Lisbon: Craft Beer Tasting

Lisbon: Craft Beer Tasting — An Authentic Taste of Portugal’s Brewing Scene

If you’re looking to explore Lisbon beyond the usual sights and dive into a local flavor adventure, the Lisbon Craft Beer Tasting tour offers a fantastic glimpse into Portugal’s burgeoning craft brewing scene. Hosted by Taverna das Marias, this experience takes you through some of the best local beers, with a chance to learn from passionate beer experts. It’s a relaxed, one-day journey that highlights the creativity and diversity of Portuguese craft brewers.

For around two hours, you’ll sip on five different beers in 10cl portions, each telling its own story — from light and crisp lagers to dark, full-bodied stouts. What we love is the ever-changing selection, meaning no two visits are exactly alike, and the fact that you get to learn about each label while enjoying a social, friendly atmosphere. A potential consideration is that the tasting isn’t paired with food, but for beer enthusiasts, that’s part of the charm.

This tour is perfect for curious travelers eager to uncover a side of Lisbon that’s often overlooked. Whether you’re a dedicated beer lover or just want to try something different, this experience offers good value and authentic insights into Portugal’s craft scene.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Portuguese Craft Beers: Enjoy a curated selection of local, award-winning brews.
Educational and Engaging: Learn about each beer and its label from passionate experts.
Ever-Changing Menu: Barrels and labels are different every day, keeping the experience fresh.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Designed for socializing and enjoying the flavors with friends.
Flexible Booking: Book in advance with options to cancel 24 hours ahead.
Ideal for Beer Enthusiasts: Perfect for those wanting to explore Lisbon’s emerging craft brewing culture.

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Discovering Lisbon’s Craft Beer Culture

What makes this craft beer tasting tour stand out is its focus on local Portuguese labels, many of which are award-winning or have international recognition. Hosted at Gastrobar Taverna das Marias, the meeting point is conveniently located near Campo das Cebolas and Terreiro do Paço, making it accessible if you’re already exploring Lisbon’s historic center.

The tour promises an incredible selection of beers, with each one providing a glimpse into the creativity of Portugal’s brewers. For example, you’ll sample beers like the American Lager (8a Colina), a refreshing and balanced lager with a dry finish and a touch of fruitiness. This beer is perfect for those who enjoy a crisp, easy-drinking option. Then there’s the Zen Happy Lager (Cerveja Avós), which is noted for its citrus aroma and full personality — a vibrant choice with a striking aroma and award-winning pedigree.

For those who love bold flavors, the InConcert IPL offers a golden, resinous, citrusy profile with a medal-winning reputation, coinciding with the high IBUs (50). If you prefer something more refreshing yet slightly tart, the Raspberry Sour (HopSin) combines fruitiness and acidity, making it a perfect palate cleanser. Finally, the Dry Stout (Cerveja Canil) provides a full-bodied experience with roasted coffee and cocoa notes, yet surprisingly light and dry — a good choice for those wanting a darker, more complex beer.

What to Expect During the Tour

The experience begins at the Gastrobar, where your guide will welcome you and gather your preferences or any questions. The 10cl tasting portions are well-designed for savoring, with enough quantity to appreciate the aromas and flavors without feeling overwhelmed. Since the barrels change daily, you’ll always find something new on each visit, which keeps returning guests excited.

The passionate beer experts will walk you through each label, sharing stories about the breweries, styles, and brewing techniques. This educational component turns what might be a simple tasting into a true insiders’ look at Portugal’s craft beer evolution.

One of the highlights is the relaxed atmosphere — it’s a social experience crafted for friends, couples, or curious solo travelers. The setting encourages conversation and discovery, making it more than just sipping beer; it’s about understanding what makes each label special.

Although food isn’t included in the tasting, the tour’s host recommends pairing your beers with some of the delicious tapas or tasting menu options available at nearby venues, like Taverna das Marias itself, which offers a Portuguese journey through flavors. This allows you to enhance your beer experience with local snacks if you choose.

Why This Tour Is a Great Value

At a reasonable price, the tour offers a taste of Portuguese craft brewing that would be difficult to replicate on your own without knowing where to go or what to ask. The expert guidance, coupled with the ever-changing selection of beers, gives you a curated, authentic experience that combines education, socializing, and flavor discovery.

The flexibility of booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind, and the small group size ensures an intimate, engaging experience. Plus, since the tour ends back at the starting point, it’s easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing or to follow up with more exploring of Lisbon’s vibrant culinary scene.

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Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is particularly suited for beer lovers eager to explore regional flavors and learn about Portugal’s craft brewing growth. It’s also a great introduction for travelers who might not be familiar with beer styles but are curious to expand their palate. The relaxed, social atmosphere makes it appealing for couples, friends, or even solo travelers interested in meeting others with similar tastes.

If you’re someone who appreciates local stories, authentic experiences, and good value, this tasting tour ticks all those boxes. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about understanding and appreciating the craftsmanship behind each brew, making it a memorable part of your Lisbon trip.

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The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

Absolutely. The Lisbon Craft Beer Tasting offers a relaxed yet educational journey into Portugal’s craft beer scene, promising delicious local brews, passionate guides, and a chance to meet friendly fellow travelers. It’s perfect if you want a break from sightseeing, or if you’re genuinely interested in expanding your knowledge of beer styles and local brewing traditions.

For those who enjoy discovery and authentic experiences, this tour provides excellent value, especially considering the ever-changing beer selection and expert guidance. It’s an ideal choice for beer enthusiasts or anyone curious about Portugal’s expanding craft scene — a flavorful way to spend an afternoon in Lisbon.

If you’re after a fun, social, and tasty experience that leaves you with new favorites and stories to tell, this craft beer tour is well worth your time.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for non-beer drinkers?
It’s primarily designed for those interested in tasting and learning about craft beers. If you’re not a beer drinker, you might find the experience less engaging, but it’s still a fun way to explore local flavors and meet people.

Are the beers really local Portuguese brands?
Yes, all beers are Portuguese, with labels that include award winners and innovative brewers. The selection changes daily, but you’ll always be tasting local craft.

How much beer do I get to taste?
You’ll sample five different beers, each in 10cl portions, enough to savor the aromas and flavors without feeling overindulgent.

Can I join the tour if I don’t speak English or Portuguese?
The tour is offered in both English and Portuguese, so language shouldn’t be a barrier. Check with the provider about which language will be used.

Is the tour suitable for groups or families?
The experience typically caters to small groups of adults interested in socializing and tasting, but it’s not specifically designed for children or large groups.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended, and you can reserve with the option to pay later. It also allows you to check availability for your preferred day and time.

This Lisbon craft beer tour offers a genuine, friendly, and flavorful look at Portugal’s rising craft beer scene. Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or just curious to try something different, it promises a fun, educational, and tasty experience that can easily be a highlight of your Lisbon visit.