Budapest: Brewery Tour at “First Craft Beer” & Beer Tasting

Discovering Budapest’s Craft Beer Scene at First Craft Beer Brewery

If you’re exploring Budapest and want to see a modern side of Hungary’s evolving beer culture, then a brewery tour with tasting at First Craft Beer offers a fantastic snapshot. This experience takes you behind the scenes of one of Budapest’s most popular craft breweries, showcasing how their innovative beers are brewed and giving you the chance to sample a variety of styles—from juicy IPAs to tangy sour beers. The tour lasts about an hour, making it a manageable and engaging stop amid sightseeing.

Two things I particularly like about this experience are the insider knowledge you gain about the brewing process, and the chance to taste more than just your average beers. The guide, whether a brewer or a staff member, seems genuinely passionate, making the tour both informative and approachable. The brewery itself is attractive and modern, emphasizing Hungary’s commitment to quality craft brewing since 2017.

A potential consideration is the timing—tours typically start in the late afternoon or early evening, after 6 pm on weekdays and 2 pm on Saturdays, which might not suit early risers or those on tight schedules. Also, since the tour is not suitable for minors or pregnant women, families with children will need to look elsewhere for activities. Still, for beer lovers wanting a well-rounded, authentic experience, this brewery offers excellent value.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Modern Budapest Brewery: First Craft Beer has been brewing since 2017 and has already produced over 3 million liters, reflecting its significance in the Hungarian craft scene.
• Educational and Tasty: The tour explains the brewing process, ingredients, and history, complemented by tastings of malted barley, hops, and four different beers.
• Variety of Styles: Expect to sample flagship IPAs, fruited sour beers, and special small batch brews, including some barrel-aged options.
• Insightful Guides: Guides are typically staff members actively involved in the brewery—offering authentic insights rather than scripted commentary.
• Group Size & Language: Conducted in private groups in English and Hungarian, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Inside the SelfStore courtyard at the FIRST Taproom, accessed via the car entrance, making it straightforward to find.

Exploring Budapest’s Craft Beer Culture: The Tour Itinerary

Starting Point at Váci út 83

Your journey begins at the SelfStore courtyard, specifically inside the right corner where the FIRST Taproom is located. This is a relaxed and unpretentious setting, perfect for those interested in genuine local brewing. The meeting point is easy to access if you’re already exploring central Budapest, and the staff kindly prep you for what’s ahead.

Guided Tour of the Brewery

The main feature is a 60-minute guided walk through the brewery, led by someone deeply familiar with the brewing process. Expect to visit all the key equipment—fermentation tanks, bottling lines, and storage areas—gaining an understanding of how each step influences the final product. You’ll learn about technologies used and the ingredients—like malted barley and hops—that form the backbone of craft beer.

Tasting Experience

As part of the tour, you’ll receive four 2-deciliter beer samples, which might include IPAs, sour beers, and some limited-edition small batch brews. Many reviews highlight the quality and diversity of the beers; one guest noted, “The IPAs were especially impressive, with a real hop punch and fresh aroma.” Alongside the tastings, you’ll also get to try malted barley and hops, deepening your appreciation for what goes into each sip.

The Special Small Batch & Barrel-Aged Beers

One highlight is the Small Batch range, beers that are produced only once or twice, often showcasing experimental flavors. The barrel-aged beers are noted for their heavy body and complexity—perfect for those looking to explore beyond typical styles. This emphasis on innovation is part of what makes First Craft Beer stand out.

Additional Insights and Tips

Your guide might also introduce you to the history of Hungarian craft beer and how First Craft Beer fits into that narrative. If you’re lucky, they might share tips on other local breweries or recommend how to pair beers with Hungarian cuisine.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

• The modern, attractive brewery environment sets a high standard for Budapest craft beer visits.
• The personalized, private group format ensures more interaction and tailored explanations.
• Learning about ingredients firsthand, like tasting malted barley and hops, adds a tangible layer to your understanding.
• The diversity of beer styles—from IPAs to sour beers to limited editions—means there’s likely something you’ll enjoy regardless of your palate.
• The knowledgeable staff are genuinely involved in the brewing, which adds authenticity to the experience.
• The timing aligns well with evening plans, making it an ideal highlight after a day of sightseeing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits beer enthusiasts eager to expand their knowledge and taste buds, especially those who appreciate a good story behind their drink. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a local, authentic experience rather than a generic pub crawl. Since the tour is private, it’s also a good choice for couples or small groups wanting a personalized touch.

However, it’s less suitable for families with minors, pregnant women, or those over 70 who might prefer a less physically involved activity. The timing works well for most adults, especially as an early evening activity that complements sightseeing.

Price and Logistics

At a reasonable cost, considering the guided aspect and four beer tastings, this tour offers good value for money. It’s a short activity—just one hour—making it easy to add into a busy Budapest itinerary. The full experience—learning, tasting, and exploring—provides a comprehensive look at Budapest’s craft beer scene without overwhelming your schedule.

Reservations can be made with flexibility, allowing you to reserve now and pay later, which is helpful if your plans aren’t set in stone. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, giving peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The brewery tour at First Craft Beer offers a practical, engaging dive into Budapest’s growing craft beer culture. It’s a wonderful way to understand the ingredients, process, and styles that define modern Hungarian brewing. Whether you’re a beer geek or just curious, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for what makes Budapest’s craft scene tick—and with a few tasty samples to enjoy later.

This experience works best for travelers who enjoy learning about local food and drink, and who appreciate a relaxed, guided setting. It’s a perfect mid-afternoon or early evening activity that pairs well with exploring Budapest’s vibrant neighborhoods.

FAQ

How long does the brewery tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, providing a thorough yet manageable look at the brewery.

What languages are available for the tour?
Tours are conducted in Hungarian and English, allowing most travelers to participate comfortably.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, unaccompanied minors, children under 18, pregnant women, and those over 70 are not permitted.

What is included in the price?
You get a guided tour of the brewery, four 2-deciliter beer tastings, and a chance to learn about brewing ingredients and history.

Can I reserve my spot in advance?
Yes, you can reserve now with the option to pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Where exactly do I meet the group?
Inside the SelfStore courtyard at the FIRST Taproom, accessed via the car entrance, on Váci út 83.

Are the beers suitable for all tastes?
Most likely yes, as the lineup includes IPAs, sour beers, and small batch brews catering to different preferences.

Is this experience good for a first-time craft beer enthusiast?
Absolutely. The explanations and tastings are accessible and designed to educate without overwhelming.

What if I want to visit other breweries?
You might find similar experiences with different styles or focus, but this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Budapest’s craft beer scene.

Exploring Budapest’s beer culture through a guided tour at First Craft Beer is a smart choice for anyone wanting to see the city’s modern side. It’s authentic, educational, and, of course, delicious—making it a memorable part of your Budapest adventure.