Zăganu craft beer

Zăganu is a prominent Romanian craft beer brand founded in 2013 by entrepreneurs Alexandru Geamănu and Laurențiu Bănescu. The brand takes its name from Vârful Zăganu, a peak in the Cheia region of the Carpathian Mountains, which was once the home of the bearded vulture (Zăgan), a bird that became extinct in Romania but serves as the brewery's mascot.

The production facility is located at the foot of the mountains in Maneciu-Ungureni, Prahova County. Unlike mass-produced lagers, Zăganu focuses on traditional brewing methods, offering unpasteurized and naturally fermented beers. Their portfolio includes a variety of styles such as Pilsners, Red Ales, IPAs, and Stouts, all produced without additives or preservatives.

As an independent craft brewery, Zăganu remains under private Romanian ownership. It is often cited as a pioneer in the Romanian craft beer movement, helping to shift consumer preferences toward artisanal and locally-sourced beverages. The brand remains deeply rooted in its local heritage, maintaining strictly domestic manufacturing operations.