Georgia Beer Brands

When most people think of Georgia, the mind wanders to vineyards basking in sun-soaked valleys and clay qvevri vessels steeped in millennia-old winemaking traditions. But hidden behind the fame of its legendary wines lies another, lesser-known story — one brewed in the frosty peaks of the Caucasus and bubbling in the basements of Tbilisi’s modern brewpubs. Georgia is also a land of beer. From sacred mountain rituals in remote villages where beer (aludi) is crafted for the gods, to the bold creativity of Tbilisi’s craft scene redefining local hops and barley — this country offers a brew for every soul. Ancient or avant-garde, beer in Georgia is an expression of culture, community, and craftsmanship.

Long before beer became trendy in taprooms, it was sacred in the Caucasus highlands. In Georgia’s remote mountain regions — Khevsureti, Tusheti, Pshavi, and beyond — locals have brewed aludi, a traditional beer, for centuries. This is not just a beverage, but a spiritual practice. Aludi holds the status of an Intangible Cultural Monument of Georgia, and for good reason — it embodies the very soul of mountain life.

Crafted from coarsely ground barley malt and brewed in secrecy and reverence, aludi follows rituals that begin a full week before village celebrations. In Khevsureti, the start of the process is called kvabebis dakra (placing the pots), while in Tusheti, it’s kvavebis shekideba (hanging the pots). Elders oversee every step, blending the malt with mountain water in sacred ratios, boiling it slowly, and adding wild hops. What’s left is a sweet, cloudy elixir — sistsveni — that matures quietly in clay or wooden vessels.

Aludi is never mass-produced. It's brewed for people, by the people, and always for a purpose. During summer festivals, it flows through mountain villages as elders raise their cups with prayers for mercy, rain, health, or a good harvest. In a land where every supra (feast) is filled with ritual, aludi occupies a sacred place — offered not just to guests, but to ancestors and gods. It’s beer, yes — but also memory, purity, and collective spirit served in a cup.

While the mountain elders preserve age-old brewing secrets, a new generation of Georgian brewers is crafting a different kind of magic — one that fuses tradition with innovation, creativity with chemistry. Over the past decade, Georgia has quietly brewed up a craft beer revolution, most visibly bubbling in the capital city of Tbilisi. In back alleys and bold industrial spaces, passionate brewers are experimenting with hops, styles, and flavors that challenge the country’s long-standing wine dominance.

What sets Georgian craft beer apart is its fearless individuality. From IPAs bursting with citrus zest to malty stouts infused with local honey or herbs, the scene is as diverse as it is dynamic. It’s not unusual to find limited-edition brews referencing ancient myths, obscure villages, or political satire — the beer labels alone are worth a gallery wall. Local ingredients like wild thyme, cornelian cherry, and even churchkhela syrup find their way into the fermentation tanks.

But beyond the flavor profiles and funky artwork, Georgia’s craft beer movement is a celebration of freedom — of expression, of palate, of pushing boundaries in a country deeply rooted in heritage. Whether you’re sipping a fresh pilsner in a minimalist brewbar or chatting with a brewmaster about yeast strains at a neighborhood tasting room, there’s a contagious energy in the air — one pint at a time, Georgia is reshaping its identity as a beer destination.

Whether you're wandering through a supermarket in Tbilisi or sipping something frothy in a cozy mountain guesthouse, Georgia’s beer shelf is stacked with both household names and bold indie challengers. Here’s a curated list of ten Georgian beer brands — some mass-produced, others crafted in tiny batches — that define the country’s evolving beer culture.

A national staple and a safe first sip for visitors. Crisp, clean, and widely available, Natakhtari’s classic lager is brewed just outside Tbilisi and comes with a massive distribution network — you’ll find it everywhere from seaside beach bars to village kiosks.

Named after the iconic peak of Mount Kazbek, this legacy brand has a strong nostalgia factor. Its golden lager is straightforward and slightly sweet — a classic “working man’s” beer with Soviet-era roots and enduring popularity.

A relative newcomer with a sleek production facility and a fast-growing fan base. Zedazeni makes a variety of lagers and wheat beers, balancing affordability with drinkability. Their dark beer is especially smooth.

Originally brewed in Batumi, Argo stands out for its stylish branding and slightly more refined taste. It’s a go-to in coastal regions and offers seasonal and flavored variants alongside its standard lager.

A darling of Tbilisi’s craft scene, Black Lion is brewed by people who obsess over hops and fermentation science. Expect bold IPAs, oatmeal stouts, and the occasional sour — all served at their brick-walled brewpub.

This experimental microbrewery in Tbilisi doesn’t play by the rules. Small batches, artistic labels, and unexpected flavor twists (think beetroot gose or Saperavi barrel-aged ale) make this one for adventurous palates.

This patriotic brand ties its identity to Georgian heritage — the name “Iveria” itself comes from the ancient name for Georgia. A solid all-rounder, offering pilsners, amber ales, and a respectable porter.

“Megobrebi” means “friends,” and that’s exactly the vibe. Their beers are easy-drinking, mellow, and perfect for a long supra (feast) or riverside picnic. Look out for the wheat beer — it’s light and refreshing.

Emerging as a notable player in Georgia's craft beer scene, Seahorse Brewery has garnered attention for its inventive and diverse beer offerings. While specific details about their flagship brews are limited, enthusiasts have praised their commitment to quality and innovation. Seahorse Brewery is part of the vibrant community of Georgian craft breweries contributing to the country's evolving beer culture.​

Based in Tbilisi, 2Tons is one of Georgia’s most respected craft beer producers. Founded by beer enthusiasts with a passion for quality and experimentation, 2Tons offers a strong lineup of ales, porters, and IPAs, often infused with local twists. Their bold branding and commitment to using both international and Georgian ingredients make them a favorite among locals and expats alike. Try their signature American Pale Ale or seasonal specials — they’re all brewed with care and character.

While Tbilisi might be the epicenter of Georgia’s craft beer movement, there’s a whole other layer to the country’s beer culture waiting to be explored beyond the capital. From Imereti’s small-town taprooms to coastal surprises in Adjara, Georgia’s regions offer their own flavors — sometimes literally.

In Kutaisi, the laid-back charm of western Georgia meets a growing taste for local brews. Here, you’re likely to stumble upon unbranded, house-made beers served in clay pitchers at traditional restaurants. These rustic pours are usually unfiltered, mildly sour, and brewed in tiny backyard operations — a nod to how beer was made before stainless steel and barcode labels.

Telavi and parts of Kakheti — known for wine above all — occasionally surprise travelers with beer made in old wine barrels or flavored with vineyard botanicals. While these aren’t commercial products, they’re part of the lived experience in village homes and harvest feasts.

Along the Black Sea coast, especially in Batumi, you’ll find quirky bars offering imports and Georgian takes on lager — often crisp, beach-friendly, and cheaper than cocktails. Some seaside venues even brew their own on-site, like the low-key craft taps found in local chacha bars.

And in the mountains, particularly in Tusheti and Khevsureti, travelers might still be lucky enough to taste true aludi. Though not sold commercially, it sometimes appears during festivals or as a sacred gift from local families. These unbottled treasures are earthy, cloudy, and deeply symbolic — a glass of Georgian history in its purest form.

In short, regional beer in Georgia isn’t about mass labels or export-ready packaging. It’s about discovery, locality, and drinking what’s fresh, personal, and proudly homemade.

Pairing beer with food in Georgia isn’t just delicious — it’s practically inevitable. Georgian cuisine is hearty, spicy, herbal, and rich in tradition — and beer, whether craft or classic, fits right into this flavor-forward table. While wine may take the spotlight at a formal supra, beer owns the casual moments — late-night mtsvadi sessions, riverside khinkali feasts, or game-day gatherings with a pile of khachapuri.

Here are a few perfect pairings to try on your next trip:

— Khinkali + Kazbegi Lager
The peppery broth of Georgia’s famous dumplings calls for a crisp, clean lager. Kazbegi or Natakhtari wash down those juicy folds like they were made for each other.

— Mtsvadi (grilled meat) + 2Tons APA or Black Lion IPA
The smokiness of skewered pork or lamb finds a bold companion in hoppy, bitter brews. A punchy pale ale cuts through the fat and complements the char.

— Khachapuri + Wheat Beer (like Zedazeni Wheat or Megobrebi Wheat)
The gooey, cheesy wonder that is khachapuri pairs perfectly with a soft, slightly sweet wheat beer. It’s a comfort-on-comfort combo.

— Lobio (bean stew) + Dark Beer or Porter
Earthy, herbal, and full of character — lobio begs for something malty. A Georgian porter or even a lightly spiced stout brings out the dish’s rustic soul.

— Chvishtari or corn-based dishes + Aludi (if you're lucky)
This is where things get deeply traditional. If you happen to sip aludi — the sacred mountain beer — pair it with simple, grounding dishes like cornmeal breads, wild greens, or mountain cheeses. It’s not just a meal; it’s communion with the past.

Whether you’re in a bustling Tbilisi bar or a stone guesthouse in a highland village, the joy of Georgian food and beer is how effortlessly they meet — no sommelier needed, just good company and an open palate.

For those who travel with a thirst for hops and heritage, Georgia offers more than just a pint — it offers a journey. The country’s beer tourism scene may be young compared to its wine routes, but it’s growing fast, with plenty of reasons to raise a glass.

The capital is the beating heart of Georgia’s beer revival. Breweries like 2Tons, Black Lion, and Canudos welcome curious visitors for tastings and behind-the-scenes tours. These spots often double as brewpubs, so you can sip the beer right where it’s made — fresh, unfiltered, and in good company.

Tbilisi’s neighborhoods — from industrial Saburtalo to bohemian Vera — are dotted with cool, creative beer bars. Places like Tsota Tsota, HB Tbilisi, and Ambavi offer rotating taps of both local and imported brews, plus hearty pub snacks with a Georgian twist.

Beer lovers visiting in late spring or early fall should keep an eye out for events like the Tbilisi Beer Festival or pop-up Craft Markets, where microbrewers pour their limited editions and food trucks keep stomachs happy. It's a great way to meet local brewers, sample rare styles, and feel the pulse of Georgia’s beer scene.

For the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience, travel to the Tusheti or Khevsureti regions during summer festivals. If you’re lucky — and respectful — you may be offered a sip of freshly brewed aludi. These moments aren't staged or sold; they’re gifted by tradition. This is beer not for tourism, but for ritual — and you’re a guest in its story.

Many breweries now bottle their bestsellers, so you can take a taste of Georgia home. Look for chilled shelves in specialty wine and spirits shops across Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. A bottle of Number 8 IPA or Zedazeni Dark makes a unique gift — or a reason to plan your return.

Beer in Georgia isn’t just a drink — it’s a dual story of sacred tradition and modern reinvention. From the holy brews of the highland aludi, whispered into clay pots during ancient rituals, to the punk-rock IPAs poured from taps in urban brew bars, Georgia’s beer culture is full of contrasts and character.

It’s a country where you can hike through wildflower-covered slopes, drink barley malt blessed by an elder, then return to the city for a grapefruit-infused saison with live jazz in the background. In short, whether you're chasing history or hops, Georgia welcomes you with open arms — and a chilled glass.

So yes, come for the wine. But stay for the beer. You might just find that Georgia brews up the best of both worlds.