El Estribo

What: Bar
Where: Madrid, Spain (C/ Fernán González 69)
Hours: It varies, but it usually opens around 19:30

In the spirit of describing the local Madrid craft beer scene, today I am going to write about one of the bars that pioneered this scene, El Estribo.

I have mentioned this bar several times, for example in my post about the Troubadour Magma, or in the one about Fraoch Heather Ale.

If you have read any of these you will know just how I revere its owner, Andrés, whom I consider an expert in all things alcohol related, but especially when it comes to beer. It was him that first explained to me how lambics were brewed and their almost magical spontaneous fermentation. I remember I was mesmerized.

He has always made a point of bringing in beers which are not generally available in other bars in Madrid, expanding his customers' horizons and pushing beer culture to new limits. It started off with simple things, like offering every single trappist beer available on the market and it has gradually grown from there to offering national and international craft beers, as well as some special gems that the beer connoisseur will surely value.

For example, I have seen him carry a hefty selection of Albert Le Coq beers lately, a historic brewery famous above all for its Russian Imperial Stout, which was highly valued by Russian czars, to the point of inviting him to brew it within the borders of the Empire in order to avoid rising trade tariffs.

Just last weekend I stopped by to enjoy a glass of the limited edition unfiltered Pilsner Urquell, of which he had received a couple of barrels. I can honestly say I never thought this beer could be so spectacularly improved by something so simple. To top it off, Andrés prices it at €2 if ordered before midnight on weekdays.

However, the highlight comes when he occasionally brings in a few bottles of different Cantillon beers. Although these are way more expensive than the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell and they tend to go fast, they are well worth it if you manage to get your hands on them.

You would not necessarily expect such a spectacle just by looking at the place though.

With its modest facade, only decorated with a pink and blue neon light and a small Leffe lantern, it does not look any different from the other average neighborhood dives that surround it. The interior, although slowly improving, is also similarly dive-y. Dimly light, with a few unadorned high tables to sit at, you might not expect it to be such a magical place... but go in there, have yourself a drink, talk to the guy and see how fast it will grow on you.

Have I mentioned it also has some of the best liquor, including bourbon, in the city and Andrés can make actual cocktails? Mo'Problemas, a seasoned barman and bourbon drinker, will vouch for that statement. 'Nuff said.