ALHAMBRA RESERVA 1925 BEER REVIEW - ARTS, CRAFTS AND TRADITION

May 22, 2023 Cameron Mackenzie

Granada is one of the most magical cities alongside Spanish geography (and, by extension, worldwide). Representing the cultural summon of being the intersectional point between the three Abrahamic religions (Christianism, Islam and Judaism) inside such a historically and culturally rich territory as the Iberian Peninsula, it is also the home of one of the best -and most underrated- Mediterranean breweries.

Its name won’t be foreign to almost anybody. Baptised after the iconic art and architecture masterpiece that crowns the city from its tallest hill, the Alhambra Palace, it is undoubtedly the local’s favourite beverage.

Flying under the radar for decades, Cervezas Alhambra has turned into one of the most respected (if not the most) South-Spanish breweries. However, it’s still a hidden gem to be discovered by a fair amount of European and Worldwide beer aficionados.

The brewery was founded in Granada in 1925 and has a long history in the region. During its early years, the brewery faced challenges due to the political and economic instability in Spain, including the Spanish Civil War. However, the brewery was able to survive these difficulties and continued to grow over the years.

In the 1970s, the brewery underwent a period of modernization, which included the introduction of new technology and the expansion of its product line. In 2007, the brewery was acquired by the Mahou-San Miguel group.

Although offering a diverse range of beverages, the jewel of the company is the Alhambra Reserva 1925: a lively interpretation of an Amber Lager, respecting the traditional craftsmanship along the fermentation process. Its characteristic golden colour is a non-negotiable quality. Intense and full-bodied, it has an ABV of 6’4°, slightly higher than the Spanish average.

Always remarking on the importance of being local, water from the Sierra Nevada mountains and cereal from the South of Spain are used to create this beer. The truest inspiration for this beverage is the first batches ever produced by the company, in 1925; that’s the reason for having such date in its naming.

The bottle design is elegant and distinctive, with a sleek green glass bottle that has an embossed label. The label features the brewery's logo, which is a silhouette of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. The design is inspired by the decorative motifs found in the palace's architecture.

As with every Spanish beer, Alhambra is a perfect choice for a sunny day on a terrace. It’s an excellent match with grilled meats, a summer barbeque classic. Its rich, bodied flavour also makes it a lovely fit to accompany a cheese board.

Overall, Cervezas Alhambra is a beloved and respected brewery with a golden, full-bodied amber lager as its most iconic creation. A must-have for every beer connoisseur who wants to expand their horizons.

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