When people talk about Georgia, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Georgian wine, as it is famous for its winemaking tradition. But we also have a long history of brewing culture. In this article I will introduce you to the history of Georgian beer.
History
You probably know that brewing is associated with a grain culture. This fact takes us back in time, because already the ancient Greeks paid attention to the Georgians’ talent in agriculture. This is evidenced by archaeological excavations in which various types of working tools have been found. Of the 17 species of wheat, 12 have been found in Georgia. Wheat was cultivated by Georgians in 7.-6. It is true that viticulture is predominant in the lower part of Georgia because of the favourable climate for growing grapes. In the mountainous region, however, brewing is more popular than wine. The history of Georgian beer begins in the mountains because they lack the necessary conditions for wine production.
Culture and tradition
The arrival of the brewing culture in Georgia is linked to the ancient eastern countries, and all important festivals or rituals in the mountains included beer. In the past, people believed that only by drinking beer could boys be recognized as true men. In Khevsureti, for example, teenagers over the age of 14 were allowed to drink beer. Even children could drink a cup of beer on holidays. They used to mark children’s foreheads with charcoal to prevent them from drinking any more. All these rituals were directed by a leader elected by the highlanders. This is how beer became the national drink of upper Georgia, and has been since ancient times. The culture of brewing beer was perfected in the mountain regions because they had a rich production process. They also have a large variety of original dishes that can be tasted alongside the beer. You will understand this if you visit Tusheti, Khevsureti or other mountain areas of Georgia.
Georgian beer at the moment
Currently, many Georgian companies produce beer. Although we have kept the old brewing traditions, we also produce beer using new technologies. I recently explored a very nice place in Tbilisi where you can taste real Georgian beer. It’s called “2 tons”. It’s a combination brewery and restaurant. They make beer there and you can see it live. Besides the tour and beer tasting, the restaurant also offers various famous national dishes. It is one of the favorite places for beer lovers as they can enjoy tasting different kinds of beers.
