Craft Breweries in Belgrade: 10 "Temples" for Beer Lovers

Nikola Igračev
7 min
6 August 2022.
Good stories

"Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep. Whoever sleeps long, does not sin. Whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!"

Martin Luther

By establishing the first brewery in Belgrade back in 1839, Jovan Vajnhapal, a Czech miller from Sremska Mitrovica, laid the foundations for a future hedonistic and social phenomenon among the people of Belgrade, which was already "shaking" central and western Europe at that time.

Of course, we are talking about the phenomenon of beer drinking, the ancient refreshing barley beverage that may not have inspired as many poets, painters, and artists as some other "finer" drinks, but has always been responsible for a good atmosphere and mood in society.

Recognizing the popularity and irresistible nature of this sparkling, bitter, and lightly carbonated alcoholic beverage, breweries around the world have started mass industrial production of beer, making it the globally most popular drink of today. Beer has thus become an integral part of the lives of a large part of humanity and something that is hard to imagine socializing, barbecuing, or following sports events without.

However, like any mass production, beer production has also been affected by the "good old" problem of declining quality over time. The pursuit of faster product placement and experimentation at the expense of basic raw material (barley malt) has led to industrial beers losing popularity, increasingly giving way to various types of beers originating from small craft breweries.

This global trend, of course, has not bypassed Belgrade, where an increasing number of craft or so-called craft breweries have been slowly but surely conquering the domestic beer market for years. Nurturing traditional recipes and high beer quality (while not shying away from experimentation), combined with original design solutions when it comes to branding and interior design, Belgrade's craft breweries are currently some of the most popular places for socializing and going out in the city.

With a warm recommendation to visit them, take a look below at the most popular small breweries and pubs where the best craft beers in Belgrade are produced and enjoyed.

The Black Turtle Brewery

The popular "Kornjača" (Turtle) is now a craft brewery with probably the longest tradition in the minds of the people of Belgrade. However, although the chain of pubs "The Black Turtle" was established in 2000, branded beer production started ten years later. Once recognizable for its unique flavored beers with fruit syrups, "Kornjača" now produces nine types of beers from the lager and ale categories in its brewery. They also have well-known fruit beers, as well as wheat, dark, and smoked beers, with different levels of extract and alcohol. If there is a beer lover who has never visited "Kornjača," special persuasions are not needed. Currently, it has multiple locations in the city center.

Kabinet Brewery

The brewery that, in recent years, has positioned itself at the forefront of craft brewing in Serbia with its products, branding, and above all, a wide range of extraordinary flavors and aromas, is located in the village of Nemenikuće in Šumadija, at the foot of Kosmaj mountain. In an exceptionally attractive location, Kabinet Brewery offers an indescribable pleasure in the beautiful and authentic ambiance of its restaurant and garden, which can be complemented with over 30 types of beer and more than 60 different beer aromas. Since its establishment in 2014, Kabinet Brewery has become perhaps the most significant pillar of beer culture in Serbia. Their extensive selection of authentic draft and bottled beers, with unique packaging, has expanded beyond the brewery itself and can be tasted in numerous pubs in Belgrade (Kabinet's "Brkka" has already become legendary). However, for a completely unique experience, a weekend visit to the brewery in Kosmaj is highly recommended.

Dogma Brewery

Hidden from public view at first glance, although near one of the busiest streets in Belgrade, Dogma Brewery is a place that is not stumbled upon but visited with a clear intention. With about twenty beer brands of various types and flavors, featuring extremely exotic names and vivid labels, in a pleasant urban ambiance, it exudes authenticity. Along with tasty "beer" food, the distinctive feature of this brewery is the Tap Room, which allows observing the production process while enjoying your favorite beer. Established only in 2016, Dogma Brewery has achieved a high position on the list of the most popular craft breweries, even beyond the borders of Serbia.

Dorćol Brewery

A completely authentic, local-patriotic, and alternative beer story. Unlike most craft breweries that strive to produce the most original flavors and a wide variety of beers, Dorćol Brewery focuses on only a few flavors. And not only that. If you want to taste this beer, you literally have to go to Dorćol. The brewery still doesn't have its own hospitality space, so only about twenty venues in Dorćol sell this beer, and believe it or not, no one else. This "policy" of the brewery partly stems from local-patriotic reasons and partly (probably mostly) from the fact that it operates as a so-called gypsy brewery, meaning very limited production, at least for now. Dorćol is a special and unique part of Belgrade in many ways, and this local brewery adds to the authenticity of the area. During one of your walks in Dorćol, be sure to look for a venue offering "Paklena Pomorandža" (Damn Orange) and "Zmaj od Noćaja" (Dragon from Noćaj) beers.

Salto Brewery

Another craft microbrewery that has focused on the originality of wheat and ale flavors based on traditional beer brewing recipes since 2015 is located in Rakovica. Unfortunately, it still doesn't have its own pub, but thanks to a well-developed distribution network, Salto beers can now be found in over 350 venues across almost the entire territory of Serbia. This certainly goes beyond the local character and reflects the high ambitions of this craft brewery.

Kaš Balkan Brewtopia

In Pregrevica, considered by many as the most beautiful part of Zemun, a small craft brewery called Kaš specialized in dark, hazy, unfiltered, and unpasteurized ale beers was established in 2013. Three friends who started the mini-production of their favorite drink out of their love for beer probably never dreamed that their hobby would one day become a true brand among craft beers in Serbia. The interesting and unique space where beer is produced also serves as a place where you can enjoy it along with socializing, music, or even team building, while exploring the brewery and the brewing process.

Kompas Beer

Located in the former industrial zone of Voždovac, Kompas Brewery is so cleverly hidden from the eyes of passers-by that you can be sure that everyone you encounter there is there on purpose. And the purpose is clear – to enjoy top-quality domestic ales, lagers, and dark beers made, believe it or not, by Belgrade Americans. The unusually pleasant ambiance and the occasional presence of foreigners in this venue can sometimes make you feel like you're in another European or global city. However, the relaxed and family-like atmosphere, after a few cold beers, makes you realize that the world is still in Belgrade.

Gvint Brewery

Another brewery in Dorćol that strictly adheres to tradition in every sense - both in beer production recipes and the types of beer that come out of its facility. Gvint Brewery, unlike most craft breweries, does not experiment with flavors but sticks to the good old Czech and Bavarian recipes, making exclusively wheat and lager beers. However, Gvint Brewery also offers one "unusual" flavor - an Irish red lager named Orthodox Celts, a beer with a unique taste brewed in collaboration with members of the legendary band of the same name. Gvint Brewery also has a Tap Room where you can enjoy the beer and observe the brewing process at the same time.

Pivzdarija

This satirical-named brewery is located in the strict city center and was born out of the need of two good friends and beer lovers to make themselves a quality beer that wouldn't give them a headache after a few pitchers. Soon after, the Pivzdarija pub was established, currently the only place where you can taste this excellent domestic beer. With little experimentation, they offer unfiltered and unpasteurized light and dark beers, as well as the widely recognizable "Crven ban" (Red Ban) - a special red beer. As is usually the case with modern pubs, Pivzdarija also serves excellent beer food.

Kors Brewery

Another well-hidden location where top-quality beer with completely exotic flavors, charming names, and originally designed packaging is brewed is called Kors Brewery and is located in the industrial zone of Zemun. With a variety of ales, dark and fruit beers, as well as the essential pilsner, this is probably the only place in Belgrade where you can taste milkshake beer. For beer adventurers, there is hardly a better destination, even if it requires a little effort to get out of the city. Although true beer enthusiasts value draft beer the most, you will most likely want to take a bottle or two with you.

There are other small, home-based or gypsy breweries in Belgrade worth mentioning. "Južni vepar" (Southern Boar), "Šlif" (Grind), "Dvorog" and others are just some of the mini-breweries whose time, hopefully, is yet to come. Their equally exceptional beers can be found here and there, in various cafes, bars, and pubs throughout the city.

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