Portugal, a country known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and delightful cuisine, has also made a name for itself in the world of craft beer. With a growing number of local breweries producing unique and high-quality beers, Portugal is becoming an increasingly popular destination for beer enthusiasts. For those learning Portuguese, understanding the local beer culture and terminology can be both enjoyable and educational. In this article, we will explore some of the best local breweries in Portugal and familiarize ourselves with essential craft beer terms in Portuguese.

Portuguese Local Breweries

Cerveja Musa

Cerveja Musa, based in Lisbon, is one of the most celebrated craft breweries in Portugal. Established in 2016, Musa has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and high-quality beers. The brewery produces a wide range of styles, from IPAs to stouts, each with a unique twist. Musa’s beers are known for their bold flavors and creative names, often inspired by music and pop culture.

One of their most popular beers is “Born in the IPA,” a tribute to Bruce Springsteen’s famous song. This American-style IPA boasts strong hop flavors with notes of citrus and pine. Another standout is “Red Zeppelin,” a red ale with a perfect balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness.

Dois Corvos

Dois Corvos, located in Lisbon’s Marvila district, is another top player in the Portuguese craft beer scene. Founded in 2013 by an American-Portuguese couple, Dois Corvos has become known for its high-quality, small-batch beers. The brewery offers a diverse selection of styles, including pale ales, porters, and sours.

One of their flagship beers is “Finisterra,” a robust porter with rich chocolate and coffee notes. For those who enjoy sour beers, “Saison à Trois” is a must-try. This farmhouse ale is brewed with a blend of yeasts and bacteria, resulting in a complex and refreshing beer with a tart finish.

Lince

Lince, based in Porto, is a relatively new brewery that has quickly gained a following for its exceptional beers. The brewery focuses on using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods to create unique and flavorful beers. Lince’s lineup includes a variety of styles, such as IPAs, lagers, and Belgian-inspired ales.

One of their standout offerings is “Lince IPA,” a hoppy and aromatic beer with notes of tropical fruit and citrus. Another popular option is “Lince Pilsner,” a crisp and refreshing lager with a clean finish.

Nortada

Nortada, also located in Porto, is a brewery that prides itself on producing high-quality, innovative beers. Established in 2017, Nortada has quickly become a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts in Portugal. The brewery offers a wide range of styles, from classic lagers to experimental ales.

One of their most popular beers is “Nortada IPA,” a bold and hoppy beer with a strong malt backbone. Another notable option is “Nortada Vienna Lager,” a smooth and malty beer with a rich amber color.

Craft Beer Terms in Portuguese

Now that we have explored some of the top local breweries in Portugal, let’s dive into some essential craft beer terms in Portuguese. Understanding these terms will not only enhance your beer-tasting experience but also help you navigate conversations with fellow beer enthusiasts.

Cervejaria

The term “cervejaria” refers to a brewery or a place where beer is brewed and sometimes served. It’s a common word you will encounter when discussing beer in Portugal.

Example: “Vamos visitar uma cervejaria local este fim de semana.” (Let’s visit a local brewery this weekend.)

Cerveja Artesanal

“Cerveja artesanal” translates to “craft beer.” This term is used to describe beers that are brewed in small batches using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.

Example: “Eu prefiro cerveja artesanal em vez de cerveja industrial.” (I prefer craft beer over industrial beer.)

Estilos de Cerveja

“Estilos de cerveja” means “beer styles.” There are numerous beer styles, each with its own unique characteristics and flavors. Some common styles include IPA (India Pale Ale), porter, stout, and lager.

Example: “Qual é o seu estilo de cerveja favorito?” (What is your favorite beer style?)

Lúpulo

“Lúpulo” is the Portuguese word for “hops,” one of the essential ingredients in beer. Hops contribute to the bitterness, aroma, and flavor of the beer.

Example: “Esta IPA tem um sabor forte de lúpulo.” (This IPA has a strong hop flavor.)

Malte

“Malte” translates to “malt,” another crucial ingredient in beer. Malt is responsible for the beer’s sweetness, color, and body.

Example: “O malte dá à cerveja um sabor doce.” (Malt gives the beer a sweet flavor.)

Fermentação

“Fermentação” means “fermentation,” the process by which yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process is essential for producing beer.

Example: “A fermentação é uma etapa crucial na produção de cerveja.” (Fermentation is a crucial step in beer production.)

Amargor

“Amargor” translates to “bitterness,” a key characteristic of many beer styles. The bitterness in beer is primarily derived from hops.

Example: “Esta cerveja tem um nível alto de amargor.” (This beer has a high level of bitterness.)

Corpo

“Corpo” refers to the “body” of the beer, which describes its mouthfeel and texture. A beer can have a light, medium, or full body.

Example: “Eu prefiro cervejas com corpo leve.” (I prefer beers with a light body.)

Aroma

“Aroma” is the Portuguese word for “aroma,” which refers to the smell of the beer. The aroma can provide clues about the beer’s ingredients and flavor profile.

Example: “O aroma desta cerveja é incrível.” (The aroma of this beer is incredible.)

Carbonatação

“Carbonatação” means “carbonation,” the presence of carbon dioxide in the beer, which creates bubbles and a fizzy sensation.

Example: “A carbonatação desta cerveja é perfeita.” (The carbonation of this beer is perfect.)

Levedura

“Levedura” translates to “yeast,” a microorganism responsible for fermentation. Different strains of yeast can produce different flavors and aromas in beer.

Example: “A levedura é essencial na produção de cerveja.” (Yeast is essential in beer production.)

ABV (Teor Alcoólico)

“ABV” stands for “Alcohol by Volume,” which measures the alcohol content in a beer. In Portuguese, it’s often referred to as “teor alcoólico.”

Example: “Esta cerveja tem um teor alcoólico de 6%.” (This beer has an alcohol content of 6%.)

IBU (Unidade Internacional de Amargor)

“IBU” stands for “International Bitterness Unit,” which measures the bitterness of a beer. In Portuguese, it’s known as “unidade internacional de amargor.”

Example: “Esta IPA tem um IBU de 60.” (This IPA has an IBU of 60.)

Growler

“Growler” is a term used to describe a container used for transporting draft beer. It’s a popular option for those who want to take fresh beer home from a brewery.

Example: “Vamos encher um growler com cerveja fresca.” (Let’s fill a growler with fresh beer.)

Torneira

“Torneira” translates to “tap,” referring to the device used to pour draft beer.

Example: “Esta cerveja está disponível na torneira.” (This beer is available on tap.)

Barril

“Barril” means “keg,” a container used to store and dispense beer, typically in larger quantities.

Example: “Vamos comprar um barril de cerveja para a festa.” (Let’s buy a keg of beer for the party.)

Copo de Cerveja

“Copo de cerveja” translates to “beer glass.” Different styles of beer glasses are used to enhance the drinking experience and highlight the characteristics of the beer.

Example: “Cada estilo de cerveja tem um copo de cerveja específico.” (Each beer style has a specific beer glass.)

Conclusion

Portugal’s craft beer scene is thriving, with local breweries producing a wide range of unique and high-quality beers. Understanding the essential craft beer terms in Portuguese can enhance your appreciation of these beers and make your experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re visiting a local brewery, discussing beer with friends, or simply exploring new flavors, having a grasp of these terms will enrich your journey into the world of Portuguese craft beer.

So, next time you find yourself in Portugal, be sure to visit some of the amazing local breweries like Cerveja Musa, Dois Corvos, Lince, and Nortada. Enjoy the diverse and delicious beers they have to offer, and don’t forget to use your newfound knowledge of Portuguese craft beer terminology to impress your fellow beer enthusiasts. Saúde!