Antonis Angelidis comes from Leros, an island he loves deeply and always carries with him wherever he goes. His relationship with beer took a different turn one winter in the Netherlands, where he visited a brewery housed in an old windmill. It was a small, lively place, with dozens of different labels and people who simply wanted to enjoy the moment. That was when he realized that beer is not just a drink but an experience and culture. He learned the story of the place, a group of friends who started making their own beer and eventually grew into one of the most renowned breweries in the Netherlands. Τhat moment understood that he wanted to follow the same path. He bought equipment, connected with people in the field and began brewing beer in his own kitchen, learning through experiments, mistakes and small victories. After many batches, failures but also moments of excitement, he managed to create a recipe that truly expressed him. Today he continues to create, to refine his beers and to share them with anyone who seeks something authentic. For him, beer is something personal, a story, a moment, a taste that brings people together. Below he presents the six beers that he singles out and enjoys.
Chios House Ale
Chios House Ale is a top-fermented beer characterized by aromas of hops and citruses, a golden-yellow color with orange highlights, and a full-bodied texture with a subtle bitterness. The use of select malt varieties and whole-cone hops, unfiltered and unpasteurized, gives it authenticity. I first tasted it during a summer in Chios Island, at a small place in Kambos, there I realized how fresh a beer can truly be. It’s a representative example of a fresh Greek ale that respects its raw materials.
Zatte Tripel
The first Tripel I ever tried and the first beer I ever drank inside an actual brewery, was Zatte, on a canal in Amsterdam. Zatte is a blonde Tripel that follows the Belgian tradition. It stands out for its fruity aroma, grainy notes, and a slightly sweet flavor and its dry aftertaste. It’s a beer with structure and character, considered a classic in its category, with a strong presence in the European brewing scene.
Valsamo Ale
Valsamo Ale is a handcrafted blonde beer with refreshing aromas of citrus, coriander, and honey. It has a balanced character, offering a bittersweet taste and medium carbonation. Its aftertaste is smooth, with a subtle bitterness. I first tasted it at a beach bar in Leros, and I was lucky, not only to discover the beer, but also to meet its brewer, Dimitris who represents the rising momentum of Greece’s small craft breweries.
Beach Bum Tropic Ale
Beach Bum Tropic Ale is a fresh, unpasteurized beer bursting with intense aromas of tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, and passion fruit, enriched by notes of ginger and lime. Crafted with high-quality ingredients, it reflects the modern approach of the Greek craft beer scene, one that emphasizes innovation and aromatic experimentation. I first enjoyed it in Koukaki, at their own taproom, and it’s one of the rare beers whose branding matches its flavor so perfectly.
Crispy Pils
Crispy Pils is a Bohemian Pilsner brewed using the traditional decoction mash method. Made with Czech malt and Saaz hops, it offers a clean character with notes of grains and honey. Its fresh and refreshing flavor proves that a classic style can still be executed with precision and consistency. I ordered it specifically just to try it, because, as they say at Strange Brew, “Feed Your Head.”
Sauvignon IPA
Sauvignon IPA blends the aromatic profile of Sauvignon Blanc wine with the structure of an IPA. It stands out with notes of apricot, white grape, peach, and tropical fruits. A lively texture and a dry, fruity finish create a beer of remarkable complexity, bridging the worlds of brewing and winemaking. It captivated me from the very first sip, showing how creativity can transcend the boundaries of style.
