Is Madrid a Spanish Beer?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a beer lover and planning to visit Madrid, you might be wondering if Madrid has its own unique beer. The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think.

What is Madrid beer?

Madrid does not have a specific type of beer that can be called “Madrid beer.” However, that doesn’t mean that the city doesn’t have a thriving beer scene. In fact, Madrid is home to many craft breweries and microbreweries that produce a wide variety of beers.

The history of beer in Madrid

Beer has been brewed in Spain for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that it became popular in Madrid. The first brewery in the city was founded in 1890 by a German immigrant named Alfredo Mahou. The brewery became known as Mahou-San Miguel and is still one of the most popular brands of beer in Spain.

The most popular beers in Madrid

While there isn’t a specific type of beer that can be called “Madrid beer,” there are some types of beer that are more popular than others in the city. One of these is Mahou, which is a lager-style beer with a light, refreshing taste. Another popular brand is Estrella Galicia, which is brewed in Galicia but has become very popular throughout Spain.

Craft breweries and microbreweries

In recent years, craft breweries and microbreweries have become increasingly popular in Madrid. These small-scale breweries produce unique and flavorful beers that are often made with local ingredients. Some of the most well-known craft breweries in Madrid include La Virgen, Fábrica Maravillas, and Cervezas La Cibeles.

  • La Virgen: This brewery produces a wide variety of beers including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They use local ingredients like Spanish hops and Madrid’s famous oranges to give their beers a unique flavor.
  • Fábrica Maravillas: This microbrewery is located in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood of Madrid.

    They produce a variety of beers including pale ales and Belgian-style saisons.

  • Cervezas La Cibeles: This brewery is named after the famous fountain in Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles. They produce a wide variety of beers including IPAs, red ales, and wheat beers.

The verdict

In conclusion, while Madrid does not have its own specific type of beer, it is home to many craft breweries and microbreweries that produce unique and flavorful beers. So if you’re a beer lover, make sure to try some of the local brews during your visit to Madrid!