The 4th of August is a joyous occasion for beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs around the world, where they unite to celebrate the timeless art of brewing and the camaraderie that comes with sharing a cold one. Whether you're a seasoned beer lover or just beginning to explore the vast world of brews, this blog is your passport to discovering the top 15 best beers from every corner of the globe.
From the hoppy ales of the United States to the rich stouts of Ireland, and the crisp lagers of Germany to the unique craft creations emerging from unexpected corners, our curated list will take you on an unforgettable journey through the most remarkable flavors and aromas that the world of beer has to offer.
Top 15 Beers around the World
15. Unibroue La Fin du Monde
Country of origin: Canada
Type of Beer: Tripel
Unibroue La Fin du Monde is a renowned Belgian-style Tripel ale hailing from Canada. Brewed by Unibroue, it boasts a rich and complex flavor profile with hints of spice, fruit, and malt. The beer's name, "La Fin du Monde," translates to "The End of the World," a nod to its powerful 9% alcohol content and the belief that the brew's exceptional taste could be a fitting choice for a farewell drink. La Fin du Monde has earned accolades worldwide and remains a beloved choice among beer enthusiasts.
14. Chimay Blue
Country of origin: Belgium
Type of Beer: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Chimay Blue, also known as "Chimay Grande Réserve," is a revered Belgian Trappist ale produced by Scourmont Abbey since 1862. This dark, strong ale has an inviting aroma of dried fruits, caramel, and spices, and its taste is a harmonious blend of malt sweetness and a subtle bitterness. With an 9% ABV, Chimay Blue offers a full-bodied and complex drinking experience. As a Trappist beer, it adheres to strict brewing traditions and contributes to charitable causes supported by the monastery.
13. Fuller's ESB
Country of origin: England
Type of Beer: Extra Special Bitter
Fuller's ESB (Extra Special Bitter) is an iconic British ale crafted by Fuller's Brewery. First brewed in 1971, it has since gained a cult following. This amber-colored ale showcases a balanced blend of malt and hop character, offering delightful flavors of toffee, fruit, and a gentle bitterness. With an ABV of around 5.9%, Fuller's ESB is a well-rounded, full-bodied beer that embodies the rich brewing heritage of England. It has received numerous awards and continues to be cherished by beer enthusiasts worldwide.
12. Modelo Especial
Country of origin: Mexico
Type of Beer: Lager
Modelo Especial is a popular Mexican lager produced by Grupo Modelo, a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev. Launched in 1925, it has become one of Mexico's most well-known beers. With a pale golden color and a crisp, refreshing taste, Modelo Especial offers a balance of malty sweetness and subtle hop bitterness. It's often enjoyed with a slice of lime. This light and drinkable beer has gained international appeal, making it a favorite choice for many beer aficionados.
11. Duvel
Country of origin: Belgium
Type of Beer: Belgian Strong Golden Ale
Duvel is a Belgian golden ale with a rich history dating back to 1871. Brewed by Duvel Moortgat Brewery, it has earned a reputation as a classic and distinctive beer. Duvel, meaning "devil" in Dutch, delights with a pale golden color, lively carbonation, and a creamy white head. Its complex flavor profile combines fruity esters, spicy hops, and a hint of sweetness from the malt. With an ABV of 8.5%, Duvel packs a punch, making it a beloved choice among beer connoisseurs.
10. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Country of origin: USA
Type of Beer: American Pale Ale
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is an iconic American craft beer that has been a trailblazer in the craft beer movement since its release in 1980. Brewed by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., this pale ale showcases a deep amber color, a robust hop aroma, and a balanced flavor profile with a blend of citrusy hops and caramel malts. Its refreshing taste and moderate 5.6% ABV have made it a staple choice for beer enthusiasts seeking a classic and flavorful pale ale experience.
9. Hitachino Nest White Ale
Country of origin: Japan
Type of Beer: Witbier
Hitachino Nest White Ale is a premium Japanese craft beer hailing from Kiuchi Brewery. This distinctive Belgian-style witbier offers a hazy, pale-gold appearance and a lively effervescence. Brewed with wheat, coriander, and orange peel, it presents a harmonious combination of fruity, spicy, and citrusy flavors. The 5.5% ABV adds a touch of strength to this refreshingly light ale. Loved by beer enthusiasts worldwide, Hitachino Nest White Ale is a true representation of Japan's innovative approach to brewing.
8. La Trappe Quadrupel
Country of origin: Netherlands
Type of Beer: Quadrupel
La Trappe Quadrupel is a world-renowned Trappist ale brewed by the Koningshoeven Brewery in the Netherlands. With a history dating back to 1991, it is an authentic and richly complex beer. This dark amber Quadrupel boasts a delightful aroma of dried fruits, caramel, and spices. Its taste is a harmonious blend of malty sweetness, dark fruits, and a warming alcohol presence. At 10% ABV, it offers a robust and satisfying drinking experience, making it a cherished choice among beer connoisseurs.
7. Cantillon Gueuze
Country of origin: Belgium
Type of Beer: Lambic - Gueuze
Cantillon Gueuze is a highly regarded Belgian gueuze beer produced by Brasserie Cantillon, an esteemed lambic brewery in Brussels. This traditional spontaneously fermented blend showcases a pale gold hue and a distinct sour and funky aroma. The taste is a perfect balance of tartness, earthy notes, and oak barrel character. With an ABV of around 5%, Cantillon Gueuze is a favorite among sour beer aficionados who appreciate its unique and authentic lambic brewing heritage.
6. BrewDog Punk IPA
Country of origin: Scotland
Type of Beer: American IPA
BrewDog Punk IPA is a revolutionary beer from the Scottish craft brewery, BrewDog. Bursting onto the scene in 2007, this American-style India Pale Ale redefined the craft beer landscape. It flaunts a hazy golden color, exudes tropical fruit aromas, and boasts a hop-forward flavor profile with a pleasant bitterness. With a moderate 5.6% ABV, it strikes a balance between drinkability and boldness, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a modern and adventurous IPA experience.
5. Pilsner Urquell
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Type of Beer: Pilsner
Pilsner Urquell is a legendary Czech lager that pioneered the Pilsner style and has been brewed since 1842. Brewed by Plzeňský Prazdroj in Pilsen, Czech Republic, it remains true to its original recipe. The beer showcases a brilliant golden color, a crisp hop aroma, and a balanced flavor with a blend of malt sweetness and refreshing bitterness. Pilsner Urquell is an iconic beer that continues to be celebrated as one of the world's finest examples of the Pilsner style.
4. Guinness Draught
Country of origin: Ireland
Type of Beer: Irish Dry Stout
Guinness Draught is an iconic Irish stout brewed by Guinness, with a legacy dating back to 1759. This dark, velvety ale is distinguished by its creamy white head, rich roasted malt aroma, and a hint of coffee and chocolate notes. The distinctive nitrogen-infused widget creates a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. At 4.2% ABV, it offers a sessionable experience. Guinness Draught has become a symbol of Irish culture and is cherished globally as one of the world's most famous stouts.
3. Russian River Pliny the Elder
Country of origin: USA
Type of Beer: Double IPA
Russian River Pliny the Elder is a legendary American double IPA crafted by Russian River Brewing Company. Named after an ancient Roman naturalist, this hop-forward ale showcases a deep amber color, an intense piney, and citrusy aroma, and a bold hop bitterness. The well-balanced flavor profile offers hints of tropical fruit and a solid malt backbone. With a higher 8% ABV, Pliny the Elder is a revered beer among hop enthusiasts, consistently earning top marks and admiration in the craft beer community.
2. Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier
Country of origin: Germany
Type of Beer: Hefeweizen
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier is a classic Bavarian wheat beer with a rich heritage dating back to 768, making it one of the oldest breweries in the world. Brewed by Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, this Hefeweizen offers a cloudy, golden appearance and a fluffy white head. Its aroma is characterized by banana and clove notes, while the taste boasts a delightful balance of fruity esters and subtle spiciness. With a refreshing 5.4% ABV, it's a quintessential representation of the style and a cherished choice among beer connoisseurs.
1. Trappist Westvleteren 12
Country of origin: Belgium
Type of Beer: Quadrupel
Trappist Westvleteren 12, often referred to as "Westy 12," is a highly sought-after Belgian Trappist ale produced by the Saint Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren, Belgium. Renowned for its limited availability and exclusivity, this Quadrupel beer offers a dark, mahogany hue and a complex aroma of dark fruits, caramel, and spice. The taste is a harmonious blend of rich malt sweetness, dried fruit flavors, and a gentle warming sensation from its 10.2% ABV. As a rare and revered beer, it remains a Holy Grail for beer enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary and exceptional drinking experience.
