The Best Beers of Sardinia
Sardinia is first and foremost wine country – but the island has plenty to offer when it comes to beer too, led by one traditional brewery and a growing craft beer scene.
Ichnusa – the island's beer
Founded in 1912 in Assemini near Cagliari, Birra Ichnusa is Sardinia's oldest and best-known brewery. Its name comes from the Greek word "Ichnoussa" for Sardinia. The classic pale lager ("Ichnusa Classica") is found all over the island, alongside variants like the unfiltered "Ichnusa Non Filtrata" and the spicier "Ichnusa Anima Sarda". The brewery now belongs to Heineken, but remains clearly recognizable as a Sardinian brand in look and taste.
Craft beer on the rise
As on the Italian mainland, Sardinia has developed a handcrafted beer ("birra artigianale") scene in recent years. Smaller breweries experiment with local ingredients such as myrtle, chestnuts, or honey – a contrast to the more classic Ichnusa.
Practical notes
- Ichnusa Classica is available almost everywhere – supermarkets, bars, or beach kiosks.
- Craft beer bars with a local selection are found mainly in larger towns like Cagliari, Olbia, or Alghero – a good opportunity to discover smaller breweries that don't make it into supermarkets.
- With food: a pale lager pairs well with pizza or fried fish, while spicier craft beers hold their own next to a cheese plate.