Zăganu Craft Brewery

Zăganu Craft Brewery represents a significant player in the Romanian artisanal beer market, established in 2013 by founders Laurențiu Bănescu and Alexandru Geamănu. The venture was born after the two friends, both disenchanted with their corporate careers in advertising and major breweries respectively, decided to create an authentic Romanian beer brand. They acquired and revitalized a defunct microbrewery in Măneciu-Ungureni, at the foot of the Zăganu peak, a location that inspired the company's name. The name itself is a tribute to the Zăganu, or bearded vulture, a species that was once extinct in the Carpathian Mountains, symbolizing the revival of Romania's independent brewing tradition which had largely disappeared post-1990.

The company operates as an independent microbrewery, focusing on producing unpasteurized and unfiltered craft beer using only four basic ingredients: water, malt, hops, and yeast. Production is carried out in limited batches and bottled semi-automatically, emphasizing quality and freshness, which dictates a strategy of bottling on demand based on partner orders. The business model includes direct sales through its own brewery and online shop, as well as distribution to partner establishments like pubs, bars, and supermarkets. A key strategic expansion was the opening of the Zăganu Craft Beer Bar in Bucharest in August 2017, followed by the Zăganu Taproom. These venues not only serve Zăganu's own portfolio but also feature a wide selection of beers from other local microbreweries, positioning Zăganu as a hub and supporter of the broader Romanian craft beer ecosystem.

Zăganu's product line has evolved significantly since its debut. The brewery launched in October 2013 with a Pilsner and a Brown Ale, which are naturally fermented for a minimum of 21 and 30 days respectively. Over the years, the portfolio has expanded to include a diverse range of styles to cater to a wider palate. Key additions include an India Pale Ale (IPA) and a Belgian-style Red Ale introduced in 2015. By 2021, the brewery offered 11 distinct beers, and the current selection features styles such as Hefeweizen, Imperial Russian Stout, Double Rye IPA, and various Pale Ales, available in 330ml and 500ml bottles as well as on draft. The brewery has also engaged in limited edition releases, such as the "Adonis" Pale Ale, named after the first bearded vulture spotted in Romania after an 80-year absence, and collaborations with other entities.

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