Beers with Production Dates: A Revolution in Greek Craft Brewing

Beers with a short shelf life and production dates marked on each bottle—this is just one of the innovations brought to the Greek craft beer scene over the past 18 years by Corfu Beer. The first and only microbrewery established on the island of the Phaeacians has gradually shifted local perceptions, demonstrating that Corfu is about more than just ginger beer.

Mr. Spyros Kaloudis, the founder and owner of Corfu Beer, comes from a family with a brewing and trading tradition dating back to 1810. Despite being the first in his family to venture into the brewing business, his love for beer began in his youth. Through numerous trips abroad, especially to places renowned for their beer culture, he realized the need to create a new tradition on his island. As he puts it, “There’s no better experience on the island than watching the sun slowly set over the Adriatic Sea behind the Diapontia Islands while enjoying a fresh, cold beer. It’s pure magic!”

“The idea to bring fresh beer to Corfu,” Mr. Spyros explains, “was born from two needs: the desire to contribute to our island, the place where we were born and raised, and the need to serve the art of Greek hospitality, as the overall travel experience of foreign visitors often depends on local gastronomy.”

This connection forms the core philosophy of his business. “Beer, as a product, is meant to be showcased, not hidden away in fridges and cellars. It’s no coincidence that it’s almost always present on tables—especially in summer—and at every meal. For instance, our beer is the beer of Sundays here on the island. It’s part of the Sunday family meals,” he notes, adding, “Dare to pair a Weiss (Amorosa Weiss) with grilled or charred fish. After squeezing fresh lemon juice over it, keep a few drops to add to your beer. Also, try pairing something very spicy with an unpasteurized and unfiltered IPA, which has a pleasant bitterness and fruity aftertaste. Or if you’re wondering if desserts go well with beer, try pairing your chocolate cake with a honey-infused beer like our EPOS-EPIC (with Greek wildflower honey) and you’ll see how well they match.”

Carbonated and Non-Alcoholic Options in the Product Line

Although the word beer often implies alcohol, Mr. Spyros informs me that Corfu Beer also caters to non-alcoholic beverage enthusiasts.

In addition to their golden, unfiltered Hoppy & Free beer with 0.5% alcohol, the Corfu Beer range includes the Royal Ionian series with refreshing, carbonated drinks: Ginger Ale with Lemon and Orange-Cinnamon, for those who remember and those who are learning; Pink Grapefruit & Bergamot, and Lemon & Lime (soda with natural lemon and bergamot flavor, without added sugar).

The Beer Festival and Interactive Park

Local gastronomy, music, dance, interactive events, and, of course, plenty of beer. This scene has been unfolding annually since 2013 in Mr. Spyros’s village of Arillas, as part of the Corfu Beer Festival, which enjoys international recognition.

However, in recent years, particularly since the COVID lockdowns, the festival has been on hiatus. “This will change,” Mr. Spyros assures me, as he and his team, including his son who is also at the helm of the company, are planning the return of the next Corfu Beer Festival. Scheduled for October 2025, it will coincide with the launch of the new interactive beer park—currently under construction—located next to Corfu Beer’s facilities.

For five days, Greek and international brewers, along with hospitality professionals, will exchange knowledge and experiences centered around beer, with local Corfiot delicacies as the backdrop.

In conjunction with the festival, the first interactive beer park (across from Corfu Beer’s premises) is also planned. It will remain open year-round, primarily hosting interactive seminars from beer professionals.

Arillas, Corfu, Tel.: 26630 52072, 26630 52132