Beer has been produced inArmenia since ancient times. In the 5th century BCE, after arriving at a village inAncient Armenia,Xenophon wrote in theAnabasis that "There were stored wheat, barley, vegetables, and barley wine in the craters (clay pots). In upper level of vessels with the edges in the wine floated barley, and there was stuck a reed, large and small sizes and who wanted to drink, had to take a reed in his mouth and pull it through the wine. Not mixed with water, the wine was very strong, but for local people it was a very pleasant drink".[1]
TheYerevan Beer Fest is held annually during August. It was first organized in 2014.[2] TheSwan lake located in the park near theYerevan Opera Theatre is the regular home of the festival.[3] More than 10,000 visitors attended the 5th edition of theYerevan Beer Fest in August 2018, which featured all the breweries and microbreweries in Armenia.[4]
The first brewery in modern history of Armenia was opened in 1892 in Yerevan. Known asZanga Brewery, the plant was located in theHrazdan River gorge. The brewery's products were branded asBok-Beer.[5] However, the plant was closed during the 1920s.
As of 2023, the following seven brewing companies are operating in Armenia:
Beer of Yerevan Brewery: operating since 1952 inYerevan, and currently producing beer under the brandsKilikia (flagship brand),Yerevan,Hayer,Městské Pivo and12.06.[6]
Dargett Craft Beer: operating since 2016 in Yerevan, and currently servingDargett craft beer.
Dilijan Brewery: operating since 2016 inDilijan,Tavush Province, and currently producing beer under the brandDilijan.[7]
Gyumri Beer Brewery: operating since 1970 inGyumri,Shirak Province, and currently producing beer under the brandsGyumri (flagship brand),Ararat andAleksandrapol.[8]
Hayasy Group: operating since 2007 inVoskevaz village,Aragatsotn Province, and currently producing beer under the brandHayasy.[9]
