As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste a wide variety of beers from around the world. When it comes to Croatian beers, one brand that stands out for me is LAB Split. LAB Split is a craft brewery located in the beautiful region of Dalmatia, and they have been making waves in the beer scene with their exceptional brews.
One of their most notable offerings is their Barba Imperial IPA. This beer has been named the best Croatian beer in both 2018 and 2019, and for good reason. The Barba Imperial IPA is a bold and hop-forward beer that packs a punch in terms of flavor and aroma. It has a deep amber color with a frothy white head, and the aroma is filled with notes of citrus, pine, and tropical fruits. The taste is a perfect balance of hop bitterness and malt sweetness, making it a truly enjoyable beer to drink.
Another standout beer from LAB Split is their Chinook APA. This American Pale Ale is bursting with hoppy goodness and is a great choice for those who enjoy a more balanced and approachable beer. It has a golden color and a citrusy aroma, with a well-rounded flavor profile that includes notes of grapefruit, pine, and caramel. The Chinook APA is a refreshing beer that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods.
If you're looking for something a bit different, LAB Split also offers a Blond Ale Punica. This beer is brewed with pomegranate juice, giving it a unique twist. The Punica has a light golden color and a fruity aroma that is reminiscent of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. The taste is crisp and refreshing, with a subtle tartness from the pomegranate. It's a great choice for those who enjoy fruit-infused beers or are looking for something a bit more adventurous.
For those who prefer a more traditional English-style ale, LAB Split has you covered with their English Ale Englez. This beer has a rich amber color and a malty aroma with hints of toffee and biscuit. The taste is smooth and balanced, with a slightly sweet maltiness that is complemented by subtle hop bitterness. The Englez is a great beer to enjoy on a cozy evening or pair with hearty dishes.
Lastly, LAB Split also offers their signature Barba APA, which is a lighter and more sessionable version of their Barba Imperial IPA. This beer has a pale golden color and a citrusy aroma, with a crisp and refreshing flavor that is perfect for warm summer days.
In my opinion, the best Croatian beer is subjective and depends on personal taste preferences. However, LAB Split has proven themselves to be a top contender in the Croatian craft beer scene with their exceptional brews. Whether you're a fan of hop-forward IPAs, fruit-infused ales, or classic English-style beers, LAB Split has something for everyone. I highly recommend trying their Barba Imperial IPA, Chinook APA, Blond Ale Punica, English Ale Englez, and Barba APA to experience the best that Croatian beer has to offer.