The new century has brought a boom in craft drinks. It used to be thought that beer could only be industrially produced, and large facilities were required to manufacture it. On the other hand, most people thought that ratafia was something made by farmers and experts in botany. However, microbreweries have begun to appear throughout the region, with more than thirty ales, and ratafia has emerged from farmhouses and the shelves of bars in remote parts of Catalonia, to become a fashionable drink, even in trendy cocktail bars.
There are several fairs dedicated to craft ales and specialised establishments where they may be enjoyed (birriteques and cerveteques). Ratafia, which has always been present at fairs, is a sector where new producers and brands appear every year.
Entrepreneurs have started to revive the art of distilling, with the appearance of new gins, an apple producer is promoting the idea of cider, and hop plantations have flourished, as a result of this emerging industry.
Local drinks with the 2016-2017 Girona Excel·lent seal
Ratafia Russet.
Produced in Olot, this is the most popular ratafia on the market. This brand survived when the drink had fallen out of favour. It is made using traditional artisan methods of maceration, ageing and filtering.
Marina – Costa Brava Beer.
Fresh, light, delicate, and hoppy with citrus notes, this ale holds the essence of the Mediterranean. It is produced by Brewers Brothers, established in Blanes in 2010.
Mooma Cider.
Agroalimentaria Mas Saulot, a three- generation company of fruit farmers in Palau- Sator, is committed to innovation, highlighted by its young, fresh, fruity and sparkling American-style cider.
The judging panel of the local drinks tasting.
Xavier Amat
Ratafia Association of Santa Coloma de Farners
Gonzalo Herrero
Director of the Girona School of Hospitality and Tourism
Joan Carbó
Agricultural engineer and distiller (El Celler de Can Roca)
Evarist March
Gastro-botanical consultant and manager of Naturalwalks
Toni Lavado
El Primer Glop De Cervesa Brewery
