Top 10 Most Popular Beers in Europe
So, here are the most popular beers in Europe:
Heineken – Netherlands
Ah, Heineken. The beer that launched a thousand green bottles. This Dutch classic has been quenching thirsts since 1864, and it’s now sold in over 190 countries worldwide.
Heineken’s signature green bottle, with its iconic red star, is instantly recognizable and has become an emblem of European beer culture. With its crisp, refreshing taste and slightly bitter finish, Heineken is a true classic that’s perfect for any occasion.
Guinness – Ireland
No list of best-selling beers in Europe would be complete without a nod to the Emerald Isle’s most famous export, Guinness. This rich, creamy stout has been brewed in Dublin since 1759, and it’s still made with the same recipe today.
Guinness’s distinctive flavor comes from a combination of roasted barley, hops, and a secret ingredient known only to the master brewers. Whether you’re enjoying a pint in a cozy Irish pub or using it to make a hearty beef stew, Guinness is a true Irish icon.
Carlsberg – Denmark
Another classic European beer, Carlsberg has been brewed in Denmark since 1847. This light, easy-drinking lager has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a smooth finish. In addition to its regular lager, Carlsberg also produces a range of specialty beers, including a crisp pilsner and a malty dark lager.
Whether you’re enjoying a cold Carlsberg on a sunny afternoon or using it to wash down a plate of smørrebrød, this Danish beer is a true crowd-pleaser.
Stella Artois – Belgium
Belgium is known for its exceptional beer culture, and Stella Artois is one of its most famous exports. This golden lager has been brewed since 1926, and it’s now sold in over 100 countries worldwide. Stella Artois has a light, crisp flavor with a subtle bitterness and a clean finish.
It’s a great beer to enjoy on its own or to pair with a range of foods, from mussels to frites.
Beck’s – Germany
When it comes to German beer, there are plenty of options to choose from, but Beck’s is one of the most widely consumed. This pale lager has been brewed in Bremen since 1873, and it’s now sold in over 100 countries worldwide.
Beck’s has a clean, refreshing taste with a subtle hoppy flavor and a crisp finish. It’s a great beer to enjoy on a hot summer day or to pair with a hearty German meal.
Budweiser Budvar – Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is known for its exceptional beer culture, and Budweiser Budvar is one of its most famous brands. This pale lager has been brewed in České Budějovice since 1895, and it’s a true Czech classic.
Budweiser Budvar has a rich, golden color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a subtle hoppy note. It’s brewed using local Saaz hops and Moravian barley, giving it a distinctive taste that’s hard to replicate.
Amstel – Netherlands
From the land of windmills and wooden shoes comes another Dutch classic: Amstel. This light, easy-drinking lager has been brewed in Amsterdam since 1870, and it’s now sold in over 110 countries worldwide.
Amstel has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a clean, crisp finish. It’s a great beer to enjoy with friends on a sunny day or to pair with a range of foods, from bitterballen to stroopwafels.
Corona Extra – Mexico
Yes, we know, Corona is not technically a European beer, but it’s become so popular in Europe that we had to include it on our list. This light, refreshing lager has been brewed in Mexico since 1925, and it’s now sold in over 120 countries worldwide.
Corona Extra has a light, slightly citrusy flavor with a clean, crisp finish. It’s a great beer to enjoy with a wedge of lime on a hot summer day or to pair with a plate of fish tacos.
Peroni – Italy
Italy may be better known for its wine than its beer, but Peroni is one Italian brand that’s made a name for itself in the beer world. This pale lager has been brewed in Rome since 1846, and it’s now sold in over 40 countries worldwide.
Peroni has a light, refreshing flavor with a subtle hoppy note and a clean finish. It’s a great beer to enjoy with a plate of antipasti or to sip on a sunny terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast.
Tuborg – Denmark
Rounding out our top 10 list is another Danish classic: Tuborg. This light, easy-drinking lager has been brewed in Copenhagen since 1873, and it’s now sold in over 70 countries worldwide.
Tuborg has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a clean, crisp finish. It’s a great beer to enjoy on its own or to pair with a range of foods, from smørrebrød to Danish pastries.
Trends and Analysis of European Beers
Now that we’ve covered the top 10 best-selling beers in Europe, let’s take a closer look at some of the trends and insights that emerge from the data. One interesting trend is the dominance of lagers on this list.
Eight out of the 10 beers on our list are lagers, which are known for their light, crisp flavors and easy drinkability. This suggests that Europeans prefer beers that are refreshing and easy to drink, rather than heavier, more complex brews.
Another trend is the dominance of Northern European countries on this list. Six out of the 10 beers on our list are from countries in Northern Europe, including the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium. This suggests that Northern European beer culture is particularly strong and influential, both within Europe and beyond.
Honorable Mentions
Of course, our list is not exhaustive, and there are plenty of other great European beers that deserve a mention. Here are a few honorable mentions:
- Kronenbourg 1664 – France
- Krombacher Pils – Germany
- Leffe Blonde – Belgium
- Newcastle Brown Ale – UK
- Pilsner Urquell – Czech Republic