Beers of the World: 25+ Best Brews from Around the Globe
Updated: Jan. 05, 2022
We found beers of the world that are not to be missed!
From sparkling Czech pilsners to the wheat beers of Belgium, amazing brews are tucked in all corners of the globe. We’ve rounded up the best beers from all over the map.
Up next: Check out the best craft beer from every state. You may find a new brew just around the corner!
Trappist Tripel
Country of Origin: Belgium
What to Drink: Westmalle Tripel
Belgian Trappist beers are known throughout the world for their high quality and consistency. The Trappist abbey Westmalle popularized this pale, highly carbonated and lightly sweet and fruity ale. The notes of red fruit in the aroma and flavor come from the Belgian yeast and not from any ingredients added to the beer. Psst! Did you know that french fries were invented in Belgium? Pay homage by pairing these homemade fries with your Trappist brew.
Hefe Weissbeer
Country of Origin: Germany
What to Drink: Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
German wheat beers are known for being summer sippers. Their light color, zippy carbonation and spicy aroma have inspired copycat versions around the world but Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier is one of the originals, still widely enjoyed in Germany. Feeling adventurous? Use your Weissbier to make a beer cocktail.
English Best Bitter
Country of Origin: England
What to Drink: Fuller’s London Pride
It can be hard to find good English beer in the U.S. but Fuller’s sends London Pride across the Atlantic in tip-top condition. The fresher you can drink this beer, the better! Check the “bottled on” date before you take a sip. Here are more tips for drinking and pouring the best beer every time.
West Coast IPA
Country of Origin: United States
What to Drink: Green Flash West Coast IPA
This iconic West Coast IPA is brewed with five types of hops, giving it the signature West Coast combo of pine and ripe citrus. For hop lovers, this complex and quite bitter beer is a classic. See all of the IPAs we’re recommending.
Pilsner
Country of Origin: Czech Republic
What to Drink: Pilsner Urquell
This is “the original” pilsner, but every golden-colored lager you’ve seen or tasted is essentially an attempt to copy or tweak this beer. With the perfect balance of sweet and bitter, it’s no surprise the brewery boasts that it’s been brewed the same way since 1842.
Flanders Red
Country of Origin: Belgium
What to Drink: Rodenbach Classic
A signature beer of Belgium, Rodenbach classic appears dark but it’s surprisingly light and fruity on the palate. Its sweet-sour taste is a bit like wine, though more on the tart side, and it comes from maturing in massive oak barrels called “fouders.”
Inspired to brew? These beer making kits will turn you into a brewmaster.
Australian Pale Ale
Country of Origin: Australia
What to Drink: Coopers Original Pale Ale
Coopers is the preeminent beer of Australia. It displays fruity flavors derived from the yeast and subtle characteristics of Australian hops. Coopers is naturally refermented in the bottle so drinkers should roll the bottle to stir up the yeast sediment. Serve with authentic Aussie sausage rolls!
Brown Ale
Country of Origin: England
What to Drink: Sam Smith’s Nut Brown Ale
This beer really earns its name of nut brown ale with flavors of almond and walnut. Even though you’ll swear you’re drinking liquid almond butter, the only ingredients in this signature English ale are water, malted barley, yeast, cane sugar and hops. Here are 11 more classic British foods explained.
Amber Lager
Country of Origin: United States
What to Drink: Shiner Bock
When you think Texas beer, think Shiner Bock. This beer is inspired by German bocks and uses some German ingredients like hops, but it’s very American in execution. It’s just 4.4% alcohol by volume compared to its German cousins that weigh in at over 6%. This very Texan beer is a perfect match for our best Texas recipes.
Belgian Golden Strong Ale
Country of Origin: Belgium
What to Drink: Duvel
Duvel means “devil” in the Brabantian dialect of Dutch (spoken in Antwerp when the brewery is located) and the name is fitting for this sparkling golden beer. It is as light as champagne on the palate with a big frothy layer of white foam, but hiding in there is a 8.5% ABV. You’ll want to eat plenty of excellent pub food like this!
American Barleywine
Country of Origin: United States
What to Drink: Bigfoot Barleywine-Style Ale
Bigfoot barleywine has been around since 1983 and it remains a totally original beer. Big hop flavor is backed up by huge malts and a whopping 9.6% ABV. For those searching for an intense beer, barleywine will not disappoint. Its potent flavors make a great combo with the big flavors of a barbecue. Pair it with one of these recipes.
Doppelbock
Country of Origin: Germany
What to Drink: Ayinger Celebrator
These sweet, heavy beers originally brewed by German monks almost always come adorned with a goat of some kind, because “bock” means “goat” in German. At 6.7% alcohol by volume, this one can sneak up on you, too. Celebrate the past with these old-world German recipes worth trying today.
Irish Stout
Country of Origin: Ireland
What to Drink: Guinness
In Ireland if you order a beer, you’re getting a Guinness. It’s so ubiquitous that people just order “a pint” at the bar and know it will be the dry Irish stout. It might be the most popular beer in Ireland, but it’s not the only one! Here are 11 more.
Belgian IPA
Country of Origin: Belgium
What to Drink: Houblon Chouffe
If the beer culture of the United States and Belgium collided, you would get this beer. Fruity aromas mix with big hop flavor for an IPA that is made Belgian style. It is popular in both the United States and Belgium and you can find it at your local craft beer bar. Check out the best beer garden in every state.
International Dark Lager
Country of Origin: Mexico
What to Drink: Negra Modelo
Originally brewed to mirror the dark lagers of Munich, Negra Modelo has taken on a flavor all its own. It’s slightly sweeter than other dark lagers but still drinks like a light beer. Pair this Mexican lager with authentic Mexican recipes.
American Wheat Ale
Country of Origin: United States
What to Drink: Bell’s Oberon
Wheat leaves behind protein in beer, which is why a wheat beer will feel creamier in your mouth. Bell’s Oberon has subtle fruit and spicy hop character but it’s still an easy drinking beer. It’s only available in the summer so pair it with these party-ready recipes for warm weather.
Belgian Witbier
Country of Origin: Belgium
What to Drink: Hoegaarden
Hoegaarden was first brewed in 1445. It has the signature flavors of a Belgian Witbier: orange peel and coriander. The fruit and spice are not overwhelming and complement the wheat in the body of this pale beer.
Japanese Beer
Country of Origin: Japan
What to Drink: Sapporo
Sapporo is the oldest brand of beer in Japan, founded in 1876. This extremely dry, crisp, pale beer made its way to the U.S. in 1984. It’s available at many grocery stores but most people will know Sapporo from the beer list at their favorite Asian restaurants. Its light flavors means the brew won’t compete with any meal, so try it with these Asian-inspired recipes.
Belgian Dark Strong
Country of Origin: Belgium
What to Drink: Chimay Gran Reserve
The biggest and most intense of the Belgian Trappist beers is the dark strong. The Gran Reserve by Chimay (sometimes called Chimay Blue) is widely available at specialty beer shops and even some grocery stores. Aromas of dark chocolate and dried fruit mingle with flavors of candied fruits and brown sugar
Scottish Beer
Country of Origin: Scotland
What to Drink: Harviestoun Ola Dubh 12
This beer is aged in scotch barrels which impart flavors of coffee, vanilla and chocolate. It drinks a bit like a whiskey with strong, bittersweet flavors and just a hint of smokiness. Use this beer pairing guide to find the right food to serve with any beverage.
Fruit Beer
Country of Origin: Canada
What to Drink: Unibroue Éphémère Pomme
This beer perfectly captures the bright tart flavors of green apple without tasting sour. One whiff of this beer and you’ll get subtle spices like cinnamon and clove, which is reminiscent of apple desserts (these are our 10 best!)
Unibroue makes a series of these beers with fruits like pears, cherry and raspberry but the apple variety is most common in the U.S.
Milk Stout
Country of Origin: United States
What to Drink: Left Hand Milk Stout
Brewer’s yeast can’t metabolize milk sugars, so this milk stout is left with a luxurious mouthfeel and just a touch of sweetness. The dark malts give this stout coffee and dark chocolate flavors that mix with the milk sugar for a coffee and cream effect. This beer can be enjoyed at the end of a meal as a complement to dessert (like these cookie recipes) in place of after-dinner coffee.
Irish Red Ale
Country of Origin: Ireland
What to Drink: Smithwicks Red Ale
The first thing you’ll notice about this ale is its stunning red color. Upon the first sip you’ll get sweet malt mingling with roasted barley paired with just enough hops to balance those malt-forward flavors. Try this malty red ale in these recipes for cooking with beer.
Rauchbier
Country of Origin: Germany
What to Drink: Original Schlenkerla Smokebeer – Märzen
Rauchbier, also known as smoked beer, is popular in the small German city of Bamberg. Schlenkerla is the best-known example of a Rauchbier brewer. The beer actually acquires its smoky flavor through the use of smoked malt. It tastes a bit like drinking a campfire, so if you’re into those smoky notes, you’ll love these campfire comfort foods.
American Porter
Country of Origin: United States
What to Drink: Anchor Porter
Some dark beers can be harshly roasted. That is not the case for Anchor porter, which is smooth because of a mix of chocolate, caramel, black and pale malts. This was the first American-style porter brewed in the U.S. in 1972. It’s inspired by the historically popular English Porter style but made with American ingredients like Northern Brewer hops. If you’re into historical food and drinks, try these vintage recipes that stand up today.
Originally Published: August 02, 2019
