Europe is the birthplace of beer. Across the continent, you can sample the wares of an endless list of breweries, from internationally renowned factories to small artisanal beer companies carving out a place for themselves with their unusual and unique flavours. Are you the sort that would get lost amongst so many options? Don’t worry, because in the next infographic we will show you some of the most popular breweries in Europe.
In addition, we’ll introduce you to the seven European cities, from Prague to Dublin, where you can taste some of the best beers in the world, so you can plan your next getaway.
Types of beer
Brown Ale
Of American origin, Brown Ale arises from an adaptation of the British Ales. It has a brown or dark amber colour and touches of chocolate and caramel in its flavour. It also has low alcohol content.
Berliner Weisse
White beer from and around Berlin. Its origin dates back to the 16th century and its alcohol content is around 3%. Traditionally, it used to be served with a splash (or schuss) of green syrup.
Bock
Originally from the German city of Einbeck, it is unique in the fact that it is only made during the autumn and spring. In its more traditional variants, its colour was dark, although today it is usually clearer and smoother.
Hefeweizen
Also known as Weizenbier, this beer mixes wheat and malt, achieving a taste that’s certainly special, and much appreciated among the public. There are other sub-varieties such as dark or crystal, which passes through a higher filtrate.
Indian Pale Ale (IPA)
We have to go back to the end of the eighteenth century when the British needed to transport a decent beer to India without it being spoiled during the long journey by sea. The solution was a higher alcohol content and the use of large amounts of hops, which have strong antibacterial properties. Its taste tends to be bitter and aromatic.
Pale Ale
It also has its origins in the eighteenth century and the British Isles, although this is more clear and golden. In its original form, it has a bronze tone and has hoppy overtones and even a touch of walnut.
Porter
Porter is another variety that mixes malt and hops, creating a dark beer. It takes its name from the porters who worked loading and unloading goods in the markets of London. In its original form, it was much darker.
Red Ale
This beer stands out for its reddish tones, which comes from the barley used to make it. The origin of this variety is found in Ireland. Something less bitter to the palate than the British ales.
Towns
BRUGES
Did you know…?
The famous local brewery De Halve Maan has something unusual: a 3-kilometer beer pipeline linking the centre of Bruges with its brewery on the outskirts.
Beers
Brugse Zot: Blonde beer brewed according to very traditional methods. It also has a delicious dark version.
Bourgogne des Flandres: Reddish and roasted, resulting from mixing a black beer with another lambic and matured for several months in oak barrels.
PRAGUE
Did you know…?
The Czechs are the biggest drinkers of beer per capita in the world.
The most classic beer lovers in the Czech Republic like their favourite drink served with a very considerable amount of foam.
Beers
Matuska Raptor: this is an excellent IPA, which, without being too bitter or too fruity, leaves a delicious afternote on the palate.
Falkon Baltic Porter: Another IPA you should try before you leave Prague. Not always easy to find, but you could try it in Beergeek, a place that offers a long list of varieties.
DUBLIN
Did you know…?
Every day in Dublin up to 10 million of pints of beer are produced.
Serving a pint of Guinness is not a mere process; there is a whole ritual which, according to the Dubliners, must be respected.
Beers
Guinness: One of the world’s most famous beers in the world, Guinness should really be at the top of your list during our stay in Dublin. In addition, you can visit the mythical factory and learn more about its manufacturing process.
Porterhouse Brewing: the establishment that gives its name to this beer was the first of all breweries in Ireland to make its own drink in the same pub where it was served.
BRUSSELS
Did you know…?
In Brussels, we have the opportunity to get to know the city better through a tour dedicated to beer and chocolate, two of the best-known products that Belgium is famous for.
Some associations campaigned, just a few years ago, to restore the old habit of serving a glass of beer of very low concentration in schools, which, according to these associations, is beneficial to health.
Beers
Delirium Tremens: To know the origins of this mythical pink elephant beer we must go back to 1654. The first impression that it leaves in the mouth is something bitter although soon it develops into a sweet flavour that is full of nuances.
Death Suite: One of the most celebrated label beers. The beers of this group are made without yeast, by what is known as “spontaneous fermentation”. The Mort Subite is characterized by its fruity tones, with notes of raspberry or cherry.
AMSTERDAM
Did you know…?
Some Dutch consider it imperative that the beer always maintains a couple of centimetres of foam, thus preserving its authentic flavour.
The craft beer scene in Amsterdam is closely linked to the old phenomenon of squats, or squat houses.
Beers
From Prael Hentje: The De Prael factory is one of the most prestigious breweries in the city. The Hentje has interesting citrus notes mixed with the wheat tones, which are the predominant in this variety.
Brouwerij’t IJwit: If this word does not throw you back when you have to ask for it in the bar, you will find a nice reward, because this beer perfectly combines shades of lemon, wheat and even cilantro.
BERLIN
Did you know…?
Despite not counting the brewing tradition of the south of the country, Berlin has become the German capital of artisan beers.
In Berlin it is legal to drink alcohol in the street, so we can walk while we enjoy a good beer.
Beers
Brlo: This Berlin beer is more and more well known (it can be tasted even during the flights of Air Berlin) and has a couple of delicious varieties, such as Helles or Porter.
Brew Baker: Aside from the usual breweries, this house offers some much more daring versions, such as your Christmas beer or gingerbread.
MUNICH
Did you know…?
50% of the German breweries are in the Bavarian region.
With the beer that was consumed during the Oktoberfest of 2016, you could fill 3 Olympic swimming pools.
Beers
Augustiner-Bräu: The dean of Munich beers. Its most interesting version is, perhaps, the Edelstoff. The wide distribution of this beer makes it very accessible.
Hacker-Pschorr: Its pressure cap makes it virtually unmistakable. The Hacker-Pschorr belongs to the select group of beers that are served at the Oktoberfest. Something harder to find than Augustiner.
Berlin Beer Festival
Every year in one of Berlin’s most central avenues, Karl-Marx-Allee, the International Beer Festival is celebrated in Berlin, which has reached an audience of 800,000 people.
The very large venue is set in the German capital between the great crossing of the Frankfurter Tor and the Strausberger Platz roundabout, right in the centre of Berlin.
For more information on where to get great beer, check out the Top 5 European Capitals for Getting Your Craft Beer Fix or the Best Belgian Beer Bars in Brussels.
