Vibrant coastlines, laidback lifestyles, balmy summer days and dishes designed to complement… There are many parallels between Estrella Damm's homeland of Barcelona, and ours here in Bondi.
It also explains the beer's suitability for Sydney summers—Mediterranean lager in style, it has been crafted to complement the climate for almost 150 years, and is ultra light and refreshing.
With summer now in full swing, we were keen to find out more, so recently caught up with Estrella Damm's Johnny Elizondo to chat about the beer's heritage, deep culinary connections, brewing process—including commitment to using all-natural ingredients, and Johnny's top serving and pairing suggestions.
From beginnings in Barcelona, to a beer now recognised—and enjoyed—the world over. Tell us a little bit about Estrella Damm's inception and history?
Estrella Damm's journey began in 1876 in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. Founded by August Kuentzmann Damm and his wife Melanie, the brewery was established to craft a beer that would suit the Mediterranean climate. This led to the creation of a unique lager that has become synonymous with the region's lifestyle and culture.
Over the years, Estrella Damm has maintained its commitment to quality and tradition, using 100% natural ingredients and traditional brewing methods. This dedication has helped the brand grow from a local favourite to a globally recognised name, enjoyed by beer enthusiasts around the world.
The brand's expansion has been marked by a focus on sustainability and innovation, ensuring that while it honours its rich heritage, it also adapts to modern demands. Estrella Damm's journey from its humble beginnings in Barcelona to becoming a global icon is a testament to its enduring appeal and commitment to excellence.
Estrella Damm is known as "the beer for Barcelona." How would you say it encapsulates the essence of the city and broader Mediterranean lifestyle? How does Estrella bring this to life in places such as Bondi?
Estrella Damm embodies the spirit of Barcelona and the Mediterranean lifestyle through its natural ingredients, brewed with Mediterranean barley malt, rice, and hops, reflecting the region's agricultural richness and traditional brewing methods that preserve Barcelona's authentic brewing culture.
Our brand emphasises enjoying life, social gatherings, and gastronomy, truly embodying the Mediterranean spirit. We are dedicated to protecting the Mediterranean environment, aligning with the region's natural preservation values.
In Bondi, Estrella Damm brings this essence to life by enhancing experiences that resonate with local culture. We offer a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle, inviting people to enjoy life the Barcelona way—under the hot sun, with good friends, great food, and ice-cold, thirst-quenching beer.
From the Culinary Journey initiative to sponsoring The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Chefs’ Choice Award and the UK’s Top 50 Gastropub Awards, the brand has a strong connection to the culinary world. Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind this?
Estrella Damm's strong connection to the culinary world is inspired by its deep roots in the Mediterranean lifestyle, where food and drink are central to social and cultural experiences.
The Mediterranean region is also renowned for its rich culinary traditions, and Estrella Damm, originating from Barcelona, naturally aligns with this heritage. The brand celebrates the art of pairing quality beer with exceptional food, enhancing the dining experience.
Just as chefs take pride in their craft, Estrella Damm is committed to brewing excellence. This shared dedication to quality and craftsmanship creates a natural synergy between the brand and the culinary world.
By partnering with prestigious culinary events and awards, Estrella Damm supports and celebrates the creativity and innovation of chefs globally. This not only elevates the brand's profile but also reinforces its position as a premium beer choice for gastronomy.
The brand's involvement in culinary initiatives reflects its mission to offer more than just a beer—it's about creating memorable experiences that bring people together over great food and drink.
"We offer a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle, inviting people to enjoy life the Barcelona way—under the hot sun, with good friends, great food, and ice-cold, thirst-quenching beer."
The beer's recipe has remained the same since 1876, why so? Are you able to talk us through the brewing process?
Estrella Damm's recipe has remained unchanged since 1876 to preserve the authentic taste and quality that have become synonymous with the brand. This consistency honours the original vision of its founders, who crafted a beer perfectly suited to the Mediterranean climate and lifestyle.
The process begins with the careful selection of 100% natural ingredients, including Mediterranean barley malt, rice, and hops. These ingredients are chosen for their quality and ability to create a refreshing, balanced lager.
The malted barley is mixed with water and heated, converting the starches into fermentable sugars. This creates a sweet liquid known as wort. The wort is boiled, and hops are added to impart bitterness and aroma. This step is crucial for developing the beer's flavour profile.
The hopped wort is cooled, and yeast is added, initiating fermentation. During this stage, the yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, creating the beer's characteristic flavour and effervescence.
After fermentation, the beer is matured to allow flavours to develop and harmonise. This step ensures the beer achieves its smooth, balanced taste. Finally, the beer is filtered to remove any remaining solids and packaged for distribution, ensuring it reaches consumers in perfect condition.
By maintaining this traditional brewing process, Estrella Damm continues to deliver the same high-quality beer that has been enjoyed for generations.
Estrella Damm is referred to as a "Mediterranean lager." How would you describe this style, and what makes it especially suitable for a Bondi summer?
A "Mediterranean lager" like Estrella Damm is characterised by its light, refreshing, and balanced profile, making it an ideal choice for warm climates and leisurely enjoyment.
Here's what defines this style and why it's perfect for a Bondi summer:
Mediterranean lagers are typically light in body with a crisp finish, providing a refreshing experience that's perfect for hot summer days. This makes it an excellent choice for enjoying at the beach or during outdoor gatherings.
In Bondi, where the beach culture and outdoor activities are central to life, a Mediterranean lager like Estrella Damm complements the sunny, carefree vibe, offering a taste of the Mediterranean right at the heart of Australia's iconic beach.
This Mediterranean type of lifestyle emphasises relaxation, socialising, and savouring life's simple pleasures. Estrella Damm captures this essence, making it a fitting companion for the laid-back, vibrant atmosphere of Bondi.
"In Bondi, where the beach culture and outdoor activities are central to life, a Mediterranean lager like Estrella Damm complements the sunny, carefree vibe, offering a taste of the Mediterranean right at the heart of Australia's iconic beach."
What are your top Estrella Damm serving, as well as food pairing suggestions?
Serving Estrella Damm at its best involves a few key steps to enhance its flavour and enjoyment. Pairing it with the right foods can elevate the experience even further.
Here are some top serving suggestions:
Serve Estrella Damm chilled, ideally between 4-6°C (39-43°F), to ensure its refreshing qualities are highlighted.
Use a clean, clear glass to appreciate the beer's golden colour and effervescence. A tulip or lager glass works well to capture the aroma and maintain the head.
Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and pour the beer slowly, straightening the glass as it fills to create a nice head, which helps release the aroma.
As well as food pairing suggestions:
Seafood: The light and crisp nature of Estrella Damm pairs beautifully with seafood dishes like grilled prawns, calamari, or a fresh seafood paella, enhancing the flavours without overpowering them.
Tapas: Traditional Spanish tapas such as patatas bravas, jamon iberica, or manchego cheese complement the beer's balanced profile, making for a delightful Mediterranean experience.
Salads: A fresh, zesty salad with citrus or vinaigrette dressing pairs well with the beer's refreshing qualities, offering a light and satisfying meal.
Grilled meats: The subtle malt sweetness and hop bitterness of Estrella Damm can also complement grilled meats like chicken or pork, adding depth to the flavours.
These pairings and serving tips are designed to bring out the best in Estrella Damm, making it a versatile choice for various culinary experiences.
As an eastern suburbs local, where are some of your favourite spots to enjoy an Estrella Damm?
There are plenty of fantastic spots to enjoy an Estrella Damm, especially with the beautiful coastal views and vibrant atmosphere. Here are some of my favourite spots you might consider:
Rocker: Nothing beats enjoying a cold Estrella Damm with the iconic backdrop of Bondi Beach.
Iberica: A new kid on the block, it offers a great setting to enjoy a refreshing beer with friends.
Del Punto: A more relaxed setting is an ideal for a casual evening with an Estrella Damm.
Una Mas: A local favourite, it offers a laid-back vibe with great food and drinks, making it a perfect place to unwind with an Estrella Damm whilst looking over Coogee Beach.
These spots capture the essence of the eastern suburbs lifestyle, combining beautiful scenery with a relaxed, social atmosphere and great food.
Photography: Ethan Smart
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