Balashi is a refreshing, award-winning beer from Aruba, first brewed in 1998. It is the island's only homegrown beer and is crafted with premium ingredients, including imported Scottish malt, German hops, and Aruba's world-class water. Balashi is well-balanced, with a soft bitterness and a light, crisp taste, making it the perfect companion for balmy beach days. You can purchase Balashi Beer directly from the Balashi Brewery in Aruba or at various bars and restaurants across the island, such as Charlie's Bar in San Nicholas.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name | Balashi Beer |
Brewery | Brouwerij Nacional Balashi |
Brewery Location | Aruba |
Founded | 1998 |
Beer Type | Caribbean beer, light pilsener |
Ingredients | Imported Scottish malt, German hops, Aruba's water |
Flavour | Soft to the tongue bitterness, light, crisp |
Colour | Golden |
Awards | Gold Medal in the 'Monde Selection' category in Brussels 2001, Grand Gold medal of the 'Monde Selection' in Brussels 2004 |
Purchase | Available at the Balashi Brewery & Beer Garden, Aruba |
What You'll Learn
Balashi Brewery & Beer Garden
Balashi Beer is Aruba's only homegrown brew, first crafted in 1998. The name was chosen by the people of Aruba in a nationwide vote, derived from the language of the island's original inhabitants, the Aruac Indians. The name 'Balashi' means 'near the sea'.
Balashi is brewed with imported Scottish malt and German hops, creating a typical Caribbean beer—a light, thirst-quenching pilsner with a nice golden colour. The local water used in its production also contributes to its unique flavour. Balashi is described as having a "soft to the tongue bitterness" and is well-balanced with a light, crisp, clean finish.
The Balashi Brewery & Beer Garden offers a unique local beer brewery tour. Visitors can enjoy a cold beer in the beer garden, which provides a pleasant, covered space with outdoor seating. The food served includes reasonably priced sandwiches and wraps, and there is also a small gift shop.
The brewery tour has specific requirements for clothing, including closed-toe shoes and short-sleeved shirts (no tank tops). The tour includes a walk up to a platform above the brewery, and a free sample of beer is included. Visitors can also purchase additional drinks and enjoy conversations with the friendly staff and locals.
The Balashi Brewery & Beer Garden is located at L.G. Smith Blvd & Hwy 4 Barcadera in Oranjestad, Aruba. Visitors can enjoy the beer garden, take a tour, and learn about the history of this beloved local brew.
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Balashi on tap at Charlie's Bar, San Nicholas
Balashi is Aruba's only homegrown beer and can be found on tap at Charlie's Bar in San Nicholas. Charlie's Bar is an island tradition, having been around since 1941. It is a popular bar and restaurant in San Nicolas, known for its great food, chilled beers, and unique atmosphere. The bar is filled with international memorabilia, and the staff are known for entertaining customers with great island stories.
Balashi is a refreshing Aruban Pale Ale with a pleasant, fruity sweetness of mango. It is brewed with imported Scottish malt and German hops, resulting in a light, thirst-quenching pilsner with a nice golden colour. The local water used in its production contributes to its unique flavour. Balashi is described as having a "soft to the tongue bitterness" and is the perfect companion for balmy beach days under the warm Aruban sun.
Charlie's Bar is recognised as one of the Top Ten Bars in the Caribbean and is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. It is known for its creole plates and seafood specialties, including shrimp and scampi dishes, surf 'n' turf, churrasco, tenderloin, burgers, fresh Caribbean catch, soups, and appetizers. The bar also offers a unique collection of international memorabilia, with customers encouraged to leave a small personal item behind.
So, if you're looking for a cold glass of Balashi on tap and a taste of authentic Aruban culture, be sure to stop by Charlie's Bar in San Nicholas. It's the perfect place to unwind, relax, and soak in the local atmosphere while enjoying a refreshing beer and delicious food.
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Tropical Bottling Company
The Tropical Bottling Company is the place to go to buy Balashi Beer, Aruba's flagship local brew. Founded in 1998, Brouwerij Nacional Balashi is a full-scale production brewery, one of the most modern in the Caribbean. The brewery was born out of a collaboration with local partners and German beer experts, bringing their knowledge, technology, and brewing traditions to the island. The result is a fresh, local island brew made with passion and quality. Balashi Beer is crafted with premium ingredients, including Aruba's world-class water, imported Scottish malt, and German hops. It is a light, thirst-quenching pilsner with a golden colour and a soft bitterness, making it the perfect companion for balmy beach days under the warm Aruban sun.
Balashi is more than just a beer; it embodies the spirit of Aruba and its people. The name itself, derived from the language of the island's original inhabitants, the Aruac Indians, means "near the sea." The name was chosen through a contest where the entire population of Aruba voted, solidifying Balashi as the people's beer of Aruba.
The Tropical Bottling Company takes pride in distributing this beloved local brew, and it can be found at various locations across the island. Whether you're enjoying a sunset at Eagle Beach, exploring the streets of Oranjestad, or simply relaxing at your hotel, Balashi Beer is never far away. It can be enjoyed straight from the bottle, can, or on draft, offering a refreshing taste of Aruba wherever you go.
In addition to its flagship brand, Balashi, the Tropical Bottling Company also offers a range of other distinctive beers, each inspired by Aruba's heritage and way of life. These include Chill, a smooth and light beer, and Magic Mango, a fruity pale ale crafted by Aruba's first female brewmaster. The company's commitment to quality and innovation ensures that there is a Balashi beer for every taste and occasion.
So, whether you're a local or a visitor to Aruba, when you're looking to unwind and enjoy a beer, look no further than Balashi, the island's homegrown favourite. The Tropical Bottling Company has you covered, providing a true taste of Aruba in every sip.
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Brouwerij Nacional Balashi
Balashi Beer is Aruba's only homegrown brew and is crafted with premium ingredients, including Aruba's world-class water. It is a typical Caribbean beer—a light, thirst-quenching pilsener with a nice golden colour. The brewer describes Balashi as having a "soft tongue bitterness" and a unique flavour due to the local water used in its production. The name "Balashi" is derived from "Bala Bala" and "Balana", words from the language of the original inhabitants of Aruba, the Aruac Indians, which mean "near the sea". The name was chosen through a contest held among the entire population of Aruba, with the winner selected through an island-wide vote.
Over time, Brouwerij Nacional Balashi has expanded its offerings to include three other distinctive beers: Chill, Magic Mango, and an Aruban Pale Ale. The brewery is located at Balashi 62, Oranjestad, Aruba. While brewery tours were previously offered, they are currently unavailable.
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Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill Palm Beach
Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill is located on De Palm Pier in Palm Beach, Aruba, between the Riu Palace Hotel and the Hilton Resort. It is open daily from 8 am to midnight, with breakfast served until 11 am.
The beach bar and grill is known for its beachside charm and panoramic ocean views. It offers a lively atmosphere, featuring live music and a vibrant crowd, making it a highlight for patrons of all ages. Bugaloe hosts some of the best live bands on the island, with breathtaking sunsets as the perfect backdrop. The bar serves a variety of cocktails, including the Bugaloe Passion, a fresh mango puree served in a large glass.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with daily specials and a happy hour menu. The cuisine includes typical beach bar food, such as burgers, wraps, and fried fish baskets, as well as sushi, which is available for delivery on certain evenings. Bugaloe also offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
The staff at Bugaloe are known for their friendliness and efficiency, although busy periods can lead to slower service. Overall, most guests believe Bugaloe provides good value for money and is worth a visit.
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Frequently asked questions
Balashi beer is Aruba's only homegrown brew and can be found in many bars and restaurants across the island. A few examples include Charlie's Bar in San Nicholas, Zeerover in Savantea, and Moomba on Palm Beach.
Yes, Brouwerij Nacional Balashi is a full-scale production brewery that offers tours and sells its beer directly to visitors.
Amstel Bright and Corona are two other popular beers in Aruba.
Balashi is a light, thirst-quenching pilsner with a golden colour. It is brewed using imported Scottish malt and German hops, and the local water used in its production contributes to its unique flavour.