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Gelender: Craft Beer with Sarajevo Soul

Dobar dan! Welcome, fellow beer explorers with a sense of place, to a page dedicated to Gelender Craft Brewery. With a name inspired by the iconic handrails of Sarajevo’s hilly streets, this brewery is deeply connected to the city’s character, brewing craft beers that reflect its unique soul.

As your guide to the liquid treasures of the Balkans, I love finding breweries that draw inspiration from their surroundings, and Gelender does just that. They’re crafting modern brews with a nod to the everyday life and landscape of Sarajevo.

Whether you’ve navigated Sarajevo’s charming slopes, recognized the significance of a “gelender,” tasted their hoppy or dark brews, or are simply curious about craft beer brewed with true Sarajevo spirit, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the story and the flavour of Gelender!

Inspired by the City: The History of Gelender Craft Brewery

Gelender Craft Brewery is part of the contemporary craft beer movement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in Sarajevo. Their founding is rooted in a passion for brewing diverse beer styles and a desire to create a brand that is distinctly tied to the city of Sarajevo.

The name “Gelender” (handrail) is a direct reference to the handrails found along the steep streets and staircases throughout Sarajevo, essential for navigating the city’s hilly terrain. This choice of name highlights their connection to the city’s physical landscape and everyday life, making the brewery immediately relatable to anyone familiar with Sarajevo. They are a key part of the growing craft beer scene in the capital.

The Taste: Exploring Gelender Craft Brewery’s Brews

Gelender Craft Brewery is known for brewing a variety of craft beer styles, often with a focus on hop-forward and some darker options. Their lineup has included:

• Pale Ales: Such as their “Nonchalant” Pale Ale, offering balanced hop flavour and aroma, often with citrusy or earthy notes.
• IPAs (India Pale Ales): Including styles like “Vasco Da Gama” or “Funk” (Session IPA), showcasing different hop profiles and bitterness levels.
• Porters: Darker beers with roasted malt characteristics, like their “Nuit” Porter.
• Wheat Beers: Such as a “White Wheat Beer,” offering a lighter, often refreshing option.
• Other Styles: They may brew other styles or seasonal variations, contributing to the diversity of the Sarajevo craft scene.

Their beers are brewed to offer distinct flavours within each style, appealing to craft beer enthusiasts.

More Than Just a Drink: A Symbol of Sarajevo

Gelender Craft Brewery’s significance is deeply rooted in its connection to Sarajevo:

• Sarajevo Identity: The name “Gelender” is a powerful symbol of the city’s unique topography and everyday life, making the brewery a true representation of Sarajevo spirit.
• Local Inspiration: Their brand draws directly from the city’s character, resonating with locals and visitors who understand the reference.
• Craft Scene Contributor: As a Sarajevo-based craft brewery, they are an important part of the capital’s growing and dynamic beer community.

Drinking a Gelender beer is like having a taste of Sarajevo itself, brewed with local inspiration.

Perfect Pairings: Enjoying Gelender Brews with Food

Pairing craft beers depends on the specific style, but here are some general ideas for Gelender’s range with Bosnian food:

• Pale Ales / IPAs: Excellent with grilled meats (Ćevapi, Pljeskavica), spicier dishes, or richer cheeses. The hop bitterness and aroma can cut through richness.
• Porters: Fantastic with grilled or smoked meats, hearty stews (like Bosanski Lonac), or chocolate desserts, complementing roasted malt notes.
• Wheat Beers: Great with lighter appetizers, salads, or white meats.

Experimenting with pairings is part of the fun with craft beer!

Finding Gelender Craft Brewery Beers

You can typically find Gelender Craft Brewery beers in craft beer bars, bottle shops, and select restaurants in Sarajevo. Their distribution might be focused on the capital city initially, but their beers might appear in other locations that feature Bosnian craft beer.

Look for their distinctive labels or ask for Gelender beer.

Živjeli uz Gelender! Here’s to exploring craft beer brewed with the true spirit of Sarajevo.