In the heart of Andalusia in the historic city of Granada, is the brewery Alambra located. The history as well as the city is old and filled with ups and downs. Here culture, history and flavours come together to create award-winning, wonderful beers with full body and character.
Alhambra, original beers from the historical town of Granada
The stunning location of Granada
Alhambra brewery is named after the historic building, of the same name, in the town of Granada. The town is the capital of the region, and is the capital city of the province of Granada, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, southeast of Spain. Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, one hour by car from the Mediterranean coast, the Costa Tropical.
A green countryside with hot summer months and cold winters due to its altitude of 738 m or 2,421 ft above sea level, creates fertile farmland great for the making of beer. The town is a confluence of four rivers, the Darro, the Genil, the Monachil and the Beiro and natural springs with water claimed to have health benefits.
A truly multicultural town
Populated by over 230 000 people in an area of 88 km2, this town is a place where different religions, cultures and people come together to create a truly unique style of architecture and flavours. Throughout history, Granda has been conquered by Romans, Arabs and Spanish during different stages in time, with led to a true mix of cultures and religions. Today the town is a part of Spain, but its roots and history shine through in all, from buildings to spice blends and fabrics.
The History of Alambra brewery
This brewery was not the first brewery in Granada with the name Alambra, today it is the only one still in practice. The brewery was created in 1925, making beers from spring water and sold as beers with health benefits. But in 1995 the demand had declined and the brewery was in trouble. The company had to sell most of its shares and started to make new types of beers, innovative and different from the more standard varieties of beer available in the Spanish market at this time.
The new creations were an instant hit, and are the varieties of beer we find on the shelves today. In 2006 Alhambra was bought by Mahou- San Miguel, one of the largest beer companies in Spain.
The Alhambra beer sortiment
Today the brewery produces and sells a wide range of beers that are adapted to a wider audience. Below we take a closer look at some of the classics and newer varieties of Alhambra beer that has made a success on the market for the last 20 years.
Alhambra Reserva 1925
As one of many things done to improve the company, the beer Alhambra Reserva 1925 was created by the brewery's chemist Miguel Hernáiz Bérmudez de Castro in the year 1994, and it became an instant hit. A small amount was brewed and in just 2 weeks it was completely sold out. The beers on the Spanish market by that time were much lower in alcohol percentages, so no one expected this great success when Alambra Reserva 1925 hit the market with a whopping alcohol percentage of 6.4. The Alambra Reserva 1925 grew in popularity and is now one of the most famous Spanish beers, even though it is only sold in some parts outside of Andalusia.
Alhambra Especial
Alhambra Especial is a premium beer with its intense and exquisite flavour. Golden amber colour a lightly roasted aroma and a thick, creamy head with good retention. A balance of bitter and sweet flavours with notes of bitter orange and caramel.
Alhambra Premium Lager
Alhambra Premium Lager is a blond lager made out of malted barley, hops and maize. Bright yellow colour, with notes of metal and creamy citrus. Alcohol percentage 4.6 % vol.
Alhambra Sin Alcohol
Low in alcohol, Alhambra Sin Alcohol has a percentage of less than 1% due to a careful elaboration process, that preserves the intense flavour of traditional beer. Golden with the presence of body and a delicate touch of sweetness with consistent foam and aromas of malt, biscuits and herbal hops.
Alhambra Reserva Essence Citra IPA
Alhambra Reserva Esencia Citra IPA has a single variety of hops, which intensifies the bitterness, as well as aromas of citrus, grapefruit, currants and tropical fruits. Alcohol percentage 6.50 % vol.
Alhambra Reserva Roja
Inspired by Bock style, this beer has a reddish tone and is an intense dark lager, with lots of darker nuances and a full body. Alcohol percentage 7.2 % vol.
Alhambra Lager Singular
Alhambra Lager Singular are a special slow-fermented beer, inspired by the classic German Lager, a Pilsner style type of beer. This beer has unique, light and fruity nuances. Alcohol percentage 5.4 % vol.
An award-winning brewery
Alhambra has over the years won awards for its unique and complex flavours during the Premio al Sabor Superior (Superior Taste Awards 2016). Some of their beer bottles are beautiful glass bottles, where the text has been printed into the glass instead of using a stick-on label.
The Alhambra Especial beers receive three gold stars
Alhambra Reserva 1925 beers receive two gold stars
Complexity in a simple bottle
This wonderful range of beers is packed with a unique flavour profile that is a delight for Spanish people as well as beer lovers around the world. It is possible to buy some of the range online or to try them on your next trip to Spain. Enjoy culture and history in a beautiful bottle.
