Grupo Cervezas Alhambra - Alhambra Negra

Note the Moorish lions on the label, a reminder of the regional heritage from where this beer is produced. This dark brown, reddish-hued lager presents a creamy, nutty nose, with caramel notes and a mild roasted malt character that is just all around inviting. Expect a creamy backbone and some slightly roasty, caramel notes, with a distinct flavor of dark rum. Look for subtle notes of anise and licorice, and enjoy the clean, caramel finish with lingering rum notes. Overall, Alhambra Negra is very pleasant beer that’s not too challenging but also possesses ample complexity to keep the connoisseurs interested. This dark lager will go down nicely with a variety of smoky, grilled meat dishes, particularly those with a Spanish or Catalonian flair. This is some of Spain’s best beer, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see this one on more shelves in the states as popularity grows with exposure. Enjoy it now while it’s still hard to find, and spread the word to your friends, especially those who appreciate beers on the darker side of the spectrum. Remember, sharing is caring!

The Alhambra, perched on a hill that overlooks Granada, Spain, is an expansive palace-citadel made up of royal residential quarters, court complexes, official chambers, beautiful fountains, baths and a mosque. So regarded for its beauty and splendor, the entire city has been declared a national monument. It rests at the foot of Spain’s largest massif, the Sierra Nevada (coincidence that there’s good beer to be found there? We think not!). Its construction was begun in the 13th century by Ibn al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty that once ruled the region. With its unique style and stunning majesty, this palace of Granada’s Moorish kings is today regarded as an architectural wonder. It is believed, based on ancient inscriptions, that it was the physical realization of descriptions of Paradise in Islamic poetry.

To name a beer after this fabled lair of kings and rulers—this Paradise on the mountain—the brewers at Cervezas Alhambra must have had great passion for their malty nectars. It was back in 1925 when the brewery was founded by two acknowledged brewers, Carlos Bouvard, owner of the famous La Moravia brewery, and Antonio Knorr, member of a family with a long heritage in the brewing industry. Their collaboration laid the groundwork for this wonderful brewery to flourish. Through their 80 year history, controlling ownership of the brewery has changed hands, capacity has been increased, and equipment has been modernized. Today known as Grupo Cervezas Alhambra, the brewery is owned by Andalucía’s first independent brewery group, and they have striven to create a unique brand identity for the Alhambra line where beer lovers not only associate these beverages with great taste, but also with great times. Their philosophy revolves around the concept that there are unique occasions and moments that warrant the pairing of exceptional beers to suit those special times. You’ve got the exceptional beer—special times anyone?

For more information about the brewery, check out their website at www.cervezasalhambra.es.