.
Insider Tips for the Valencia Craft Beer Explorer:
- Follow the Local Scene Online: Many of the bars and breweries have active social media accounts (Instagram is huge here). Follow them to stay updated on new arrivals, special events, and tasting sessions. This is the best way to know what’s on tap *right now*.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: The staff at these craft beer establishments are usually incredibly passionate and knowledgeable. Tell them what you usually like, or describe a beer you enjoyed in the past, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
- Explore Different Neighborhoods: While there are great spots in the city center, venturing into neighborhoods like Ruzafa or Benimaclet can reveal some local favorites that are off the beaten path.
- Check Out Bottle Shops: Beyond the bars, look for dedicated bottle shops. These places often have an even wider selection of beers to take away or enjoy on-site, and they are great for discovering smaller, emerging breweries. One such place is Casa Cervecera L’Horta, which often has a fantastic selection.
- Look for Brewery Events: Keep an eye out for brewery takeovers, tasting flights, or even brewery tours if you’re lucky enough to be in town when one is offered. These are fantastic opportunities to learn more about the brewing process and meet the brewers themselves.
- Consider a Brewery Tour (if available): While Valencia might not have as many large-scale brewery tours as some other cities, keep an eye on specific local breweries. If they offer tours, it’s a fantastic way to dive deep into the local craft.
- Embrace the Variety: The beauty of craft beer is its diversity. Don’t be afraid to try styles you’ve never heard of before. You might just discover your new favorite.
- Visit the Dropt.Beer Website: For a comprehensive and up-to-date resource on craft beer in Spain, including Valencia, I highly recommend checking out Dropt.beer. It’s an invaluable tool for discovering new breweries, bars, and events, and for keeping track of your favorite brews. They also have a great shop if you want to purchase some of your discoveries to take home. You can explore their offerings at dropt.beer/shop/ and stay informed with their latest articles and news on dropt.beer/insights-news-blog/.
The Future is Hoppy
Valencia’s craft beer scene is still young and incredibly dynamic. What’s exciting is the constant innovation and the growing passion from both brewers and consumers. As more breweries emerge and more bars dedicate themselves to quality craft offerings, Valencia is solidifying its position as a must-visit destination for any beer lover. So, next time you find yourself in this beautiful Mediterranean city, remember to look beyond the paella and explore the incredible world of Valencian craft beer. ¡Salud!
