Panagiotis Thamnidis and Panagiotis Kordosis describe to us that in the midst of a crisis and capital controls, they dared to realize their dream of creating quality craft beer with personality, which will be immediately recognized by the consumer. Let’s meet them…!
Tell us how did you get started? How did you come up with the idea of dealing with food?
The idea of founding the brewery started several years ago when we were given the opportunity to try beers from microbreweries in Belgium, Germany and Holland. We discovered that beer is a completely different product from what we were used to consuming in Greece. So we were “grafted” with the microbrewery microbe.
Its creators, Panagiotis Thamnidis and Panagiotis Kordosis, chose to do business with beer and create a production unit in Nemea. They gave it the name “Peloponnesos Brewery” and put next to it the distinctive brand, Karma Beer. Up close, and Leo with the glass!
The dream matured in our minds and we decided to dare to do so. Our vision was and is to make craft beers with personality, diversity that the consumer will be able to recognize when he drinks them. Beers that will bear the personal stamp of the brewer but at the same time will respond to the new trends, experimentations and flavors required by the modern consumer.
Tell what does it stand for? What did you create it for?
The company chose the name ‘’Brewery of Peloponnese’’ as it is located in the heart of the Peloponnese. Why Karma? Quite simply because it is the most basic law of the universe that moves everything around us. The law of action and reaction, the law of reciprocation. We believe that Greeks deserve to drink good, quality craft beer.
Our logo is a lion whose experience and time have left their marks. An anthropomorphic leo with myopic glasses, with a thoughtful style who has philosophized life and knows that the most important thing is the moments, the time we spend with friends and the small pleasures of life like a good beer.
How What difficulties did you face?
The company was founded in 2014, in the midst of a crisis, and during the installation of the equipment it was confronted with capital controls. This caused a serious disruption in the timetable for the completion of the works resulting in a delay in the start of production. Also a significant blow to the business plan was the invasion of the pandemic in our daily lives and the changes it brought to consumption. Beer is better when you enjoy it with friends and when no one can meet with anyone, then the necessary reason for drinking beer is missing
Tell us about your products . What makes them different?
Karma Pale Ale
ALC: 5,5 %, IBU: 23, PLATO (by volume): 13,5 0P
A Pale Ale with 13.5 degrees Plato. For the creation of this beer, Greek and German malts were used, as well as a combination of four different hops. The long ripening of at least 6 weeks gives a body and roundness which is balanced harmoniously with the bitter aftertaste of the hops.
Karma Hoppy Lager
ALC: 5 %, IBU: 18, PLATO (by volume): 13 0P
A Lager with high aroma intensity of the most noble varieties of hops. Color yellow-straw, moderate bitterness with a sweet aftertaste. Robust body with distinct notes of malt and citrus aromas. Accompanies grilled roasts, red meats and spicy cheeses.
Karma Red Ale
ALC: 5,6 %, IBU: 20, PLATO (by volume): 14 0P
A Red Ale with amber-red color and shades of unprocessed copper. Rich body with creamy foam and flavors of butter caramel, biscuit – velvety aftertaste. Accompanies lamb, roast beef and creamy cheeses.
Tell us for the raw materials?
The raw materials we use are basically Greek. Firstly because only in this way can we support the Greek production. Secondly, because in this way our beers will have uniqueness. So basically Greek barley and malts in combination with German, water from Nemea, do not forget the beer consists of almost 95% water and hops from all over the world – hopefully in a short time and from Greece. Even for the rest of the materials we try to use anything that is produced in our country, from the lid to the carton. Our motto is “Drink Local” because only in this way can we support Greece.
There are some of your products that stand out?
I don’t think we could single out some of our products since they have all been “designed” and produced in such a way that each one offers a special dining experience.
Give us some suggestions for your products (ways of use in addition to the classics, tips or recipes, etc.)
Beer has many properties. In addition to proving refreshing and beneficial for your body when consumed in moderation, there are also some amazing ways to use beer at home as well.
To strengthen your bones
Beer contains high levels of silicon, an essential mineral for the formation of tissues, muscles and bones, and therefore, its moderate consumption strengthens your body.
To strengthen your immune system
According to a study done in Spain, beer can stimulate the functioning of your immune system. However, it should be consumed in moderation, and in this study the results were particularly observed in women.
Use against insomnia
The lupulin in beer is recommended to help you sleep.
Instructions: When washing your pillowcases, mix a little beer with water and let them soak for a while in the solution.
Marinade for meat
Chefs sometimes use beer to marinate meats, as it has the ability to soften, preserve and flavor the meat.
Instructions: Take the meat you want to marinate and place it in a container with plenty of beer. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
To soften your hair
Thanks to the malt and lupulin it contains, beer can protect and repair your hair, making it shiny and soft.
Instructions: Put the beer in a container and leave for a few hours until the carbonate is gone. After washing your hair with shampoo, apply the beer and leave it for a few minutes. Rinse with plenty of water and use emollient to make them even softer and to eliminate the smell of beer.
Can Greek producers make a difference in the midst of the crisis?
Obviously, Greek producers can also make a difference in the midst of the crisis. The excellent raw materials offered by the Greek land and the know-how that has now become the property of the producers can lead to a new Greek production potential.
Why did you choose to participate in and support Wise Greece Movement?
Our participation was motivated by two basic principles of Wise Greece. Firstly, the fact that through her work the feeding of homeless people is ensured, but foundations or non-profit organizations that help children and the elderly are supported. Secondly, the fact that there is an organized effort to highlight the beneficial properties of the Greek diet.
