Kenya is rich in brewing heritage and has contributed to the beer revolution in East Africa with brewing locations for beery delights. From west in the Rift Valley to the east of the Nairobi, Kenya boasts two wineries and several breweries.
With so many brands of wines and beers to choose from, you would enjoy any social hangout within Kenya. Let’s take a look at some of the local wines and beers of Kenya.
East African Breweries Beers:
1. Tusker Lager
Tusker Lager is a popular beer brand in Kenya. Owned by the East African Breweries Limited, it is highly demanded in East Africa. “After work, relax with a bottle of Tusker” is a common saying among Kenyan folks. Tusker Larger is made from the highest quality malt barley grown in the Rift Valley.
Tusker Lager
2. Tusker Malt
Tusker malt varies slightly from its beer counterpart but with a higher ABV level. A first premium brand of East African Breweries Ltd, Tusker malt lager has a smooth premium taste due to its extended brewing compared to other contemporary lagers.
Tusker Malt
3. TuskerLite
TuskerLite comes with a lower ABV and is a low carb beer. Brewed with natural ingredients aimed at delivering an easy drinking experience, TuskerLite is a unique beer on its own. It comes in a 330ml bottle, very handy.
TuskerLite
4. Pilsner
Pilsner with the slogan as strong as the lion was inspired by Eastern Europe's first brewing of Pilsner. Either in its 500ml bottle or 330ml can, Pilsner is a Kenyan favourite. There’s also Pilsner Ice Larger beer brewed at subfreezing temperature. It has a smooth taste with
Pilsner Larger
5. Senator Larger
Senator, made from barley, has an ABV level of 6.0%. Senator Keg is loved by lower-income consumers with the need for a hygienic and affordable beer.
Other beers produced by East African Breweries include WhiteCape Lager, WhiteCap Lights, Balozi Lager, President Extra Lager, and Allsopps Larger.
Keroche Breweries Beers
6. Keroche Summit Larger
One of the first brands of Keroche Breweries, Summit Larger was introduced into the Kenyan market in 2008. The larger beer has a sweet and light taste, grainy smell with a distinct hoppy presence and a metallic aftertaste.
Summit Larger
7.Keroche Summit Malt
Summit Malt has a one of the finest malt beer in Kenya. It’s 100% sugar-free and made of organic ingredients – hops and malts. It’s light bodied and quite refreshing.
Summit Malt
CRAFT BEERS
8. Big Five Breweries Beers
The craft beer invention in Kenya is booming. Big Five Breweries has carved a name for itself in the local Kenya beer scene. It offers a wide range of beers in bottles and on draught, which is available at their beer houses across Nairobi – Brew Bistro in Westlands and Ngong Road.
You can’t find other local beers in any of their lounges. The selection of English Pale Ales, stout, Pilsner and Marzen are difficult to beat. Brew Bistro is a hub of fantastic beers, great ambience and good music. You’ll find a selection of craft beers such as Nyatipa, Hefeweizen, Art Brew, Temstout, Simpils, Marzen, Kifabock, Enkare, ChuiKolsch, Kristallweizen and Oktoberfest among others.
Big Five Breweries By:Brew Bistro and Lounge
9. Sirville Brewery Beers
Sirville Brewery has a wide range of craft beers at Galleria Mall in Nairobi such as Tsavo Larger, Amboseli Bitter Ale and Mara Pils.
Sirville Brewery Beers
LOCAL WINES
10. Leleshwa Wines
The Leleshwa are like the four horsemen, strong and symbolic. Leleshwa Sauvignon Blanc 2012 is a dry white wine with a touch of Chenin Blanc. A nose of pineapple and orange, balanced acidity and a slight oxidative character, like an aged white give it some complexity. Leleshwa Merlot-Shiraz 2011 comes with a ripe fruit and light tannins taste on the palate. Leleshwa Merlot-Shiraz semi-sweet 2011 is a successful Kenyan red wine loved by many. CuveéLeleshwa Rosé semi-sweet 2012 is a special one with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah; it is a nose of blackberry and violet. Refreshing and well balanced, it is a perfect companion for a barbecue.
Leleshwa Wines capitalfm
11. Yatta Vineyards Wines
The white wine is a blend of Chenin, Sauvignon Blanc and Colombard. You'll love the aroma of apple, lemon and sour candy plus the fresh mouthfeel that Yatta Vineyards white wine gives. Even more exciting is the Yatta Vineyards Red Wine with an original blend of Ruby Cabernet and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a sweet smell of red fruit and tastes of soft tannins. Both wines are sold in 1litre Tetra Packs. It most certainly will be exciting to try a glass of red wine from Yatta Vineyards!
Other drinks enjoyed by the locals of Kenya are Mnazi, the local palm wine, and KumiKumi.
Visiting Kenya is incomplete without having a taste of the locally brewed beers and wines.
Yatta Vineyards Wines – wine explorers
We'll Drink to That
Nothing puts a cherry on top of a trip like relaxing with some good drinks and food after a long day of adventuring! We've given you ideas for your drinks now all you have to do is start that adventure!
