Armenian Beer: Where To Buy The Best Brews

Armenian beer is widely available in the country and is much cheaper than imported beer. Beer has been produced in Armenia since ancient times, and the country is home to several breweries and microbreweries. Armenian beers are served in all coffee shops, beer houses, and clubs, and there are many places to try unique, locally brewed beer in the capital, Yerevan. Armenian beer can also be purchased in shops and supermarkets, with prices starting from around 300-400 drams.

Armenian beer houses in Yerevan

Yerevan, Armenia's capital, has a thriving beer scene, with a variety of beer houses offering unique and delicious brews. Here is a list of some of the best Armenian beer houses in Yerevan:

Dargett Brewpub

Dargett, Armenia's first and only craft brewery, offers an extensive selection of beers with twenty options available for tasting, including flights for those who want to explore different varieties. The pub has a full-service restaurant and a spacious seating area with an upstairs, downstairs, and a large terrace. Dargett is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts, located at 72 Aram Street in the heart of Yerevan.

Dors Craft Beer & Kitchen

Dors, established in 2019, has become a beloved spot for beer lovers, offering a diverse range of Armenian craft beers and delicious homemade cuisine. Its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, along with its convenient location near Republic Square, makes it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Dors can be found at 4/6 Amiryan Street, right next to the famous Mayrig Restaurant.

Beer Academy

Beer Academy, Armenia's first organic beer producer, offers a unique drinking experience with its German-inspired atmosphere and a variety of seasonal and organic beers. The brewpub, located at 8 Moskovyan Street, is known for its vibrant ambiance and convenient downtown location, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

Kilikia Beer House

Kilikia Beer House, located off Abovyan Street in Yerevan's city centre, is the perfect spot to enjoy Kilikia beer, one of Armenia's most popular brands. The restaurant and beer house offer a cosy atmosphere, good food, and, of course, an excellent selection of Kilikia beers.

Paulaner Beerhouse

Paulaner Beerhouse, located at 3 Tamanyan Street near the famous Cascade area, specialises in German beer and cuisine. They offer delicious German sausages, ribs, and, of course, Paulaner beer. It is a great place to watch sports and occasionally enjoy live music.

These are just a few of the many fantastic Armenian beer houses in Yerevan, each offering its unique atmosphere, beer selections, and culinary delights. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these establishments provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and savour the best of Armenian craft beer culture.

Armenian beer brands and their prices

Armenia has a rich history of brewing, with evidence of beer production dating back to ancient times. Today, the country is home to several breweries and microbreweries, each offering its unique take on this beloved beverage. Here is an overview of some popular Armenian beer brands and their prices:

Kilikia

Kilikia is the most popular Armenian beer brand, found everywhere from local shops to upscale restaurants. The name is inspired by the ancient Armenian kingdom of Cilicia. Kilikia offers a range of beers, including Kilikia Lager, Kilikia 1952, and Kilikia Dark. You can expect to pay around 400 drams for a Kilikia beer in a shop and about 1000 drams in a restaurant.

Ararat

Ararat beer is named after the symbolic holy mountains of Sis and Masis. It is widely available in shops for approximately 400 drams. While not as prevalent in restaurants as Kilikia, it is still worth trying for its unique flavour.

Kotayk

Founded in 1974, Kotayk beer takes its name from the central Armenian region of the same name. It is available in a variety of sizes, including 33cl, 50cl, and 1L. You can purchase Kotayk in stores for around 500 drams, while a bar or coffee shop may charge 1000 drams.

Dilijan

Dilijan beer originates from the city of Dilijan, located in the Tavush region, known for its picturesque National Park. It is one of the most affordable Armenian beers, typically costing around 350 drams in supermarkets. The beer's taste is said to reflect the purity of the region's water.

Gyumri

Gyumri beer is produced by one of the country's oldest breweries, founded in the 1970s. It is a well-known brand, available in various types such as classic, gold, and extra, each with distinct aromas and flavours. You can find Gyumri beer in most shops and supermarkets, with prices ranging from 300 to 600 drams.

Aleksandrapol

Brewed in Gyumri, Aleksandrapol is considered one of Armenia's finest beers. It is available in many supermarkets, though not as common in bars and restaurants as some other brands. The name pays homage to the city's former name during the Russian Empire. A 33cl bottle typically costs around 550 drams.

Erebuni

Named after one of Yerevan's oldest districts, Erebuni is possibly the lightest Armenian beer, with an ABV of 4%. It is a rare find in restaurants and bars, but you can purchase it from supermarkets for about 340 drams.

Dargett

Dargett is both a beer brand and the country's most famous beer house, located in Yerevan. Founded in 2016, it offers a wide range of craft beers, including stout, pale ale, and apricot ale. A bottle of Dargett beer will cost you approximately 700 drams.

Dors

Dors brewpub, established in 2019, is a popular destination for beer enthusiasts in Yerevan. It offers a variety of Armenian craft beers and homemade food. Prices for a 33cl glass range from 800 to 1200 drams, similar to those at Dargett.

Beer Academy

Beer Academy is a restaurant-brewery in Yerevan that produced Armenia's first bio beers. They offer seasonal and organic beers in a European-style setting.

Armenian beers are widely available and offer excellent value, with prices ranging from 340 to 1000 drams, depending on the brand and location.

Yerevan Beer Fest

Yerevan, Armenia, is a hub of cultural festivals, including the annual Yerevan Beer Fest. This festival, usually held in August, is a celebration of Armenian brewing culture, showcasing the country's long history of beer production, which dates back to ancient times.

The Yerevan Beer Fest is an excellent opportunity to discover the diverse range of Armenian beers and explore the art of matching food with beer. The festival is held near the Yerevan Opera Theatre, with Swan Lake in the park serving as the picturesque backdrop. Over 10,000 visitors attended the 2018 edition, which featured all the major breweries and microbreweries in Armenia.

The festival is divided into several zones, each offering unique experiences. In the beer zone, visitors can taste a wide variety of Armenian beers, including traditional brews and new offerings. The food zone showcases delicious beer snacks, allowing attendees to explore the perfect food pairings. The masterclass zone provides an opportunity to learn about the brewing process and gain insights into the art of brewing.

The Yerevan Beer Fest also features a music and game zone, where visitors can enjoy live performances and participate in various games, including sports and intellectual challenges. The festive atmosphere, combined with the opportunity to discover new beers and interact with brewers, makes the Yerevan Beer Fest a highlight for beer enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in Armenian culture.

In addition to the annual Beer Fest, Yerevan offers a vibrant beer scene throughout the year. The city is home to numerous breweries and beer houses, such as Dargett, Dors, and Beer Academy, where visitors can taste unique craft beers and explore the local brewing culture. With its rich history, diverse beer styles, and lively festivals, Yerevan is a destination that truly celebrates the art of brewing and the enjoyment of good beer.

Armenian craft breweries

Armenia has a rich history of beer production, dating back to ancient times. The country is home to several craft breweries that offer unique and diverse tastes, often at more affordable prices than imported beers. Armenian beers are widely available in coffee shops, beer houses, and clubs across the country. Here is an overview of some notable Armenian craft breweries:

Dargett Craft Beer

Dargett, founded in 2016, is known for its wide range of craft beers, including stout, pale ale, weizen, pilsner, apricot ale, Belgian tripel, and Vienna lager. Inspired by European breweries, Dargett was the first Armenian craft beer and has become a popular choice, available in supermarkets and bars. The Dargett brewpub, located in central Yerevan, offers good food and a lively atmosphere with occasional live concerts.

Beer Academy Yerevan

Beer Academy, established in 2012, is a restaurant-brewery that produced Armenia's first bio beers. It offers seasonal and organic beers in a setting inspired by traditional European breweries. With a focus on satisfying beer enthusiasts, Beer Academy aims to foster a culture of beer appreciation in Armenia.

Dors Brewpub

Dors, founded in 2019, has quickly become a popular destination for beer lovers in Yerevan. It offers a variety of Armenian craft beers, along with delicious homemade food. Located near Republic Square, Dors provides a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, making it easily accessible for locals and tourists alike.

Blonder Beer House and Brewery

Blonder Beer House and Brewery, operating since 2000, serves Slovak pilsner unfiltered beer. With three types of Blonder beer on tap, the brewery provides a unique experience for patrons.

Dilijan Brewery

Dilijan Brewery, founded in 2016 in the city of Dilijan, produces beer that reflects the region's famous National Park with its rivers and green mountains. Dilijan beer is one of the most affordable options, known for its clean and healthy water source, giving it a distinct flavour.

Armenian beer in Yerevan cafes, restaurants and bars

Armenian beer is served in all Yerevan cafes, restaurants, and bars. Armenian beers are also much cheaper than imported ones. The most popular Armenian brand is Kilikia, which you can buy in shops and drink in restaurants for very affordable prices. Other popular Armenian brands include Ararat, Kotayk, Dilijan, Gyumri, Aleksandrapol, and Erebuni.

If you're looking for a unique beer-drinking experience in Yerevan, you should check out the city's beer houses, which brew their own unique beers. Here are some of the best ones:

Dargett

Dargett is the most famous beer house in Yerevan. It was opened in 2016 and is the first Armenian craft beer. Inspired by European breweries, it offers a wide range of beers, including Stout, Pale Ale, Weizen, Pilsner, Apricot Ale, Belgian Tripel, and Vienna Lager. Dargett's beers are served in a 33cl setup and have been recently launched in supermarkets and some bars, such as Yar. You can find Dargett at 72 Aram Street.

Dors Craft Beer & Kitchen

Dors Craft Beer & Kitchen is an Armenian craft brewery that opened in 2019, right in the heart of Yerevan. It offers a range of different beer styles, including a cherry ale (made with local Armenian cherries), an IPA, and Farmhouse Ales. They also have delicious food, all made in-house, from sausages to condiments. You can find Dors Craft Beer & Kitchen at Buzand 13 or 4/6 Amiryan (next to Mayrig Restaurant).

Beer Academy

Beer Academy is a restaurant-brewery that launched in 2012 and produced the first bio beers in Armenia. It offers two kinds of seasonal beers and four other organic types. The interior design is inspired by traditional European breweries. You can find Beer Academy at 8 Moskovyan Street.

Tap Station

Tap Station is a terrace bar located in front of the Republica Hotel on Amiryan Street. They serve Dargett craft beer and have ten taps, as well as an apple cider on draft. They also serve food, from pizza to burgers. You can find Tap Station at 7/1 Amiryan Street or 38 Isahakyan.

Kilikia Beer House

Kilikia Beer House is one of the best places to grab a pint of Yerevan's most famous beer, Kilikia. The restaurant and beer house is located off of Abovyan and is downstairs. They serve food, beer snacks, and Kilikia beer. You can find Kilikia Beer House at 8 Abovyan Street in Yerevan's city center.

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