Small-scale breweries in Békés County

● Small-scale beer

● Békés County

● Szent András (St. Andrew’s) Brewery

It is no coincidence that the Szent András Brewery is the best known in the county: for more than thirty years, it has proven that it is possible to build a nationally significant brand in the countryside. Its classic Ogre pilsner was the gateway for many into the world of quality Hungarian beers, and they were among the first in Hungary to produce cherry wheat beer. The brewery has also responded well to the IPA wave, continuously producing new and fruity variations of IPA.

Guided tours of the brewery are available, where you can see the brewing equipment and enjoy tastings – it’s worth setting aside some time for this. The atmosphere of the village, the proximity of the Körös River, the church tower and the smell of malt combine to create an inimitable experience.

In the Gyula region, you can find a very special place where beer is brewed. Near the Andrássy-Wenckheim Castle in Gyula, there is the First Hungarian Organic Brewery, or Elixbeer, where visitors are welcome to visit the show brewery and beer hall. The brewery uses ancient grain varieties, special malts, and unique ingredients, so tasting here is not only a gastronomic experience but also a glimpse into the creative side of beer making.

The castle’s surroundings, the park and the historical background make this stop interesting even if you are not specifically on a beer tour – the cultural and gastronomic experiences complement each other well.

Kupak Craft Beer House (Kupak Kézműves Sörház), one of the best-known craft beer bars in the area, is located in the main square in the center of Békéscsaba. The bohemian-style, ruin pub-like bar welcomes guests with a constantly changing selection of draft beers and a large selection of bottled beers, often with dozens of different items.

The selection regularly includes beers from small Hungarian breweries, such as Szent András (St. Andrew), Mad Scientist, and other domestic craft brands, but foreign beer specialties also appear from time to time. There are usually several types of beer on tap at any one time, and the selection is constantly changing, so you can discover new flavours every time you visit. Kupak is not only a beer bar but also a meeting place: they organize quizzes, concerts, and smaller community programs here, making it a regular haunt for beer lovers in Békéscsaba.

Also located in Békéscsaba is Sör/Ipar (meaning: Beer / Industry), whose selection is based exclusively on beers from the Békésszentandrás brewery. The place is essentially a themed beer bar and street food spot, offering hamburgers and other fast food alongside craft beers from the Szent András Brewery.

The concept is simple: the taps and bottles mainly feature different beers from the Békésszentandrás brewery, so anyone who wants to taste the brewery’s entire portfolio is likely to find both classic and current seasonal items here.

Beer culture did not explode all at once in Békés County, but rather developed gradually. In recent years, several people have tried their hand at brewing beer: there have been smaller breweries and shorter-term projects, and new initiatives pop up from time to time. Careful experimentation is underway, which is why it is worth keeping a close eye on the county’s beer map.