From Slovakia we ventured east to the Hungarian capital; Budapest. Befoore arriving I knew Hungary had a craft beer scene, mostly centred around Budapest, and so I was particularly keen to sample some of the local wares.
Naturally I had a beer while perusing the range, which was not laid out in any pattern I could work out. The beer was Happy Finish from armando_otchoa, a “semi-dark Hefeweizen” which looked cool but tasted like a regulation Hefeweizen. The service was a little odd though, I asked the guy in the shop about a few things about the Hungarian beer scene, best beer, brewery with best reputation etc. and all he’d give me was they’re all good… Not quite what I was after but I still walked away with 9 Hungarian craft beers to sample back at the room.
Whilst at Csak a jó sör I also polished off the second half of Lizzie’s choice, a particularly bland Hungarian craft beer called Jozin Z Bazin. After that we went on a walk down Andrassy Utca, the main shopping street, where Lizzie bought clothes like you wouldn’t believe! Shortly thereafter we decided it was too hot and made our way back into the back streets and the comforty surrounds of Lehuto.
Possibly the best beer I had in Hungary was next; Hopfanatic’s The Infusion IPA. Basically the concept is that the mixed an IPA with a Cider. In reality they ended up with an awesomely hoppy apple sour! This beer was brilliant! I think Lizzie and I both had a few, it’s a must try if you come across it! Although I doubt much will make it outside Budapest, let alone Hungary…
Borsodi is another of the macro Hungarian lagers. It seems to be in the more hipster restaurants and areas and was perfectly drinkable if nothing special. Hopfanatic’s American Pale Ale was next and like the Kaltenecker IPL, the hops were odd, however it was a really enjoyable Pale Ale. It’s something that would sell well if it made it to Australia, although I don’t think any Hungarian craft brewery has the size to think about exporting.
A beer drinking cruise on the Danube followed with almost as manyy Dreher’s passing through my lips as bridges we went under (hint: there’s a lot of bridges in Budapest). Before retiring to the apartment for the evening and trying a couple more of the bottles I’d bought. Vari Novorek, a collaboration between Szent Andras and armando-otchoa, was a nice easy drinking Pale Ale with good fruitiness. The hops they use here are unlike ones I’m used to and I was getting a lot of peach in this beer.
My third beer from Hopfanatic was their Nohoplimit Imperial IPA. Again the hops were odd but tasty, providing excellent bitterness but this unusual berry flavour. The label later pointed me in the direction of elderberries… While my second beer from Szent Andras was a fruit beer called Meggyes Sor. It was a really interesting beer which managed to showcase the sweetness and sourness of cherries at the same time. I haven’t quite explained that correctly as the flavour was definitely that of sour cherries, yet the overall feeling was sweet (hopefully that makes sense!). Anyway if it doesn’t, go to Budapest and try one!
I asked the guy for the best Hungarian IPA he had and he gave me the Monyo Flying Rabbit in a bottle, the label was cool and the beer packed full of Citra hops. Whilst Lizzie went with the Stari Szilva; a Hungarian plum flavoured fruit beer. I had a little taste and loved it! It nicely tart, with a distinct flavour of red starbursts! Only thing is; I’m not sure thats plum…
Hungary was awesome! Budapest is an amazing city that I hope to return to. They produce alot of craft beer but on the whole it isn’t that good with a few exceptions. This is a country with a relatively young craft beer scene and this can only improve. If you’re looking for a slightly left field craft beer destination in Europe, I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending you to visit Hungary.