The craft beer scene seems to be growing in Tirana and this is one of the best reviewed taprooms in the city. I checked before ordering and was pleased that they accepted cards so that I wouldn’t miss out on any beers.
It’s a quirky and informal environment, with an outside terrace as well but there was smoking going on out there and I’m an indoors kind of person anyway.
It was all clean and comfortable, with table service available although I ordered at the bar so I could see what beers there were.
The beer selection, although a few weren’t available.
I asked if they could do me a flight of beers and I’m pleased to note that they could. He did offer me the choice of what I wanted, but I was in a reckless mood and opted for the cherry porter and let the server pick the other four. That’s about as much adventure as I need for one evening.
All the beers were brewed by the Pan’s Microbrewery and from left to right:
(i) Siringha – as lagers go this was very agreeable, light, floral and fluffy.
(ii) Vagabondi – a light and gentle IPA.
(iii) Midas Kiss – a balanced and gentle wheat beer, with some orange and more floral notes.
(iv) Cherry Porter – there’s cherry flavour in it but this was a little less balanced and was a bit clumpy, although it was still pleasant.
(v) Goat Head – full flavoured and citrusy IPA, rounded and rich.
They had brought some free nuts over to the table, but I thought I’d have the crispy chicken as well to add to the decadence of the whole arrangement. The chicken was tender and those chips were light and fluffy.
This was a really rather lovely venue and I can see why the online reviews are so positive. The service was friendly, the surroundings were comfortable and the food was of a decent quality. They didn’t have their usual full line-up of beers, but there was still plenty of choice and the server was engaging and knowledgeable about the options. The beers were all very drinkable, there was a balance to most of them and the lager and IPA were gentle and quite floral. The meal and five beers came to around £14, which is expensive for the city, but I think decent value for what is effectively an on-trend craft beer operation in the middle of a capital city.