Beer in Armenia
| Company type | Brewery |
|---|---|
| Industry | Brewing |
| Founded | 1952 |
| Headquarters | Yerevan , Armenia |
| Products | Kilikia, Yerevan, Hayer, Městské Pivo, 12.06 |
Beer brewing in Armenia has roots extending back to antiquity. In the 5th century BCE, Xenophon documented in the Anabasis that locals stored barley wine in clay vessels, enjoying it as a potent yet agreeable beverage.
Beer festival
Each August, the Yerevan Beer Fest is held near the Swan lake adjacent to the Yerevan Opera Theatre. Since its inception in 2014, this annual event highlights the full spectrum of Armenian breweries and microbreweries, drawing upwards of 10,000 attendees by its fifth occurrence in 2018.
Breweries
The pioneering modern brewery in Armenia, Zanga Brewery, commenced operations in 1892 within Yerevan's Hrazdan River gorge, producing the Bok-Beer brand before ceasing activity in the 1920s.
By 2023, Armenia hosts seven active breweries:
- Beer of Yerevan Brewery: established in 1952 in Yerevan, manufacturing several brands such as flagship Kilikia, along with Yerevan, Hayer, Městské Pivo, and 12.06.
- Dargett Craft Beer: launched in 2016 in Yerevan, focusing on the production of Dargett craft beer.
- Dilijan Brewery: founded in 2016 located in Dilijan, Tavush Province, known for the Dilijan label.
- Gyumri Beer Brewery: operating since 1970 in Gyumri, Shirak Province, offering brands including the flagship Gyumri, as well as Ararat and Aleksandrapol.
- Hayasy Group: started in 2007 in Voskevaz, Aragatsotn Province, producing the Hayasy beer line.
- Kotayk Brewery: functioning since 1974 in Abovyan, Kotayk Province, with its main brand Kotayk, plus Erebuni and Urartu.
- Lihnitis Sevan Brewery: established in 2007 at Sevan, Gegharkunik Province, producing the Kellers brand.
Microbreweries/Brewpubs
As of 2023, nine microbreweries and brewpubs operate throughout Armenia, crafting and serving primarily unfiltered or draught beers:
- 379 Brewing Company: based in Abovyan, active since 2022.
- Alaverdi Draft Beer: founded in 1947 in Alaverdi, Lori Province, recognized for its unfiltered Alaverdi beer.
- AM Group: operating since 1998 from Tairov village, Armavir Province, offering unfiltered Jäger beer alongside Roskvas kvass.
- Art Beer 1680: located in Kakavadzor village, Aragatsotn Province, producing both light and dark varieties under the Art label since 2017.
- Blonder Beer House and Brewery: Yerevan-based since 2000, serving unfiltered Slovak-style pilsner branded as Blonder.
- Beer Academy Yerevan: founded in 2012, known for its unfiltered beer called Academia.
- Dors Brewpub: situated in Yerevan.
- Tovmas Craft Beer: active since 2016 within Yerevan, producing unfiltered beer under the name Tovmas.
- Vladimir Hakobyan Microbrewery: operating from Dovegh village, Tavush Province since 2017, recognized for unfiltered beer labeled Dovegh's.
Republic of Artsakh
Within the Republic of Artsakh, brewing is represented by a single establishment: Central Brewpub located in Stepanakert.