We’re pretty sure that even if you didn’t know before, you would have guessed correctly that the most popular beer in India is Kingfisher. Ever wonder, what beers are the most famous in other countries?
Today, we take a global trip taking a look at some of the most popular beers around the world.
Based on data collected from consumer records, Vinepair revealed a map that shows the most popular beers in each country. What’s interesting is that most countries prefer beers that are produced in their country and unique to them. There’s no major overlap.
In an era of globalization and a level playing field, this is quite interesting. Each country has its own popular beer, that isn’t all that popular elsewhere. Interesting, ain’t it? Whether this is because of the love for beer drinkers to support domestic businesses or whether it’s because of availability is a debate for another day.
Let’s take a look at 25+ countries and their popular beers.
1. ARGENTINA – CERVEZA QUILMES
This South American country is known for three things – football, beef and of course beer. In fact, no meal in Argentina is complete without a good beer. And, Quilmes is the top choice for Argentineans. The brand makes lagers, reds, stouts, and bocks.
2. AUSTRALIA – VICTORIA BITTER
Renowned for its beaches, sunny weather and indeed a bright countenance, Australians love their beer. And, the beer they enjoy most of it all, is a mid-strength lager called “XXXX Gold,” produced by Victoria Bitter.
3. BELGIUM – CHIMAY
Can you believe that the most famous beer in this European country is one that’s made by a group of monks? Yes, the famous Chimay beer of Belgium is made by Trappist monks and is just one among the several beers in the country made by monks. Of late, another relatively younger brewery, “Jupiler” is giving a fierce competition to Chimay.
4. BRAZIL – SKOL
Skol is made by the biggest beer company in the world, the AB InBev and currently holds a large market share in Brazil.
5. CAMBODIA – ANGKOR BEER
Named after the majestic temple complex of the country, the Angkor Wat, the Angkor Beer is the largest and most famous beer in Cambodia.
6. CANADA – LABATT
It’s a stiff competition in Canada. And, Labatt narrowly wins Molson for the title of Canada’s most famous beer.
7. CHINA – SNOW BEER
Astonishing Fact – Though sold only in China, Snow Beer is the largest selling beer in the entire world, thanks to the enormous population of China.
8. CZECH REPUBLIC – PILSNER URQUELL
In fact, this was the first Pilsner in the world and was invented way back in 1842. Apparently, the Czechs still love it.
9. DENMARK – CARLSBERG
We’re pretty sure that you would have heard of this popular beer. It’s in fact, the best-selling beer in both Russia and Denmark.
10. ETHIOPIA – ST. GEORGE LAGER
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you’re sure to cool down with this drink. Perfect for the hot climate of Addis Ababa, this lager remains the drink of choice since 1922.
11. INDIA – KINGFISHER
We’re sure that, if you’re from India, this would be the first beer you would have tasted in your life. Available all over the country, from fancy restaurants to local pubs, Kingfisher is indeed the reigning monarch of the Indian beer industry with a market share of more than 50%.
12. INDONESIA – BINTANG BEER
Though it looks like a Heineken, tastes like a Heineken and owned by Heineken, it’s not Heineken. Brewed locally in Surabaya, this pilsner is the most popular in this South-Asian archipelago.
13. ISRAEL – GOLDSTAR
There’s always a debate raging among Israelites, whether Goldstar or its competitor Maccabee is the best-selling beer. But, since both these beers come from the same brewery, its ok whoever wins, it’s ultimately the same person.
14. ITALY – PERONI
This pale lager from Peroni Brewery is what Italians wind down after a long day with some of their world-famous food.
15. JAMAICA – RED STRIPE
Famous for their stout little bottles, it’s no surprise that the Red Stripe is Jamaica’s favourite brew.
16. JAPAN – ASAHI
Japan has four popular beers – Asahi, Kirin, Suntory, and Sapporo. All these are close in competition and often replace one another to win the crown. Recently, Asahi seems to have gained a slight edge.
17. KENYA – TUSKER
There’s an interesting backstory for the name of Kenya’s largest sold beer. Apparently, the owner of the brewery was killed in an unfortunate elephant hunt. And, so they named the beer to remind everyone of that horrific incident. Ironical, right?
18. MADAGASCAR – THREE HORSES BEER
Known for its wildlife, it’s only right that the favourite national beer is named after animals. Known as “THB” in short, this brewery makes a lot of different styles of brews in Madagascar, the most famous of which is the pilsner.
19. NETHERLANDS – HEINEKEN
Heineken is the third largest beer manufacturer in the world and is the largest selling beer in the Netherlands, sold in a widely recognised distinct green bottle.
20. PAKISTAN – MURREE BEER
It’s the only legally allowed beer in the country. So, it sorta makes sense that it’s the largest sold beer there.
21. RUSSIA – BALTIKA
The fact is that Russians drink a lot. But, mostly it’s vodka, the national favourite. But on occasions, when they turn to beer, they usually gulp down a Baltika.
22. SCOTLAND – TENNENT’S LAGER
The land of wines and whiskeys, Scotland turns to this popular lager when going the way of beers.
23. SINGAPORE – TIGER BEER
Founded in 1932, this popular brew of the island nation is now found in over 60+ countries all over the world.
24. SOUTH AFRICA – CASTLE LAGER
South Africa indeed imports a large number of international beers like Guinness and Heineken. Yet, the largest selling beer in the country is the locally brewed lager from Castle.
25. SOUTH KOREA – HITE
Though South Koreans love soju more than beer, when they turn to beer, they reach for this rice beer.
26. THAILAND – SINGHA
The Thai certainly know how to party. And, they throw a punch all thanks to this famous beer, Singha named after a mythological creature, resembling a lion.
27. VENEZUELA – CERVEZA POLAR
This is a cute beer, and you can find an adorable polar bear on this bottle. Produced initially in the 1940s, it’s still going strong and pairs pretty well with the famous Venezuelan arepas.
Have you tried any of these beers? Let us know in the comments below.