Top 100 European Beers

Trappist is a particular category of beers, or more precisely an indication of origin, which includes various styles that are brewed in Trappist monasteries. Trappist beers are internationally certified and can only be produced by Trappist abbeys—which include six located in Belgium and two in the Netherlands, while Italy, Austria, England, France, the United States, and Spain all have one certified Trappist brewery. All abbeys develop their yeast, and the regulations also stipulate that the beer must be brewed within the immediate surroundings of the abbey and that the entire production needs to be supervised by monks. Similar beer styles that are produced in non-Trappist monasteries are usually referred to as Abbey-style beers. Although they can significantly vary in style, Trappist beers are typically complex and rich in aromas, and they usually have high alcohol content. They are unpasteurized, have no chemical additives, and sugar is typically added to the wort (the liquid extracted from the mashing process). All Trappist beers are bottle-conditioned—meaning that the yeast is allowed to carbonate the beer after the fermentation is complete. Typical styles of Trappist beers include golden ale, dubbel (brown), tripel (strong pale ale), or amber. All certified Trappist beers must be labeled with the logo Authentic Trappist Product. Interestingly, all profits made from the sales of Trappist beers must be used for the needs of the monastic community or as a charitable donation.Expand

České pivo is a term that refers to a variety of beers produced throughout the whole Czech Republic that have a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) mark. The mark is used by fourteen breweries in the country for more than 80 brands of beer, which is about 65% of the total domestic market. The first records of brewing beer of excellent quality in the country are connected to the Brevnov Monastery, where the monks produced beer all the way back in 993 AD. The beers are distinguished by the top-quality raw materials used in the process, the traditional methods of brewing, and the local know-how passed on from generation to generation. It is dominated by malt and hops, a bit of pasteurization and yeast and a medium to strong sharpness. The bitterness of the beer stays a bit longer on the palate, stimulating the taste buds for an extended period of time. The protected beers include pale and dark lagers, pale and dark draught beers, and light beers.Expand

In the 19th century, artisanal breweries were increasingly being replaced by larger industrial breweries, and today there are seven famous large breweries in Munich: Augustiner, Hofbräu, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu, Spaten, and Franziskaner. Together, these seven breweries produce around 6 million hectoliters of beer per year. Even today, these breweries use no additives, as dictated by the Munich Beer Purity Law of 1487. This not only has to do with tradition, but with long-established high ethical values. Munich beer may only be produced by the breweries of Munich. The brewing oath stipulates that Munich beer is brewed according to an ancient recipe, with pure, natural ingredients like pure water from their own wells, and the best malt and hops. The most popular beer festival in the world, Oktoberfest, celebrates these very beers, and it draws around 7 million international visitors every year.Expand

Bavaria has been an important beer-producing region for centuries, and all Bavarian beers are produced under 1516 Bavarian Purity Law. The beers are made with high-quality ingredients, which are mostly locally-sourced, and the quality of the beer and the components is continuously checked by scientific institutes. Today, there are more than 600 breweries in Bavaria – nearly half of all the breweries in Germany, and every year, Bavarian brewers produce more than 20 million hectoliters of beer. The styles that appear in the region and that can be labeled as Bayerisches Bier include: Schankbier, Hell/Lager, Pils, Export, Dunkel, Schwarzbier, Märzen/Festbier, Bock, Doppelbock, Weizenschankbier, Weizenbier, Kristallweizen, Rauchbier, Kellerbier/Zwickelbier, and Eisbier/Icebier. Expand

Belgian-style tripel is an approachable and easy-drinking beer style with high carbonation and complex flavors. They traditionally have high alcohol content, falling between a 7 to 10% ABV range, and are often classified as very strong ales. These yellow-golden beers typically have a distinctive spicy, fruity, and subtly sweet malt character. Their yeast character varies, but it often includes banana or clove-like aromas. First tripels were produced as abbey beers, while the Westmalle Tripel is widely considered as the prototype. It was first brewed in 1934, and in 1956 it gained its current form, which has not changed since. Though strong, tripels are light, approachable, and pair well with various dishes. They work well with rich seafood dishes, including shellfish and lobsters, but they can also match creamy sauces, desserts, and washed-rind cheese. Expand

Lambic is a traditional beer style that has its roots in Brussels and the region of Pajottenland. This style must be made with a minimum of 30% wheat, and the wort is always spontaneously fermented with local and naturally occurring wild yeasts. Because of different local microorganisms, these beers always have a unique and frequently unpredictable character. Due to its wild nature, many batches of lambic are sometimes blended, a style known as gueuze or geuze, to produce a more palatable version. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact characteristics of lambic beers, the unblended young varieties are usually pale with a characteristic red sheen, while more mature versions will usually have red to light purple color. These beers are always complex, and they often have a distinctive sour backbone, which will mellow as the beer ages. Most styles will display fruity aromas and flavors, with subtle malt character, dry finish, and little hop bitterness. Lambic beers are mostly enjoyed young and uncarbonated, and they will usually be served on tap. They pair well with seafood, especially mussels or oysters, and poultry. Expand

Dubbel is a rich and well-balanced Trappist beer that originated in Belgium and whose modern version is often associated with Henrik Verlinden who created the prototype at Westmalle brewery in 1926. This version was named Dubbel Bruin, and soon after its invention, the style was copied in many Belgian breweries. Unlike other brown beers, typical Belgian dubbel will get its flavor from candi sugar—a thick and dark caramelized syrup that is added to the wort. These beers typically range from amber to copper, and they will usually have complex aromas and flavors reminiscent of toffee, raisins, malt, and dark fruit. Their finish is typically dry, while some may display subtle sweetness. Most are bottle conditioned—fermented in the bottle—and are usually not crystal clear. Although they are typically quite potent, with at least 6.5% alcohol by volume, the alcohol is not evident or discernible on the palate. Dubbel beers are an excellent accompaniment to wash-rind or Alpine cheese varieties, but they are also a good match to dark chocolate, barbecued or roasted meat, rich meat stews, and sausages. Expand

Weissbier is a classic Bavarian wheat ale that is top-fermented and characterized by its mousse-like foam and cloudy appearance—which is a result of a large proportion of wheat and a small amount of barley malt used in its production. German weissbier has to be made with at least 50% malted wheat, but most producers use more than the minimum. These beers are fermented with yeast strains that provide typical clove, banana, smoke, and occasionally even bubble gum aroma. Weissbiers are typically malty and subtly bitter, and though they are traditionally fermented in the bottle, this practice has become rare. Nevertheless, they retain their lightness, creamy texture, and effervescence. Although this beer style is nowadays mostly associated with Bavaria, wheat beers have been produced since antiquity. The European origin is believed to be in the Czech Bohemia, from where it spread to Bavaria. Throughout the centuries, it declined in popularity, but following the 1960s it gained back its former glory and became one of the most sought-after styles in Germany and in the world. These food-friendly beers pair with poultry, sausages, seafood, light dishes, and salads as well as fresh and creamy cheese varieties. Expand

Märzen is a German beer style from Bavaria that is closely connected with Oktoberfestbier and shares some similarities with Vienna lager. This style officially appeared in 1841 when it was brewed by Spaten brewery, but a similar style existed well before that. Märzen is an amber-colored lager that has toasty malt aromas and flavors, dry finish, crisp hop bitterness, and a medium body. Original versions of these beers were somewhat darker, and as the name suggests—Märzen translates as March—they were brewed in March and then left to lager until early fall. These versions were stronger and had more body than modern styles. Since it was available in autumn, it was first served during Oktoberfest. Although Märzen and Oktoberfestbier share many similarities, nowadays only six breweries in Germany—Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräuhaus, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten—are allowed to use the designation Oktoberfestbier and serve their brews at Oktoberfest. Märzen is a food-friendly beer that works especially well with grilled, roasted, or smoked meat.Expand

Chimay Red was the first Trappist beer that was brewed by monks at the Scourmont Abbey, a Trappist monastery in Chimay, Belgium. This amber-colored dubbel—a specific Trappist style—is made with ground malt (germinated and dried barley) and water that is exclusively drawn from the two wells located inside the monastery. The wort that is extruded is then boiled with hops before it is clarified, fermented, and stored. After the storage process, the beer is flat and clear, and active yeast is then added to create effervescence and to reach the desired alcohol content (7% ABV). When bottled, the beer undergoes the second fermentation in the bottle. Red Chimay has a light body, smooth texture, and aromas that are reminiscent of ripe fruit, leather, toffee, and licorice. It is available in bottles of 33cl and 75cl, and it is best served in traditional Chimay chalice. This Trappist beer is best paired with washed-rind and nutty cheeses, caramelized nuts, tomato-based sauces, and hearty stews. Expand

Brasserie Cantillon is a small, family-owned brewery founded in 1900 in Brussels, and today it stands as the only active brewery in the region that still produces lambic using traditional methods. This unique beer undergoes spontaneous fermentation, relying on wild yeasts and bacteria naturally present in the air. The brewing base consists of two-thirds malted barley and one-third unmalted wheat, and after boiling, the wort is cooled in large, open vessels known as “coolships”. It then matures in oak or chestnut barrels of varying ages before being blended and refermented in the bottle. Within the brewery is the Brussels Gueuze Museum, opened in 1978, offering visitors insight into the history and fermentation processes of this distinctive style. Cantillon is regarded as one of the most respected and authentic producers of Belgian sour beers, earning recognition among connoisseurs and as a cultural icon of brewing heritage. Production continues using traditional equipment: centuries-old barrels, wooden kettles, and open fermenters - all preserved in their original, functional form. The brewery’s atmosphere, marked by age and history, evokes a near-museum-like setting that reflects continuity and deep respect for a craft passed down through generations.Expand

Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen is one of the most respected and authentic Belgian breweries specializing in the production of lambic and geuze beers, located in Beersel, just outside Brussels. It was founded in 1883, originally as a tavern named after the “three fountains”, which later became the name of the brewery itself. Over the decades, it evolved from a simple pub into a guardian of traditional Belgian brewing craftsmanship rooted in spontaneous fermentation. The production process remains faithful to centuries-old methods: after boiling, the wort is cooled in a large open vessel called a "coolship", where it is exposed to the natural microflora of the environment, allowing for spontaneous fermentation without the use of cultured yeast. The beer then matures in large oak barrels and is carefully blended - often from different vintages - based not on strict recipes but on the experience, knowledge, and intuition of the master blenders. Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen does not filter or pasteurize its beers, keeping them alive and allowing them to evolve in the bottle. Today, Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen stands as one of the world’s most esteemed producers of geuze and lambic, preserving tradition while continuously exploring new frontiers of flavor through innovation in fermentation, blending, and aging.Expand

Brouwerij Westvleteren is one of the most renowned and highly regarded Trappist breweries in the world, located within the walls of the Sint-Sixtus Abbey in the village of Westvleteren, in the Belgian region of West Flanders. The brewery was founded by Cistercian monks in 1838 and has remained true to a tradition of modest, limited, and uncommercialized production. Unlike commercial breweries, this Trappist community brews beer solely to support monastic life and charitable activities, in accordance with the principles of the International Trappist Association. The brewery is especially famous for its beers Westvleteren 12 and Westvleteren 8, both frequently ranked among the best beers in the world. What further sets this brewery apart is its unique distribution system: the beer can only be purchased through advance reservation and directly from the abbey, with no commercial labels – the bottles are marked only by a cap indicating the beer type. Its limited availability, strict purchasing rules, and unwavering commitment to quality have contributed to the near-legendary status of this small monastic brewery.Expand

Fuller’s Brewery is one of the most iconic British beer brands, with a rich tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Located at the historic Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, West London, the brewery has operated from the same site since 1845. Over more than a century and a half, Fuller’s Brewery has earned a reputation for producing premium-quality beer crafted using traditional methods, with a focus on balanced flavor, extended fermentation, and carefully selected ingredients. Production still takes place at the Griffin Brewery, preserving authentic processes and a distinctly British identity. Fuller’s Brewery also offers guided tours of the facility, giving visitors insight into its heritage, brewing techniques, and a chance to taste its renowned beers. Today, Fuller’s beers are exported around the globe, and the brand remains a symbol of London’s brewing legacy - combining artisanal quality with unmistakable character.Expand

Brouwerij Rodenbach, was founded in 1821 in Roeselare, West Flanders, and is now part of Palm Belgian Craft Brewers. Rodenbach primarily produces Flemish red-brown sour ales through a process of mixed fermentation and aging in large oak barrels known as foeders. The beer is first fermented and then aged for a minimum of 18 months in wood, which gives it a unique fruity-sour aroma and rich flavor. With an annual production of around 180,000 hectoliters, Rodenbach is a regional icon and a cornerstone of the oak-aged sour ale tradition in Belgium. Visitors can tour the authentic foeder cellars and taste the beers directly at the brewery or at the adjoining brasserie restaurant "Het Foederhuis".Expand

Brouwerij Boon is a renowned Belgian brewery located in Lembeek, a town near Halle, in the Flanders region of Belgium. Established in 1978 by Frank Boon, the brewery specializes in traditional Belgian sour beers, particularly lambics. Lambic beers are unique because they are spontaneously fermented, a process in which wild yeast and bacteria from the environment are used for fermentation instead of cultivated yeast.Expand

Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle is a renowned Trappist brewery located within the Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, in the village of Westmalle, in the Belgian province of Antwerp. This brewery is part of an authentic Trappist community, meaning that the beer is brewed by monks or under their supervision, within the monastery walls, and the proceeds are used to support the community and charitable causes. The brewery was founded in 1836, when the monks first began brewing beer for their own needs. By 1856, they started selling it to the local population, and today they are known worldwide for their exceptional tradition and quality. Westmalle holds a special place in brewing history, as it is the birthplace of the Tripel style - first brewed here in 1934, setting a new standard for Belgian beers. Among their offerings, Westmalle Dubbel stands out as a dark, rich beer with notes of caramel, dried fruits, and bread, with 7% alcohol, while Westmalle Tripel is a bright, complex, and elegant golden beer with 9.5% alcohol, known for its fruity and spicy profile and dry finish. All Westmalle beers are unfiltered and undergo bottle refermentation, allowing them to mature over time and develop greater depth and complexity. Brewed using only natural ingredients - water from the monastery’s own well, carefully selected hops and malt, and the brewery’s unique house yeast - these beers reflect a perfect harmony of tradition and precision. Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle stands as a true symbol of Trappist excellence, technical mastery, and unwavering dedication to simplicity and purity of taste.Expand

Brasserie d'Orval is an authentic Trappist brewery located within the Abbey of Notre-Dame d'Orval, Belgium. The brewery is part of a monastic community of Cistercian monks following the Rule of St. Benedict and holds the prestigious Authentic Trappist Product label. This means the beer is brewed within the monastery walls, under the supervision of the monks, and the proceeds are used to support the community and charitable works. Brasserie d'Orval was founded in 1931, though the abbey itself has medieval origins dating back to the 12th century. Unlike other Trappist breweries that offer multiple beer styles, Brasserie d'Orval produces only one beer for the general market - but that beer has become legendary in the world of brewing. Orval Trappist Ale is a unique brew, falling into the Belgian Pale Ale, with an alcohol content of around 6.2%. What makes it truly distinctive is the use of wild Brettanomyces yeast, added at the bottling stage, which allows the beer to mature over time in the bottle, developing complex earthy and dry-fruity aromas. Brasserie d'Orval is known for its copper-orange color, rich foamy head, and remarkably complex aroma profile, where notes of yeast, dried fruit, hoppy spice, leather, hay, and a touch of noble acidity intertwine. It also stands out for its dryness and elegant bitterness, achieved through dry hopping, and for the way its character changes with age - young Orval is brighter, fruitier, and more refreshing, while older bottles develop funkier, earthier, and more layered flavors. Brasserie d'Orval is not just a brewery but a part of Belgium’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, admired by beer enthusiasts worldwide for its unconventional character and unwavering authenticity.Expand

Brouwerij Girardin is a family-run farm brewery located in Sint-Ulriks-Kapelle, in the Pajottenland region near Brussels, an area recognized as the birthplace of lambic. The brewery was established at the end of the 19th century, when the Girardin family took over an existing agricultural estate and combined farming with traditional beer production. The core of their approach is spontaneous fermentation, where the wort cools in an open coolship and naturally interacts with wild microorganisms from the environment. The beer then matures in wooden barrels, typically for several months or even years, depending on the style. Their most notable product is Gueuze 1882, a blend of young and aged lambic, valued for its balance of freshness and complexity. Unlike large breweries, Girardin works in small batches and avoids mass distribution. Over generations, the brewery modernized equipment but never altered the essence of its traditional process. Although their beers are present on the market, the philosophy of the brewery remains modest: committed to authenticity rather than branding and marketing. A distinctive aspect is that a significant part of the work still takes place on the family farm, preserving continuity and a direct connection to the place of origin. Due to limited production and a traditional approach, their beers are perceived more as artisanal products than commercial ones. The result is consistent quality and pronounced authenticity - a beer that reflects the character of the land where it was created.Expand

The St. Bernardus Brewery was founded in 1946 in the village of Watou, near Poperinge, on the grounds of the former cheese dairy “Refuge de Notre-Dame de St. Bernard” which once served as a refuge for monks from the Mont des Cats monastery in France. After World War II, the brewery signed a licensing agreement with the Trappist monastery of Saint Sixtus in Westvleteren and began producing their beers - using the original recipes, yeast strain, and brewmaster Mathieu Szafranski. That agreement lasted until 1992, when the Trappist Association ruled that Trappist beers must be brewed within the walls of the monastery. As a result, St. Bernardus rebranded its beers under its own name. Today, St. Bernardus continues to brew several outstanding beers based on those original recipes. Their most renowned beer is Abt 12, often considered one of the world’s best, known for its rich fruity aromas and long bittersweet finish. In addition to brewing, the brewery has developed a strong focus on tourism – with the rooftop "Bar Bernard" a brewing museum, guest accommodations in the "Brest House" and "Brouwershuis," as well as guided tours and audio-visual experiences that showcase the brewing process and the history of the brewery.Expand