Craft Beer Tasting in Nairobi: What to Know

Expect a casual, low-key experience rather than a polished brewery crawl. Most tastings involve 4–6 small pours of locally made beers ranging from hoppy IPAs and wheat beers to stouts with local twists like coffee or chili. Guides explain basic styles and the handful of Kenyan craft brewers, but the real value is simply sitting outside with decent beer and a mix of expats, young professionals, and curious travelers. It's not a beer mecca like Cape Town or Berlin – the scene is small – but it's genuinely fun if you like supporting local makers. Best done in the dry season (June to October) when evenings are cooler and more pleasant for outdoor seating.

Expect to pay around $65–95 per person for a proper guided tasting and transport, including a few snacks. Shorter independent visits to one or two breweries can be done cheaper by taxi or Uber. Tip: always pick the lighter beers and saisons first – the darker stouts here can be hit-or-miss and sometimes overly sweet. Skip anything described as “session IPA” unless you enjoy watery disappointment. Go with an open mind, stay hydrated, and treat it as an easy evening activity rather than the highlight of your Nairobi trip.