International Beer Day: 5 unexpected craft brewery destinations to add to your to-visit list

When you think of beer, three countries most likely spring to mind: Germany, Czechia, and the United States. And all three certainly do have a cracking craft brewery scene, but sometimes you might want to try something a little different.

This International Beer Day – celebrated on the first Friday in August – we thought we’d highlight five underrated destinations beer-lovers should have on their radar.

Happy drinking!

While the exact number changes year on year, Latvia is home to around 70 craft breweries, which might not seem that impressive, until you consider the fact that the population stands at just 1.8 million. The country has a long history of beer brewing, and this tradition has had a revival in recent years. In the capital, Riga, you’ll find the Beer District, which is home to 10 different bars along a 2.5km route serving up 200 varieties of the good stuff. Outside of the beer district, Nurme is another top choice, particularly for its nut beer.

Local recommendation: Gustavs, who works at brewery Valmiermuiza’s outpost within the Āgenskalns Market, recommends Labietis, The Armoury Bar, and Loft for their beers.

One for lovers of IPAs, Serbia is currently having its craft brewery moment. In the capital, Belgrade, you’ll find many bars along Skadarlija where you can get a taste of the city’s beers, but other dedicated pubs like Dogma Brewery, Samo Pivo and Gunners Pub are well worth a visit, too.

Don’t miss the Belgrade Beer Fest, now in its 22nd edition, that happens every August. Around 300 breweries take part in the event, and the ticket price includes unlimited beer.

Read next: Short break: Belgrade, Serbia

Elsewhere in the Balkans, Slovenia also has a seriously underrated craft beer scene. Slovenia is actually in the top ten producers of hops in the world, with much of it grown in the Lower Savinja Valley. There, you can learn about the history of hops production and head to the beer tasting room at the Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing Industry. In Žalec, there’s even a beer fountain, where you can try six different varieties.

In the capital, Ljubljana, you can visit Tektonik Brewery on a guided tour, or head to bars like Lajbah Craft Beer or Loo-Blah-Nah Craft Brewery.

Read next: 12 of the best things to do in Slovenia

While the country south of the border might take the crown for the biggest craft brewery scene in the world, Canada has plenty worth shouting about. Québec City has a long history of beer making, and today, there are more than 30 craft breweries in and around the city.

Throughout the year, there are numerous beer festivals, including Festibière de Québec (mid-August), Winter Warmer (early February), Commission B (mid-June) and Foire brassicole du quartier Saint-Sauveur (early September).

Read next: Your travel guide to Québec City, Canada

South Africa may be better known for its vineyards, but its little-known craft brewery scene is on the rise, too. Best explored in Cape Town, the legislative capital has plenty of tap rooms and breweries for you to explore including Newlands Brewery, the oldest operating brewery in South Africa. Other top choices include Aegir Project, Devil’s Peak Brewing Company, and Beerhouse on Long, which has 25 beers on draft and a further 100 bottled.