Around 2,000 Bulgarian citizens have dedicated themselves to the art of home brewing, revealed Volodya Pachev, head of the Home Brewers Association in Bulgaria (HBAB). The organization, founded in 2012, aims to promote and legalize this creative craft.
Since 2022, legislation allows anyone to produce up to 100 liters of beer annually without excise tax. For beginner enthusiasts, minimal equipment is sufficient: a pot, fermentation bucket, cloth, and thermometer. Specialized stores offer the necessary ingredients for home brewing enthusiasts.
The brewing community in the country is proud of the variety of beer styles. Traditional German, Czech, Belgian, and English variations are complemented by modern American recipes. The Association organizes an annual competition that encourages innovation and experimentation with local ingredients.
Last year's competition was a true creativity challenge - participants presented beers with authentic Bulgarian flavors like peppers and roses. The competition attracted over 50 contestants and nearly 100 different samples, including participants from Romania, Finland, and Croatia.
Statistics show an impressive picture of beer culture in Bulgaria. An Ipsos survey reveals that 75% of Bulgarians consume beer at least once a month, and 57% - weekly. The most active fans are in the age groups between 30 and 49 years old.
Beer production in the country reached 470 million liters in 2024, representing a slight increase compared to the previous year. Bulgaria ranks 51st in the global production ranking, covering over 170 countries.
International Beer Day, celebrated since 2008, is an initiative by Jesse Avshalomov from Santa Cruz, California. Initially marked only in the USA, today the holiday is celebrated in over 200 cities worldwide.
Experts from the Brewers Union and the Home Brewers Association unanimously recommend moderate consumption, emphasizing the culture and tradition behind this drink.