Do you fancy a nice, cold beer?
Germany may well be second to none when it comes to beer but… hey! Bilbao’s not far behind them. Here we also know where to find some great brews to suit all tastes.
So, let’s set off on a tour to find a few bars that carry a great selection of beers and craft beers and maybe even a brew or two of their own!
BASQUERY: CRAFT BEER BREWERY, MALT MILL
The Basquery’s craft beer is made in Bilbao from their own formulas using the best water to be found in Europe, a variety of freshly milled malts, fresh hops from different sources and a whole lot of passion. The result is a different beer served straight from the maturation tanks, a beer that will surprise you. de maduración, una cerveza que sorprende, que tiene alma.
It takes carefully tested formulas, the best ingredients, a meticulously controlled brewing process and respect and love for the product to produce a Basquery craft beer. They offer Golden Ale, Brown Ale and IPA, among others.
BIHOTZ CAFÉ: 6 CRAFT BEERS ON TAP
A warm welcome awaits us at the Bihotz café thanks to the friendly attitude of its hosts and the care they take when serving you.
If you like beer, then you’ll find 6 taps and the best craft brewers right here. Two of the taps always offer the same beer, but the other ones rotate depending on what’s available at any given time, bearing in mind that they only produce their craft beers in small quantities. There’s also a wide range of different types of bottled and canned beers that you’ll be hard pressed to find in any other bar in Bilbao. New brews are added every week.
LA MUGA: AN ARCHETYPAL BEER BAR IN BILBAO’S CASCO VIEJO
11 taps, four of them offering craft Basque beers that rotate regularly, and a wide range of local, national and international bottles. That’s La Muga for you.
In 2017, three sisters called Silvia, Sorne and Abarne embarked on a new project: La Muga! They were quite clear from the very beginning that what they wanted to do was offer a wide range of beers, but that was easier said than done. Silvia decided to head to Barcelona to get information, learn, and put a few ideas together.
Given that they firmly believe in sourcing their products locally there was no way their drink was going to be an exception to the rule. That’s why they have 4 taps serving Basque beer (Boga, La Txika de la Cerveza, Drunken Bros and Tito Blas) which they rotate regularly – it’s no wonder their customers are crying out for more.
Craft beer, vegan options on the menu and more than 50 different wines that have made this place a major attraction for Bilbao’s top sommeliers. Silvia’s favourite tipple is La Txika de la Cerveza, have you tried it yet?
IZEKI TABERNA: A WIDE RANGE OF BEERS IN DEUSTO
The Izeki Taberna has a lot going for it, not least its splendid covered terrace and, of course, its range of beers. They come in all colours and from all over the world: America, Belgium, Scotland… and at very reasonable prices.
Javi’s been at the helm of Izeki Taberna for the past 6 years. He likes to know what he’s selling and to offer different beers that are hard to find in any other bar in Deusto.
Until recently he’s kept 40 different, but he’s just added another 5 new American labels to his offer. The Bidassoa craft beers also deserve special mention in this bar.
BAR SINGULAR: CRAFT BEER AND GASTRONOMY
Lovers of quality, and especially beer lovers, this is the place for you – welcome to the Bar Singular! Vintage armchairs and stone walls add to the atmosphere of this intimately.
In the centre of Bilbao we can find another one of the city’s archetypal beer bars, the Bar Singular which has 6 taps in rotation so that we can explore new flavours and aromas. Sabino and Lide are more than happy to offer advice and guidance to anyone eager to try a new beer at this veritable place of worship. Quality local and international craft beer.
