Even though our national anthem praises the vines of Tokaj, we Hungarians often look past the stem glasses and onto the jug.
At first, our medieval ancestors switched up the wine for an ale from time to time, then the XXth century brought about large-scale manufacturing, and finally all this lead up to the Hungarian craft beer revolution. So how does the Hungarian beer panorama look like today? This short read will brief you on everything you need to know.
Hungarian beer-story in a nutshell
We have already posted a series of articles detailing Hungary’s first encounters with beer, then we followed up with the golden age of the XIXth century, covering history until 1945.
This journey through time showcased how Hungarians and other local nationalities cherished and consumed beer through the ages, regardless of social class or occupation.
Our co-founder Dániel Bart also gave us an interview about his book, “The golden stream”, from which we ran an excerpt. We recalled the period of the late 2000s, when Dániel was overcome by beer rage upon tasting a simple homemade lager from a small-scale brewery. Along with many other beer-enthusiasts, he started taking part in the consequential chain of events that later culminated in the Hungarian craft beer revolution.
Before the advent of small-scale craft breweries, mass-produced, large-scale brand beers dominated the Hungarian market, with limited selection and diluted, often corn-tasting lagers.
Alongside the trinity of Soproni (i.e. Heineken Hungaria Ltd), Borsodi (owned by Molson Coors) and Dreher (a member of the Asahi Group), the Pécsi Brewery was the only manufacturer hitting the mark. The vast majority of domestic breweries ceased to exist or merged with the aforementioned, foreign-owned large corporations.
Scattered small-scale breweries produced solely for local demand, and often failed to put forward good quality brew.
The beer revolution of the early 2010s found an enthusiastic audience first in the capital and its pubs, then later in festival guests and art-lovers of the countryside.
These new or revamped breweries have gradually earned a status that has opened up wider markets, and nowadays you can find real Hungarian beer on the shelves of mass-distributors. Tables have turned, as nowadays big manufacturers are trying to keep up with trends dictated by smaller breweries.
Despite the fact that growing economic difficulties, the pandemic, and rising grain prices (and other costs) have not spared this sector either, our list will prove that Hungarian beers and their manufacturers are still quite diverse, full of prominent players.
We must remark here, that the following list is short and very subjective – it does not (nor can it) strive for completeness, and its elements have been curated primarily based on intuition.
Hungarian beers and breweries in 2023
The first Hungarian craft breweries
Fóti Kézműves Sörfőzde
Founded in 1994 after the change of regime, they started with producing traditional beer types. At the end of the 2000s, they recognized the potential in craft beer and quickly became the key players of the era.
One of their most famous products during this time was Keserű Méz (Bitter Honey), a beer which has also won several awards. They began as pioneers of their field, and the family-run workshop has been thriving and expanding ever since.
Their characteristic beer: Keserű Méz
Their website: https://fotisorfozde.hu/
Szent András Sörfőzde
The story of this brewery began in the early ’90s in Békésszentandrás, at first in a not so professional, but rather enthusiastic and experimental way.
Innovative in spirit, but under pressure by large corporations dominating the market, they created Black Rose, one of the first dark, high-alcohol beers in Hungary, and later their popular cherry lager. In 2014, after a change of ownership, the workshop was reinvented, and their current beer portfolio consists of over 20 items.
Their characteristic beer: Meggyes sör (Cherry lager)
Their website: https://szentandrassorfozde.hu/en
New wave innovators
Reketye
Reketye was founded in 2014, is based in Nagytarcsa, and is already among the “second generation” beer revolutionaries. The brewery operates as a family business, and they prefer canned to bottled craft beer.
All their brews has a distinctive design, a unique back story, and they are not afraid of presenting bold concepts.
Their characteristic beer: Childhood Memories
Their website: https://reketye.com/
Brew Your Mind
Even though we often forget, the craft beer revolution has never escaped the countryside. In 2013, two friends teamed up in Szekszárd to brew “guerrilla-style”, and this mindset translated into the name of their well-known brand: Brew Your Mind.
In addition to brewing, they pay special attention to well-refrigerated delivery, which is considered key to a complete and perfect experience.
Their characteristic beer: Better Before APA
Their website: https://www.brewyourmind.hu/
Hara’Punk Brewery
The most punk Hungarian brewery’s origin story started in 2009. Back then they were brewing in a kitchen pot; now they prefer their professional facility in Budaörs.
In addition to beer, they also make gin. Aside from their home base called Manézs, you can meet them at Élesztőház BREW! Studio, where they teach the art of liquid-bread-making. They are not afraid of pushing boundaries with certain flavor combinations.
Their characteristic beer: Rise n’Shine TEA EDITION
Their website: https://harapunk.hu/
Not-so-small breweries
First Craft Beer
They don’t joke about brewing: 85 types of their products are available at 513 locations in the country. First was founded in 2017, aiming to become a large-scale manufacturer with a wide range of products, and no compromise on quality.
As part of a brewery tour on Váci Road, you can visit the company that accepts only the best in raw materials and production technology.
Their characteristic beer: Hippie Pale Ale
Their website: https://shop.firstcraftbeer.com/en/
MONYO
The second wave of the Hungarian beer revolution brought MONYO to life in 2014, with the purpose of professionalizing the Hungarian brewing scene, with special regard to quality.
The founding team quickly expanded, and their success is showcased by the fact that they even exported beer to China and Mexico, not to mention fun marketing moves as joint brewings with band Quimby or the bishop of Szekesfehervár…
Their characteristic beer: Flying Rabbit
Their website: https://www.monyobrewing.com/?language=en-gb
Mad Scientist
The youthful team believes in continuous development with a hint of madness. Having been present in the new wave brewing scene since 2016, they are also one of the co-founders of the legendary Főzdepark. They have a growing number of their award-winning beers, and their momentum seems to have no limit.
In addition to beers, they also produce beer spirits, which provides a little-known new direction to the public open to quality alcohols.
Their characteristic beer: Mango Bay
Their website: https://madscientist.hu/en/
Fehér Nyúl
The team of Fehér Nyúl (White Rabbit) has gone from enthusiastic amateurs to hard-working pros. Their mission is to lure people down the “rabbit hole” to Beer-Wonderland, and to change the old, sometimes controversial image of beer.
In their taproom, they also organize special programs, such as taste defect training or brewery tours, so you can see them not only behind the bar, but also on the field of action.
Their characteristic beer: Pils
Their website: https://fehernyul.hu/
In 2023, you no longer have to look at the top shelves of distributors to find a good beer that is drinkable by European standards – dedicated pioneers of our little country have brought beer paradise to us. Visit us at Élesztőház, and taste exquisite Hungarian beers of great Hungarian breweries!