Beer is more than just a beverage; it’s a global passport to culture, history, and camaraderie. As one of the oldest drinks in the world, beer has been brewed, shared, and celebrated across continents for millennia. It’s the go-to drink for locals in bustling metropolises and sleepy villages alike, whether they’re toasting a victory, winding down after work, or savoring a meal with friends. Its universal appeal lies in its variety: from crisp, easy-drinking lagers to robust stouts and aromatic IPAs, there’s a style for everyone. So what are the most popular beers of the World?

When you’re on vacation, knowing the local beer can elevate your experience. Every pint tells a story about the place it comes from. In Belgium, sampling a Trappist ale offers a taste of monastic brewing traditions. In Germany, a stein of Märzen during Oktoberfest immerses you in Bavarian heritage. And in Mexico, a chilled Corona on the beach embodies the laid-back vibe of the country’s coastal towns.

Exploring the local beer scene is also a fantastic way to meet people. Order a pint of the local favorite at a bustling pub or beer garden, and you’ll find it’s often an easy conversation starter. Many beers are tied to regional pride—drink a Heineken in Amsterdam, and you’re sipping a symbol of Dutch innovation.

Beyond socializing, seeking out local brews is an adventure for your taste buds. Breweries often incorporate native ingredients and unique techniques, giving you flavors you can’t find back home. Supporting local breweries also contributes to the region’s economy and celebrates its craft traditions.

So before your next trip, do a little research on the local beer scene. It’s not just about quenching your thirst—it’s about diving into the heart of a destination, one frothy glass at a time.

A

Argentina

• Beer: Quilmes
• Tagline: “The Taste of Argentina”
• Fact: Quilmes sponsors Argentina’s national soccer team and is deeply tied to the country’s sports culture.
• Established: 1888
• Brewed: Quilmes, Buenos Aires

Australia

• Beer: Victoria Bitter (VB)
• Tagline: “For a Hard Earned Thirst”
• Fact: Despite its name, VB is a lager, not a bitter.
• Established: 1854
• Brewed: Melbourne, Victoria

Austria

• Beer: Stiegl
• Tagline: “Austria’s Leading Private Brewery”
• Fact: Stiegl brews a special Christmas beer called “Christkindl” during the holiday season.
• Established: 1492
• Brewed: Salzburg

B

Belgium

• Beer: Stella Artois
• Tagline: “Reassuringly Expensive”
• Fact: Stella Artois was originally brewed as a Christmas beer named “Stella,” meaning “star.” One of the most popular beers of the World.
• Established: 1926
• Brewed: Leuven

Brazil

• Beer: Skol
• Tagline: “A Beer For All”
• Fact: Skol was the first beer in Brazil to be sold in cans.
• Established: 1964
• Brewed: São Paulo

Bulgaria

• Beer: Zagorka
• Tagline: “Made of Bulgaria”
• Fact: Named after the city of Stara Zagora, it reflects Bulgarian traditions in brewing.
• Established: 1902
• Brewed: Stara Zagora

C

Canada

• Beer: Molson Canadian
• Tagline: “Made From Canada”
• Fact: Molson is North America’s oldest brewery, predating the founding of Canada.
• Established: 1786
• Brewed: Montreal, Quebec

Chile

• Beer: Cristal
• Tagline: “Chile’s Favorite Beer”
• Fact: Cristal is a key sponsor of Chilean soccer leagues.
• Established: 1850
• Brewed: Santiago

Colombia

• Beer: Águila
• Tagline: “Live it to Believe It”
• Fact: Águila is known for sponsoring major Colombian festivals and carnivals.
• Established: 1913
• Brewed: Barranquilla

Croatia

• Beer: Ožujsko
• Tagline: “Cheers to Life”
• Fact: Ožujsko is the official beer of the Croatian national football team.
• Established: 1892
• Brewed: Zagreb

Czech Republic

• Beer: Pilsner Urquell
• Tagline: “The Original Pilsner”
• Fact: Pilsner Urquell is considered the world’s first-ever pale lager.
• Established: 1842
• Brewed: Plzeň

D

Denmark

• Beer: Carlsberg
• Tagline: “Probably the Best Beer in the World”
• Fact: Carlsberg developed the pH scale used in chemistry today.
• Established: 1847
• Brewed: Copenhagen

Ecuador

• Beer: Pilsener
• Tagline: “Ecuador’s Favorite Beer”
• Fact: Pilsener’s recipe has remained unchanged for decades.
• Established: 1913
• Brewed: Guayaquil

Estonia

• Beer: Saku
• Tagline: “Estonia’s Finest Beer”
• Fact: Saku Brewery was founded by Count Karl Friedrich von Rehbinder.
• Established: 1820
• Brewed: Saku

F

Finland

• Beer: Karhu
• Tagline: “Full of Strength”
• Fact: “Karhu” means bear in Finnish, symbolizing the beer’s bold taste.
• Established: 1929
• Brewed: Pori

France

• Brewed: Strasbourg

• Beer: Kronenbourg 1664

• Tagline: “Taste the French Way of Life”

• Fact: The “1664” in the name commemorates the brewery’s founding year.

• Established: 1664

G

Germany

• Beer: Weihenstephaner
• Tagline: “The World’s Oldest Brewery”
• Fact: Located near Munich, it survived plagues and wars over centuries.
• Established: 1040
• Brewed: Freising, Bavaria

Greece

• Beer: Mythos
• Tagline: “Discover Your Myth”
• Fact: Mythos is Greece’s most popular beer, often paired with seafood.
• Established: 1997
• Brewed: Thessaloniki

Guatemala

• Beer: Gallo
• Tagline: “The Pride of Guatemala”
• Fact: Gallo’s iconic rooster logo is instantly recognizable across Central America.
• Established: 1896
• Brewed: Guatemala City

H

Hungary

• Beer: Dreher
• Tagline: “Hungary’s Number One Beer”
• Fact: Named after Anton Dreher, a pioneer in lager brewing.
• Established: 1854
• Brewed: Budapest

I

Ireland

• Beer: Guinness
• Tagline: “Good Things Come to Those Who Wait”
• Fact: Guinness is famous for its nitrogen-infused pour, creating a creamy head.
• Established: 1759
• Brewed: Dublin

Italy

• Beer: Peroni
• Tagline: “Italian Style Since 1846”
• Fact: Peroni Nastro Azzurro is brewed with Italian maize for a distinct taste.
• Established: 1846
• Brewed: Rome

J

Japan

• Beer: Asahi Super Dry
• Tagline: “Refreshing, Crisp, and Clear”
• Fact: Asahi introduced the concept of “dry beer” to the Japanese market.
• Established: 1889
• Brewed: Tokyo

K

Kenya

• Beer: Tusker
• Tagline: “Refresh Your Spirit”
• Fact: Named in honor of one of its founders, who was killed by an elephant.
• Established: 1922
• Brewed: Nairobi

L

Latvia

• Beer: Aldaris
• Tagline: “A Taste of Latvia”
• Fact: Aldaris produces a wide variety of craft-style lagers and ales.
• Established: 1865
• Brewed: Riga

Lithuania

• Beer: Švyturys
• Tagline: “The Beacon of Quality”
• Fact: The brewery’s name means “lighthouse” in Lithuanian, symbolizing its coastal roots.
• Established: 1784
• Brewed: Klaipėda

Luxembourg

• Beer: Bofferding
• Tagline: “Pure Luxembourg Tradition”
• Fact: Bofferding focuses on brewing with soft water for a cleaner taste.
• Established: 1842
• Brewed: Bascharage

M

Mexico

• Beer: Corona
• Tagline: “Find Your Beach”
• Fact: Corona is the best-selling Mexican beer worldwide, often served with lime.
• Established: 1925
• Brewed: Mexico City

Montenegro

• Beer: Nikšićko Pivo
• Tagline: “Montenegro’s Pride”
• Fact: It is one of the most beloved beers in the Balkan region.
• Established: 1896
• Brewed: Nikšić

N

Netherlands

• Beer: Heineken
• Tagline: “Open Your World”
• Fact: Heineken’s green bottle and red star logo are globally iconic.
• Established: 1873
• Brewed: Amsterdam

New Zealand

• Beer: Speight’s
• Tagline: “The Pride of the South”
• Fact: Speight’s is a symbol of New Zealand’s Otago region and southern culture.
• Established: 1876
• Brewed: Dunedin

Norway

• Beer: Ringnes
• Tagline: “Norway’s Favorite Beer”
• Fact: Ringnes is known for producing seasonal Christmas beers called “Juleøl.”
• Established: 1877
• Brewed: Oslo

P

Peru

• Beer: Cusqueña
• Tagline: “The Golden Beer of the Incas”
• Fact: Cusqueña uses pure water from the Andes in its brewing process.
• Established: 1911
• Brewed: Cusco

Poland

Brewed: Tychy

Beer: Tyskie

Tagline: “A Tradition of Excellence”

Fact: Tyskie is brewed in one of Europe’s oldest beer-producing regions.

Established: 1629

Portugal

• Beer: Sagres
• Tagline: “The Taste of Portugal”
• Fact: Sagres is named after the town where Portuguese explorers once set sail.
• Established: 1940
• Brewed: Vialonga

R

Romania

• Beer: Ursus
• Tagline: “King of Beers in Romania”
• Fact: The name “Ursus” means “bear” in Latin, reflecting Romania’s wildlife heritage.
• Established: 1878
• Brewed: Cluj-Napoca

Russia

• Beer: Baltika
• Tagline: “Baltika—Number One in Russia”
• Fact: Baltika exports to over 75 countries, making it a global ambassador of Russian beer.
• Established: 1990
• Brewed: Saint Petersburg

S

Serbia

• Beer: Jelen Pivo
• Tagline: “The Spirit of Serbia”
• Fact: “Jelen” means “deer” in Serbian, and the logo features a stag.
• Established: 1756
• Brewed: Apatin

Slovakia

• Beer: Zlatý Bažant
• Tagline: “Golden Pheasant”
• Fact: It is one of Slovakia’s top exports and has a well-known pheasant logo.
• Established: 1969
• Brewed: Hurbanovo

Slovenia

• Beer: Laško
• Tagline: “From the Heart of Slovenia”
• Fact: Laško is brewed near natural thermal springs, symbolizing purity.
• Established: 1825
• Brewed: Laško

South Africa

• Beer: Castle Lager
• Tagline: “It All Comes Together with a Castle”
• Fact: Castle Lager is deeply tied to South African sports and culture.
• Established: 1895
• Brewed: Johannesburg

South Korea

• Beer: Hite
• Tagline: “Cool and Fresh”
• Fact: Hite is known for its ice-point filtration, ensuring crispness.
• Established: 1933
• Brewed: Seoul

Spain

• Beer: Estrella Damm
• Tagline: “Mediterranean Beer”
• Fact: It is often referred to as “Barcelona’s beer,” being a staple in Catalonia.
• Established: 1876
• Brewed: Barcelona

Sweden

• Beer: Pripps Blå
• Tagline: “The Taste of Swedish Summers”
• Fact: Pripps Blå is popular for pairing with traditional Swedish midsummer meals.
• Established: 1828
• Brewed: Gothenburg

Switzerland

• Beer: Feldschlösschen
• Tagline: “Switzerland’s Favorite Beer”
• Fact: Its brewery looks like a castle, making it a national landmark.
• Established: 1876
• Brewed: Rheinfelden

T

Thailand

• Beer: Singha
• Tagline: “The Original Thai Beer”
• Fact: Singha is brewed with water sourced from artesian wells.
• Established: 1933
• Brewed: Bangkok

Turkey

• Beer: Efes
• Tagline: “The Mediterranean Spirit”
• Fact: Efes is named after the ancient city of Ephesus.
• Established: 1969
• Brewed: Izmir

Trinidad and Tobago

• Beer: Carib
• Tagline: “The True Caribbean Beer”
• Fact: Carib is a staple at festivals like Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Established: 1950
• Brewed: Champs Fleurs

U

Ukraine

• Beer: Lvivske
• Tagline: “Pride of Lviv”
• Fact: Lvivske is one of the oldest beer brands in Ukraine, brewed since 1715.
• Established: 1715
• Brewed: Lviv

United Kingdom

• Beer: Fuller’s London Pride
• Tagline: “Outstanding Natural Ingredients”
• Fact: London Pride is one of the most famous ales in the UK, brewed using water sourced from an artisan well beneath the brewery.
• Established: 1845
• Brewed: London

United States

• Beer: Budweiser
• Tagline: “The King of Beers”
• Fact: Budweiser uses beechwood chips in its aging process for a smoother taste.
• Established: 1876
• Brewed: St. Louis, Missouri

V

Venezuela

• Beer: Polar
• Tagline: “The Cold of Polar”
• Fact: Polar is often associated with Venezuelan baseball sponsorships.
• Established: 1941
• Brewed: Caracas

Vietnam

• Brewed: Ho Chi Minh City

• Beer: Saigon Beer

• Tagline: “Vietnam’s Pride”

• Fact: Saigon Beer is a staple in both urban and rural regions of Vietnam.

• Established: 1875

FAQs about the Most Popular Beers of the World

Which is the most popular beer in the world?

When it comes to sheer numbers, Snow Beer, brewed in China, reigns supreme as the best-selling beer in the world. While it may not be a household name outside of its home country, Snow Beer’s popularity in China—a market with over a billion people—secures its top spot in global sales volume year after year. Don’t expect to find it on tap outside of Asia, though; it’s rarely exported.

For a more internationally familiar name, Budweiser and Heineken are global powerhouses. These beers are not only widely available but also heavily marketed, making them popular choices from New York to Nairobi. Budweiser’s “King of Beers” slogan and Heineken’s sleek green bottles have made both brands synonymous with international beer culture.

Of course, popularity depends on how you measure it. If you value cultural significance, Guinness might come to mind, with its deep roots in Irish history. For beachgoers, Corona often tops the list as the quintessential summer companion. And if you’re traveling in Europe, Stella Artois or a local pilsner might steal the show.

What is the #1 rated beer in the world?

Determining the “#1 rated beer in the world” can vary depending on the source and criteria used for evaluation. However, several beers have consistently received top accolades across various platforms:

• Westvleteren 12 (XII): Brewed by the Trappist monks at the Westvleteren Brewery in Belgium, this Quadrupel-style ale is often lauded for its complex flavor profile and rarity. It has been highlighted as one of the best beers globally on multiple occasions.
• Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout: Produced by Toppling Goliath Brewing Company in the United States, this American Imperial Stout has achieved high ratings for its rich taste and limited availability. It holds a top position on BeerAdvocate’s list of highest-rated beers.
• Ambar Especial: This Spanish beer from Zaragoza’s Ambar Brewery received a perfect score of 100/100 at the 2024 World Beer Challenge, earning it the title of the best beer in the world in the International Lager category.

It’s important to note that beer ratings are subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, regional tastes, and the methodologies of different rating platforms. Additionally, the exclusivity and limited distribution of certain beers can influence their perceived value and ratings.

Whether you’re in Beijing or Brussels, trying the local beer is an excellent way to connect with the culture. Snow Beer might dominate the numbers, but the most popular beer is often the one that’s freshest, local, and poured just for you. Cheers!