Many people who visit Santorini know about the large number of vineyards on the island, and the great quality of the Assyrtiko grape. So if you visit and want to sample Santorini beer, you’ll generally be offered other Greek beers such as Mythos. Unfortunately not a huge selection! Luckily there is now a small microbrewery on the island. It offers its inhabitants and visitors some variety from the more traditional brands. Santorini Brewing Company is THE place to try local beer in Santorini.
In 2011, a small but passionate group of people got together to establish the Santorini Brewing Company, makers of the famous Crazy Donkey brand. A brewer from Serbia, an Oenologist from Greece, a brewery owner from England and a multi-talented American aimed to create new Santorini beer experience. It was a risky venture to create a brewery here. Santorini is known for its wine (find out more about Argyros Estate here) and the island was still negatively affected by the economic situation.
The Brewery in Mesa Gonia
How is this Santorini beer made?
First of all the makers mill then mash malted barley which creates the liquid that is boiled with hops. Then they add yeasts to start the primary fermentation process. Large storage tanks are the location for secondary fermentation, with sugar added that’s created by the natural brewing process. The beer is unfiltered, unpasteurised and free of preservatives which gives it its unique taste.
Yellow Donkey with a view to die for
Tell me more about this beer in Santorini…
Being the only microbrewery on the island these ‘lagered ales’ have attracted a lot of attention. Currently there are five beers to choose from. Crazy Donkey was the first IPA (India Pale Ale) produced in Greece. Yellow Donkey has a citrusy taste and is made using hops from Slovenia, the USA and New Zealand. Red Donkey is a red beer made with hops from Slovenia, Washington and New Zealand. It has a tropical taste, and also comes in a champagne-style bottle which goes well with a nice romantic meal. Find out more about Slow Donkey and White Donkey here
Crazy Donkey Champagne Style
When you visit, you can take a tour of the brewery, have a beer tasting session and visit the shop. Here you can buy a whole range of merchandise – T-shirts, accessories and other souvenirs. Don’t forget to pick up some Crazy Donkey for the rest of your trip, and buy some for gifts!
This wine/beer sounds amazing
Trip Advisor Reviews:
“Fantastic little brewery – having read up on local beer, Donkey and Volkan stood out. Before visiting I tried both and preferred Donkey. The brewery is tiny but as a result you can watch the bottling process and talk to the staff. Tried the range and came away with larger bottles of Red and White. For the beer lover.” – chesirepaul2015
“This is a unique brewing operation in Santorini. There are several different tasting beers – the (IPA) Crazy Donkey and the Red Donkey – a red ale to White (Wheat) and Yellow.Therefore there’s something for everyone. Small place but seems to be doing very well. Merchandise, tastings are available and you will find the beers at most places in town – I loved the Crazy Donkey.” – Peteski2016
Finally you may arrange an appointment ahead of time by contacting the brewery by phone on+30 22860-30268 or e-mail: info@donkeybeer.gr
The Brewery is open Monday – Saturday, from 12:00 until 17:00 (closed on Sundays). There is no charge for visiting the brewery.
To visit the website and find out more about beer in Santorini click here