10 popular beer brands across Europe

Beer is not just a beverage but a versatile drink with a rich history. The article highlights the popularity and unique features of top beer brands across Europe, such as Heineken, Carlsberg, Guinness, Peroni, and Budweiser, emphasizing their global reach, sustainability, and distinctive tastes.
10 popular beer brands across Europe
Just a drink to wind a day down, or to lift the spirits of a party or a gathering? Think again.
As it turns out, beer is not just an ordinary beverage! Rather, it’s a jack of all trades!
As per the UK beer writer, Tim Webb's report, the average UK resident consumes around 68 liters of beer per capita, with the most popular beer types being India Pale Ale and Pale Ale; this figure represents a stable consumption level despite economic challenges, with the total volume consumed in 2022 reaching nearly 46 million hectolitres.
Thinking of going out on a beer-a-thon while you’re in Europe?
We got you covered!
Read on to find out the 10 best beer brands across Europe.

Heineken


Heineken is one of the world’s leading brewers with over 150 years of history. Famous for its iconic green bottle and red star, Heineken operates in over 190 countries. The company focuses on premium quality lagers and fosters a reputation for sustainability and innovation in brewing.
With its headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands, below are the USPs of Heineken:-
Key Products & Services:
Heineken Original: A crisp, golden lager with mild bitterness.
Amstel: A popular lager aimed at international markets.
Craft Beers: Includes exclusive, small-batch brews.
Sustainability Initiatives: Eco-friendly brewing practices and carbon reduction strategies.
Beer (1)

What makes Heineken special?
Global Reach: Heineken’s branding resonates across the globe.
Premium Focus: Consistency in delivering high-quality lagers.
Iconic Custom Refrigeration: Heineken Display Fridges & Glass Frosters to boost their brand visibility.
Pilsner Urquell
Pilsner Urquell is a pale lager beer that originated in Pilsen, Czech Republic in 1842. It was the first pale lager and golden pilsner, and is considered the inspiration for all pilsner beers. The key features of Pilsner Urquell are:
Color: Clear and golden in color
Taste: Malty, hoppy, and bittersweet
Aroma: Characteristic malt grain aroma
Alcohol content: 4.4%
History: The beer was originally sour and undrinkable. The Burghers' Brewery was built to brew a bottom-fermented beer. The beer was first served in 1842 at the St. Martin markets. The name Pilsner Urquell was adopted as a trademark in 1898. The beer inspired a worldwide brewing revolution. More than 70% of beers consumed today are in the pilsner style
Guinness
Originating in Ireland, Guinness is one of the most iconic stout beers in the world. Known for its rich, creamy texture and distinct flavor, Guinness has become a symbol of Irish culture and brewing excellence. It is a flagship product of Diageo PLC. Guinness has its headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and it is widely famous for:-
Key Products & Services:
Guinness Draught: Classic Irish stout with a creamy head.
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout: A stronger variant for export markets.
Special Editions: Seasonal brews and limited-release collaborations.
Beer (2)

What makes Guinness special?
Rich History: Over 250 years of brewing tradition.
Distinct Flavor: Unique roasted barley profile.
Tennent's Lager
Tennent's Lager is a popular Scottish lager beer, considered the nation's favorite, brewed with fresh Highland water from Loch Katrine, Scottish malted barley, hops, and a unique historic yeast strain, resulting in a crisp, refreshing taste; it's known for its balanced, quality ingredients and is produced by Tennent Caledonian Breweries. Tennent's Lager, whose headquarters is located in Glasgow, Scotland at the Wellpark Brewery, is know for:
Distinctive feature: Considered a classic, well-balanced lager with a crisp taste
Ingredients: Scottish barley, Loch Katrine water, hops
Reputation: Widely recognized as Scotland's preferred lager
Carlsberg
Carlsberg is one of the largest beer manufacturers in the world, known for its commitment to high-quality brewing and sustainability. The company operates in over 150 markets, offering an extensive portfolio that ranges from mass-market lagers to craft and specialty beers.
With its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, Carlsberg is a popular choice for:-
Key Products & Services:
Global Brands: Carlsberg, Tuborg, 1664 Blanc.
Craft Beer Portfolio: Acquired breweries like Brooklyn Brewery and Grimbergen.
Non-Alcoholic Options: Offers alcohol-free beers like Carlsberg 0.0.
Beer (3)

What makes Carlsberg special?
Green Initiatives: Carbon-neutral brewing and eco-friendly packaging.
Heritage: Over 170 years of brewing excellence.

Peroni


Peroni is an Italian beer that's one of the most popular beers in the country. It's a pale lager with a crisp taste and balanced aroma. Peroni is brewed with Italian malt and Nostrano Dell' Isola maize. The Peroni company was established under the founding family name in the town of Vigevano, Italy, in 1846. Due to booming business, a second brewery was built in Rome. The company was moved to Rome by Giovanni Peroni in 1864, six years prior to Rome becoming the Italian capital in 1870. Peroni is known for:-
Taste: Peroni is a light, crisp lager with a dry finish. It has a pale, golden color and a citrus aroma, has floral and fruity notes, and a slight bitterness
History: Francesco Peroni founded the Peroni Brewery in Vigevano, Italy in 1846
In 2016, Asahi Breweries acquired Peroni.
Food pairing: Peroni goes well with Mediterranean dishes like pizza, pasta, and antipasti
It's also a good match for fatty bar items like fried foods.

Corona


Nope, we’re not talking about the virus or the pandemic! Before the pandemic made the name extra-popular, Corona has been Mexico’s pride in the beer world, known for its refreshing taste and lifestyle-focused branding. The signature addition of a lime wedge has made it a cultural phenomenon. Corona has a strong presence in the U.S., Europe, and emerging markets, with products primarily catering to laid-back, social experiences.
With its headquarters in Mexico City, Mexico, Corona is known for:-
Key Products & Services:
Corona Extra: Light, crisp pale lager.
Corona Light: A low-calorie alternative to the original.
Flavored Options: Includes Corona Refresca, targeting younger consumers.
Beer (5)

What’s the rave about Corona?
Cultural Identity: Positioned as a “vacation in a bottle.”
Innovative Branding: Focuses on outdoor and beach themes.
Chimay
Chimay is a Belgian Trappist beer brewed by monks at the Scourmont abbey in Hainaut. The abbey has been brewing beer since 1862. Chimay beers are made from natural ingredients, including water from the abbey's wells. The headquarters of Chimay beer is located at the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Scourmont in Forges, Belgium.
Types of Chimay beer:
Chimay Première: A dark copper-colored ale with a creamy foam, apricot aroma, and a touch of bitterness
Chimay Red: A deep amber/copper-colored beer with a fruity aroma and taste
Chimay Triple: A deep gold-colored beer with a dry taste
Chimay Brown Ale: A beer with a complex flavor profile and an earthy taste

Budweiser


Budweiser is a cornerstone of American beer culture. Known as the “King of Beers,” Budweiser combines its classic lager recipe with extensive marketing efforts. The brand prioritizes quality, tradition, and a global outlook, solidifying its position in international markets.
Budweiser has its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, and the brand is popular for:-
Key Products & Services:
Budweiser Original: An American lager with a rich flavor.
Bud Zero: A non-alcoholic option for health-conscious consumers.
Collaborative Programs: Supports regional distributors with promotional campaigns.
Beer (4)

What makes Budweiser special?
Unmatched Heritage: A rich history dating back to 1876.
Mass Appeal: Popular among all demographics.

Cloudwater


Cloudwater Brew Co is a craft brewery in Manchester, England that produces a variety of beers. Their beers are known for their quality, innovation, and use of high-quality ingredients. What are the options they provide?
Hoppy ales: Cloudwater is known for its hoppy ales and IPAs.
Seasonal brews: Cloudwater produces seasonal brews.
Wheat beers: Cloudwater produces wheat beers, including their German-style Weiße.
Alcohol-free IPAs: Cloudwater produces alcohol-free IPAs.
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