Discover Basque craft beer: a treasure brewed in the best breweries in the Basque Country

Immerse yourself in the rich and varied world of Basque craft beer, a true symbiosis of traditional heritage and modern innovation. Since 2012, the Basque brewing scene has experienced remarkable growth with the emergence of local breweries, farm breweries, and spaces dedicated to the transmission of brewing knowledge. This dynamism is driven by a growing demand for local products and a desire to break free from standardized industrial production.

Discovering Basque craft beer

In the Basque Country, local beer stands out for its unique character, a perfect blend of regional identity and creativity. Iconic breweries like Etxeko Bob's Beer in Hasparren, Akerbeltz in Ascain, and Belharra in Bayonne have paved the way. Today, these pioneers rub shoulders on the Basque brewing scene with a new generation of talent, all recognized at the prestigious World Beer Awards. What makes them unique? Approximately 90% of their production is sold within a 50-km radius, favoring short supply chains and the local economy.

Origins and tradition of the Basque brewery

The Basque Country's great breweries and microbreweries perpetuate artisanal know-how deeply rooted in local culture. Before 2012, only a few family initiatives kept this brewing tradition alive, brewing according to ancestral recipes. These founders were able to preserve the authenticity of their production, laying the foundations for the current Basque brewing scene, both dynamic and respectful of its roots.

Local manufacturing and regional ingredients

The art of brewing a uniquely flavored beverage relies on a rigorous method: gradual mashing, precise hop addition, controlled fermentation, and long maturation. Local brewers draw on the treasures of their region: Herriko malt, Macaye chestnuts, Espelette pepper, and pure spring water.

Patxaran Makila perfectly illustrates this artisanal approach: wild sloes macerate for six months in homemade anisette, without additives or filtration. This lengthy process reveals complex aromas, a natural pink color, and a less sweet flavor than industrial versions.

Innovation and craft cocktails

Basque breweries are constantly renewing their know-how by combining local beers and liqueurs to create original cocktails:

• Biatx : Subtle alliance between 25 cl of light blond beer and 2 cl of Patxaran Egiazki - Exceptional Basque artisanal liqueur , to be served chilled without ice.
• Ibaizabal : Elegant marriage of 4 cl of Patxaran Makila, 2 cl of Cointreau, 2 cl of Martini Bianco flavored with lemon zest.
• Urumea : Exotic journey with 3 cl of Havana Club 3 year old rum, 2 cl of Patxaran, pineapple and apple juice with a hint of Espelette pepper.
• Urola : A creamy creation combining vodka, banana liqueur, white cocoa cream, fresh cream and a hint of nutmeg.

Range of styles: lager, wheat beer, stout

The Basque Country offers an incredible variety of beers to suit every taste. Local breweries showcase their products with remarkable ingredients: exceptional malt , aromatic hops , and crystal-clear water drawn directly from regional springs.

Local, refreshing and organic

This organic lager embodies the harmony between freshness and lightness. Made with Herriko malt, carefully selected hops, and naturally filtered spring water, it reveals notes of citrus and cereals while maintaining a local and eco-responsible approach.

• Preserved terroir : 100% Basque raw materials
• Organic commitment : a demanding certification for a sustainable brewery
• Creativity : citrus, floral or spicy versions depending on the seasons

Sweet and pale ale

White beers , rich in malted wheat and sometimes enhanced by touches of spices such as coriander or orange, offer a tasty contrast with pale ales, which are more marked by resinous hop notes. The latter particularly accentuate the aromas thanks to mastered cold hopping techniques.

IPA and stout with character

Basque IPAs like the Basque IPA SMASH or the Uhaina IPA use fresh hops for fruity and tropical explosions. On the stout side, the Eguzki Milk Stout or the Txocola Stout seduce with their roasted malts and long cocoa notes, for a powerful and velvety mouthfeel.

Breweries and major breweries in the country are committed

In the heart of the Basque Country , breweries, whether artisanal or large , are working hard to produce beers full of personality while preserving the environment. Their organic approach promotes local raw materials and actively contributes to the development of local producers .

Artisanal production and short supply chains

Brewing is based on modernized traditional know-how: careful selection of malts , controlled infusion of hops , controlled fermentation. Brewers work with crystal-clear water from the Pyrenees and Herriko Basque malt, while sometimes incorporating external cereals to diversify their blends. This gives rise to a beautiful range of styles , from refreshing ales to more complex beers.

Pressure drawing solutions

For your receptions, these brasseries offer turnkey solutions:

• Rental or purchase of 20 and 30 liter barrels - ideal depending on the size of your event
• Adapted taps with personalized support during installation
• Optimal service thanks to a professional refrigeration system
• An ecological solution significantly reducing disposable packaging

Ecological initiatives and deposits

Since 2024, all their 75 cl bottles have been systematically returned . Thanks to the "Bout' à Bout'" network and its 150 drop-off points, returning used bottles becomes child's play. Basque breweries are strengthening this commitment through partnerships with associations for the protection of the coast and its wildlife.

IPA beer, bipil and discovery brown beers

The Basque brewing scene offers a range of exceptional flavors, from intense IPAs to subtle bipils and rich brown ales . Each local brew demonstrates a unique expertise that combines respect for tradition with creative boldness.

Bold IPA and brewing know-how

The best Basque IPA -style beers delight with their balance of generous hops and carefully selected malt . Breweries like Akerbeltz in Anglet masterfully revisit this classic, particularly with their double IPA with its explosive aromatic profile.

Bipil experiments and collaborations

An iconic specialty of the Basque Country, bipil takes the codes of pale ale while adding an inimitable regional touch. Some local producers dare to make unusual combinations with fruits or spices, thus renewing this craft beer .

Boxes and tasting of the best beers

For a complete discovery of the best Basque beers , our boxes carefully combine IPA , bipil and brown beer . These selections highlight the best of brewing between Biarritz and Anglet, embodying the authenticity of each brewery .

Accompany your tasting with Patxaran Egiazki - Divine Basque artisanal liqueur or Patxaran MAKILA - Basque wild sloe liqueur , spirits that perfectly complement the experience.