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Beer is one of the three major choices of alcoholic beverages in Bulgaria, alongside wine and rakia. Bulgarian beer brewing traditions date back to the late 19th century when the first local breweries opened in Sofia. Shortly after the first commercial breweries opened in Plovdiv and Varna.

In present day Bulgaria, there are 13 breweries mostly owned by major world brand corporations. However they keep the tradition of Bulgarian beer alive by offering local brands alongside world famous names

Bulgarian beer differs from major brand beers by its rich creamy flavor and sometimes higher alcohol content.

Today Bulgaria ranks 15th by beer consumption per capita, right under The US which occupies 14th place.

Some of the major Bulgarian beer brands are :

Zagorka - Lager from the city of Stara Zagora. The brewery is owned by Heineken since 1994. Moderately strong, full taste.
Kamenitza - The leader in sales in Bulgaria has a wide variety of lager and dark beer and originates rom Plovdiv. Owned by Molson Coors. Rich but not too heavy flavor.
Astika - Blond pilsner from the city of Haskovo. Owned by Molson Coors. Slight honey flavor with soft bitterness.
Burgasko - Originally brewed in the city of Burgas but later acquired by Kamenitza and is produced in Haskovo. Light Sweet Flavor
Stolichno - Bock beer produced by Zagorka company which is owned by Heineken. Caramel and chocolate, smoky taste.
Pirinsko - A lager brewed in the city of Blagoevgrad and owned by Carlsberg. Light, smooth flavor.
Shumensko - Offers a wide variety of brands and is brewed in the city of Shumen. Owned by Carlsberg. Light, crisp, slightly sweet.

In addition to major macro breweries, there are several locally owned micro breweries who also compete for their market share in the beer industry. Some notable brands are: Strumsko pivo, Kmetsko pivo, Glarus, Divo pivo. Most of the micro breweries operate locally and have not expanded nationwide.