Exploring the Craft Beer Scene in Lanzarote
In recent days, I had the pleasure of visiting the enchanting lands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, two stunning islands in the Canary Islands archipelago known for their unique landscapes and rich history. As a Segovian, I often refer to everything in my homeland as “majo,” but in this case, I’m speaking literally about the lands once inhabited by the Majos, the indigenous people of these islands.
Discovering Craft Beer: A Surprising Find
Upon my arrival, I hadn’t initially intended to delve into the world of craft beer, yet it became a delightful detour on my journey. I quickly discovered that the craft beer movement has not only touched mainland Spain but has also found its way to these islands. As I approached my hotel, a small establishment called Malpeis caught my eye, proudly listing “artisanal beer” on its façade. Intrigued, I decided to explore the craft beer offerings in Lanzarote right after checking in.
A Visit to Malpeis Brewery
My first excursion led me to Malpeis, a charming and quirky bar featuring an impressive variety of beers. To my surprise, the selection exceeded my expectations; I anticipated bland lagers and mild IPAs, informed by previous experiences in hotter regions. However, I was greeted with a delightful assortment of flavors and styles.
I sampled three distinct offerings:
- Blond Ale – Although this was the lightest in flavor, it had a subtle hint of contamination, which was very mild.
- Bermeja – An exceptional Red IPA, offering a well-balanced bitterness paired with refreshing, yet robust, flavors.
- Rofe – A doppelbock with a surprisingly light body but an intense flavor profile that lingered.
These discoveries were only the beginning of my exploration of Canary Islands beers.
Exploring Cervezas Nao and Beyond
Another notable brewery on the island is Cervezas Nao. Unfortunately, I couldn’t tour their facilities, but I was pleased to find their offerings at the Cantina de Teguise, a unique restaurant brimming with character and splendid decorations. The menu artfully blends innovative dishes with traditional Canary recipes, all while hosting live music.
As I indulged in the local gastronomy, I sampled several of Nao’s beers:
- Capitán – A well-balanced American Pale Ale with a delightful floral aroma and pleasant bitterness.
- Black Patrón – A Black IPA that challenged my preconceived notions about this style; it was rich but well-executed.
- La Gloria – A Berliner Weisse with a light body and controlled acidity, along with a strong aroma.
- Mucho – Easily my favorite, this IPA burst with refreshing citrus notes.
One of the standout brews was a collaborative effort named “Ataque Cabrón,” created by five Canarian breweries, including the two from Lanzarote and Laja from Fuerteventura. This IPL (India Pale Lager) showcased a copper hue with intriguing woody flavors and a pronounced dry bitterness.
Finding Craft Beer on Fuerteventura
Over on the neighbor island, Fuerteventura offers a larger area but is home to a smaller population and lacks breweries of its own. Nevertheless, two nomadic breweries, Laja and Ocho Pies, are making waves here. Laja currently produces an American Pale Ale with fruity notes, while Ocho Pies offers a Session IPA and a Pale Ale, both exciting options for beer aficionados.
You can find these creations in many high-quality restaurants and dedicated craft beer spots across the island. However, the crown jewel for craft beer lovers is undoubtedly Pub La Tierra, a hidden gem that’s somewhat tricky to locate. It exudes an alternative vibe complete with live music, jam sessions, and a fantastic selection of eight rotating taps, showcasing local and international beers from smaller breweries—truly a haven for those who appreciate fine brews.
Food Pairings and Local Cuisine
As I savored these unique beers, the accompanying cuisine was part of the delight. The Cantina de Teguise’s offerings, including delicious hamburgers, pata (a traditional dish), sweet potatoes, and papas arrugas (wrinkled potatoes), made the experience even richer. The harmonious combination of local food and craft beer is a quintessential part of the Lanzarote experience, elevating the evening with each sip and bite.
By exploring these islands, I discovered that Lanzarote and Fuerteventura boast not only breathtaking landscapes but also a burgeoning craft beer scene that rivals many larger regions. Whether you’re rooted in traditional brews or eager to explore innovative flavors, these Canary Islands have something enticing to offer every beer lover.
