Bihaćka Pivovara: Brewing by the Beautiful Una River
Dobar dan! Welcome, fellow explorers of Balkan brews, to a page dedicated to a brewery nestled in one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most beautiful regions – the Una-Sana Canton. Bihaćka Pivovara, located in the city of Bihać by the emerald-green Una River, might be younger than some of its Bosnian counterparts, but it has quickly established itself as a source of refreshing and locally loved beers.
As your guide to the liquid treasures of the Balkans, I find there’s something special about a beer tied to such a stunning natural setting. Bihaćka Pivovara brings together modern brewing with a nod to traditional methods, creating beers that are a taste of the Una River valley.
Whether you’ve experienced the beauty of Bihać and its surroundings, spotted their distinctive “Preminger” or “Unski Biser” labels, or are simply curious about a beer from this picturesque corner of the Balkans, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the story and the flavour of Bihaćka Pivovara!
Preminger
A Modern Chapter: The History of Bihaćka Pivovara
Bihaćka Pivovara is a relatively modern addition to the Bosnian brewing landscape, founded in 1990. Right from the start, the brewery aimed to produce high-quality lager beer, even bringing in certified Czech experts to ensure they were using traditional methods to create a superb product.
Despite the challenging period that followed its founding, the brewery persevered. Over the years, it has invested in modernizing its production and expanding its product range. While perhaps not having the centuries of history as some older breweries, Bihaćka Pivovara represents a more recent chapter in Bosnian brewing, focused on quality and catering to modern tastes while respecting lager traditions.
Today, it stands as a significant employer and a point of local pride in the Bihać area, known for its commitment to quality water sourced from the region (they also produce mineral water).
The Taste: Getting to Know Preminger and Unski Biser
Bihaćka Pivovara’s main beers are typically lagers, designed for refreshment and easy drinking. Their two most prominent brands are Preminger and Unski Biser.
- Preminger: This is often positioned as their premium light lager. It’s brewed to be crisp and clean. Expect a pale golden colour. The taste is generally a balanced malt sweetness with a clean finish and a pleasant, moderate bitterness from hops. It’s crafted to be a go-to, reliable lager.
- Unski Biser: Meaning “Pearl of the Una,” this beer is often described as a traditional and slightly lighter lager compared to Preminger. It aims for high drinkability, a clean profile, and a refreshing character, perfect for enjoying by the river it’s named after.
Both beers are brewed with an emphasis on using quality water, contributing to their clean taste. While specific tasting notes can vary slightly, the focus for both is on being well-made, refreshing pale lagers.
More Than Just a Drink: Connection to the Una Region
Bihaćka Pivovara is strongly connected to its location:
- The Una River: The brewery’s name and its “Unski Biser” brand directly reference the stunning Una River, a symbol of the region’s natural beauty and a source of clean water crucial for brewing.
- Local Pride: As a major local company, the brewery is a source of employment and pride for the people of Bihać and the Una-Sana Canton.
- Community Supporter: The brewery is active in sponsoring local sports clubs and events, further cementing its role in the community.
Drinking a beer from Bihaćka Pivovara, especially Unski Biser, is like having a little taste of that beautiful river region.
Perfect Pairings: Enjoying Bihaćka Pivovara Beers with Food
As clean and refreshing lagers, Preminger and Unski Biser are versatile partners for food, especially the cuisine of Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- Grilled Meats: Excellent with Ćevapi, Pljeskavica, and other grilled specialties often enjoyed in the region. The beer’s crispness cuts through the richness.
- Bosnian Pies: Pairs well with savory pies like Burek or Sirnica.
- Freshwater Fish: Given the proximity to rivers, these lagers would pair nicely with simply prepared freshwater fish dishes.
- General Refreshment: They are perfect thirst quenchers alongside any meal or snack.
Keep them cold, and they’ll likely complement most traditional Bosnian meals you encounter.
Finding Bihaćka Pivovara Beers
In Bihać and the surrounding Una-Sana Canton, you’ll easily find Preminger and Unski Biser in bars, restaurants, and shops. They are the local hometown heroes.
Availability in other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina varies, and international availability is less common compared to brands like Sarajevsko, but you might find them in certain stores specializing in Balkan products.
Živjeli uz Bihaćka Pivovara! Here’s to exploring breweries tied to beautiful places and enjoying their refreshing brews.