In the picturesque town of Ierissos, nestled in the Halkidiki region of Greece, the air is filled with the aroma of fermentation and creativity. Just a kilometer from his family’s dairy farm, where milk is transformed into feta cheese, 27-year-old Dimitris Stathoris has taken a different path. He’s traded the craft of cheese-making for brewing, creating Seven Seals Brewery—a name that has quickly become synonymous with bold innovation and exceptional craft beer.
From dairy to draft
Growing up on his father’s dairy farm, Stathoris mastered the art of cheese production early in life. He later enrolled at the Dairy School of Ioannina, poised to carry on the family business. But fate had other plans. A chance encounter with brewing sparked a new passion.
“Cheese and beer are alike,” Stathoris enthused as he explains their shared reliance on fermentation, boiling, pasteurisation, and meticulous temperature control.
“They even share the same ingredients: yeast and rennet. Both are fresh products that depend on microorganisms and careful maturation.”
What began as a hobby brewing small batches of beer in buckets and pots soon turned into a dream. Stathoris honed his skills at a prestigious brewing school in England, where he left an indelible mark by winning awards for both his beer production and business plan—beating even his German classmates, renowned for their beer expertise.
“That was the moment I realized this was my calling,” he told Neos Kosmos.
Building the brewery
Upon returning to Ierissos, with its rich history and stunning landscape where the sea meets the mountains, Stathoris got to work.
“The idea for Seven Seals Brewery was born out of a deep passion for learning and creativity. When I discovered the world of brewing, it felt like finding my true calling. The artistry, science, and community behind craft beer captivated me, and I knew I had to bring this passion to life in my hometown of Ierissos,” he said.
By 2021, Seven Seals Brewery was born, named after the apocalyptic visions in the Book of Revelation.
“Each of our seven beers embodies one of the Seven Seals,” he explained.
“Being so close to Mount Athos, the inspiration felt natural. It’s a nod to our roots and the deep cultural and spiritual history of this region and the monastic community of Agion Oros. This holy place, steeped in spirituality and surrounded by nature’s raw beauty, is a constant reminder of balance—between tradition and innovation, reverence and adventure.”
The brewery’s journey has been nothing short of meteoric. In 2022, Stathoris expanded production to 68,000 liters per year and upgraded equipment to meet growing demand. By 2023, Seven Seals was producing 130,000 liters annually, thanks to a new canning machine and a facility expansion that included a taproom. The brewery even entered international markets, with its beers making a splash in Australia.
An alchemical circle
Despite his shift to brewing, Stathoris remains deeply connected to his family’s dairy roots combined with his own fascination with alchemy, philosophy and spirituality.
“By-products like malted barley residue are used as high-nutrition feed for local farmers, including those who supply milk to my father’s dairy,” he said. “It’s a naturally shaped circle.”
International acclaim
Seven Seals recently made its Australian debut at the Finer Drop Festival in Sydney, where it was hailed as a standout.
“I chose Australia as the market to move into because it holds a special and personal significance for me. Not only is it a breathtakingly beautiful country with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique culture, but it is also the birthplace of my father,” Stathoris said.
“I have always wanted to visit and experience the place that shaped so much of my family’s story. The opportunity to be part of its thriving market feels like the perfect way to honor my roots while embracing new possibilities.”
The brewery’s success, however, extends beyond its beers. Stathoris himself has garnered accolades, including recognition at a UK seminar for his innovative brewing techniques and a barley wine recipe praised for its complexity and depth of flavour, yet he is far from resting on his laurels.
After kicking his goals of further establishing Seven Seals 2024 his is aiming to expand its product range and enter new international markets in 2025.
“We’re continuously exploring new styles and techniques to surprise our customers,” he said. The brewery also plans to deepen its community engagement, promoting craft beer appreciation and supporting local economies but both giving back to the community as well as creating its own brand extending to clothing items and accessories.
For Stathoris, Seven Seals Brewery is more than a business—it’s a labour of love.
“Every batch is a celebration of artistry and passion,” he said inviting beer enthusiasts around the world to share in that celebration, one seal and sip at a time.
