Barcelona Beer - Locals' Choice 2017

So here's the third instalment of this yearly post series, whose goal is to make good recommendations to people living in or coming to Barcelona with beer thirst. Since I have never liked to give my personal tastes too much importance when writing, I came up with the idea to make a selection of good local beer according to the taste of people I trust. Hence, two years ago the Barcelona Beer Locals' Choice was born -you can read more about how I organise the whole thing in the tab 'What to drink in Barcelona', from the menu above-.

"The list comprises a selection of 19 local beers, highlighted by distinguished Barcelona drinkers"

So if you're looking for beer recommendations in Barcelona you're in the right place. Once again, early in January I took time to write an email with lots of explanations and a quick, direct question to answer:

"¿Could you please list two beers that you drank in 2016 and that you would recommend without hesitation?"


The recipients of my email, the people who answered to this question, are local drinkers: people who spend quite a lot of time and money with beer. My only determinants were that the selected beers should be local, without considering vintages. They're not supposed to be the best; just good local beer.

After gathering their thoughts, the list comprises 19 different local beers this year. All of them are listed with their name, brewer, style, alcohol by volume and a short comment. Please note that styles are the ones stated by the brewers themselves. The short comments are written by me, to provide a little extra information or background for each beer.

Aniversari IPA by Cervesa del Montseny

Style: IPA.
ABV: 6.4%.

The everyday choice of a good part of the country's craft beer drinkers: easy to get and always good.




Black Block by La Pirata

Style: Imperial Stout.
ABV: 11.2%

The beer that provided La Pirata with the recognition it has today. Do not miss out on the barrel aged versions, be it Brandy, Bourbon or Tequila. 




Castanya by Cervesa del Montseny

Style: Imperial Brown Ale with Chestnuts.
ABV: 7.8%

Delightfully malty beer that combines a 75% of barley malt with a 25% of chestnuts from Montseny.




Choc Infested Porter by Vic Brewery

Style: Porter.
ABV: 6.0%

Toasty, with chocolate aromas, this Porter calls for a second round thanks to the freshness of the American hops used in the recipe.




Citra by Quer

Style: Summer Ale.
ABV: 4,6%

Not just for hop lovers. Easy to drink and refreshing, Citra is one of Quer's most celebrated beers.




Claudia by Blacklab Brewhouse

Style: IPA.
ABV: 7.0%

Blacklab has earned a very good reputation with its beers, and Claudia is undoubtedly the flagship of this brewpub.




Esgarrapats by Guineu

Style: IPA.
ABV: 7.5%

Inspired by a popular quote by Stan Hieronymus, this magnificent American-style IPA is a true tribute to hops.




Gerds by La Segarreta

Style: Sour Ale with Raspberries.
ABV: 5.0%

2016's word of mouth beer. This impressive Sour Ale with raspberries has surprised everyone who has tasted it.




Green Madness by NaparBCN

Style: IPA.
ABV: 6.0%

In the year of its opening, Naparbier's Barcelona brewpub has been brewing great beers, like this resiny fruit cocktail.




Hoppy Uncensored by Hazte1litro

Style: IPA.
ABV: 6.3%

Nou Barris' gypsy brewers like hops, as they clearly show in this classic American-inspired IPA.




Hoptimista by Edge Brewing

Style: American IPA.
ABV: 6.6%

Drinking this IPA at its freshest point is one of the best beer experiences that a hophead can have in Barcelona. 




Imparable by Basqueland Brewing Project

Style: IPA.
ABV: 6.8%

Golden and fruity, many have been able to enjoy in 2016 this nice, tasty IPA brewed in Hernani, in the Basque Country.




IPA Amarillo by Guineu

Style: IPA.
ABV: 6.5%.

It had never been on the list, but this IPA by Guineu is in great shape after years of bittering palates in the nicest possible way.




Mad Clown by Naparbier

Style: APA.
ABV: 5.7%

Along with the bran new looks, these well-known Navarrese brewers have released great new beers, such as this one.




Mala Vida by Cervesa del Montseny

Style: Imperial Stout.
ABV: 11.0%

It hits the list back, still much celebrated one year after its release, in either of its versions -Natural, Chili, Brandy, Bourbon-.

Pumpkin Tzar by Naparbier

Style: Pumpkin Imperial Stout.
ABV: 11.6%

Ground-breaking in its debut 4 years ago, this Imperial Stout with habanero chilis and pumpkin keeps convincing everyone who drinks it.

Súria by La Pirata

Style: APA.
ABV: 5.0%

Súria is the town where La Pirata was born, and is also the name of this gently hopped beer, thought for their fellow citizens.

Veritainé by Ales Agullons

Style: Pale Ale.
ABV: 5.0%

A perfect Pale Ale to session, single-hopped with Northern Brewer. To drink pint after pint, both in its cask or keg version.

Vikingathor by Boris Brew (Arriaca / San Frutos)

Style: Indian Dunkel.
ABV: 8.2%

Arriaca was the revelation of 2016: not only for releasing their beer in cans, but also for great brews like this hopped-up Dunkel by Boris Brew. It is now brewed by Cerveza San Frutos.

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I hope you enjoyed the selection and that you get to drink some of these great brews someday soon. But even if you can't find the exact listed beers, take for granted that the above-mentioned are a fine selection of our local brewers. So keep it in mind your next trip! And if you're still unsure, visit last year's selection: you can still come across most of those beers for sure.

In any case, I would always encourage everyone to discover our local scene on his own, with no rush. There are plenty of interesting beers and places to drink them,


Salut i birra!