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Some prefer a hoppy IPA, others like a smooth, malty stout. Many others like a light lager or even a crisp cider. Whatever your preferences might be, if you love beer, chances are you’ll love to travel for it. So, here’s an idea: How about travelling to the countries that are known for the best beer in the world? Several countries across the globe have aced the art of crafting beer, and many countries stand a fair chance to win the title of ‘best beer,’ if ever there was one, based on what they are brewing. Excited to go on a ‘beercation’ around the world? Here's a list of where to drink the best beer in the world:
1. Germany
Germany is perhaps the most popular country for its beer, and a pint is enough to tell you why it’s one of the best beers in the world. German beer is regulated by the 500-year-old Bavarian law, Reinheitsgebot, or "purity law," which states that beer can only be made with water, hops, and barley. This results in a high-quality product that is enjoyed by people all around the world. So, Germany is easily one of the best countries for beer drinkers. In fact, the town of Bamberg in Germany has the highest number of breweries per square kilometre in the world. If you’re in Bamberg, you must try their local brew, Rauchbier, which has a smokey flavour.
Some of the best breweries to visit in Germany include Weihenstephan Brewery in Freising, which is the oldest operating brewery in the world. Augustiner-Bräu in Munich is yet another old brewery that has been brewing beer since 1328. In Berlin, hop over to Berliner Kindl, which is known for its traditional German lagers.
2. Belgium
Belgium is another top destination for some of the best beers in the world. The country has a long tradition of brewing, and there are over 180 different breweries in the small country. If you thought the craft beer styles to taste in India were a lot, Belgian’s styles of beers are endless. You can try everything from hoppy tripels to fruity krieks, trappiest ales, and dark stouts. The city of Bruges in Belgium pours a local brew called ‘lambic’, which is found in almost any local bar. It’s popular as one of the countries with the best beer.
When you’re in Belgium, do give some of their most popular breweries a try. Head to Chimay Brewery in Scourmont for its Trappist beers, the Orval Brewery in Florenville produces a unique, dry-hopped ale; and the De Koninck –Antwerp City Brewery in Antwerp, which is known for its popular Antwerp city ale.
3. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is home to some of the best beer in the world, and the country has a rich brewing tradition that dates back centuries. The city of Brno in Czech Republic is home to Starobrno brewery, which is one of the Czech Republic's oldest breweries and is now owned by Heineken. So, if you’re looking for countries with the best beer, look no further.
Locals prefer a classic blond beer, Ležák or a dark and malty brew called Černé. During your visit to Czech Republic, sample some of the best beers in the world at Pilsner Urquell in Plzen, which is the original pilsner brewery; Budvar in Ceské Budějovice, which is known for its Budweiser beer. And, Staropramen in Prague, which produces a variety of popular lagers and ales.
4. United States of America
If you're someone who loves Indian craft beer, the United States' explosion in the craft beer scene has brought forward thousands of breweries all around the country. It’s growing to be one of the countries with the best beer. And, Portland is the city to visit if you’re looking to sample a variety of world beer styles. Offering some of the best beers in the world, you can sample everything from IPAs to Belgium-style beers in Portland. Some of the best breweries to visit in the United States include the Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, California, which is known for its Pliny the Elder double IPA.
If you’re looking for a wide range of high-quality beers in one spot, head to Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. You can also visit The Alchemist in Stowe, Vermont, which is known for its Heady Topper double IPA.
5. United Kingdom
Like its European neighbours, The United Kingdom has a long tradition of brewing. But if you want to sample real ale, you’ll only find this style traditionally brewed in the U.K. Despite pouring some of the best beers in the world and offering numerous beer styles, the ale holds a special place here. In 1971, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) encouraged the preservation and revival of traditional ale production. Ever since then, 70 per cent of the pubs pour only real ale in the U.K. And, you can sample it at some of the best breweries in the UK.
Wondering if this is a country with the best beers in the world? Take a trip to BrewDog in Ellon, Scotland, which is known for its bold and innovative beers. You should also try Fuller's Brewery in London, which produces a range of traditional ales and lagers. And, try the Ole Peculiar ale at Theakston Brewery in Masham, England.
6. Austria
Austria is yet another country with the best beers. It has a rich brewing tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. In Austria, you'll find a variety of lagers and wheat beers, as well as strong beers like Doppelbock and Eisbock.
Some of the best breweries to visit in Austria include Stiegl in Salzburg, St. Martin's in Puchheim, and Brauerei Zwettl in Zwettl.
7. Canada
While the United States of America may have better beer fame, Canada too is home to a thriving craft beer scene. From coast to coast, you'll find a variety of breweries producing everything from traditional lagers and ales to experimental sours and barrel-aged beers. Ontario alone is home to numerous breweries, while Quebec offers flavoured beers worth sampling, just like the numerous flavoured beers to taste in India. It’s increasingly becoming one of the country with the best beer. Drinking a cold sod, as they say in Canada, is quite common despite the cold. And, new-age craft breweries are also making space to feature artists and their artworks on their cans and packaging.
Some of the best breweries to visit in Canada include Bellwoods Brewery in Toronto, Brasserie Dunham in Dunham, and Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. in Victoria.
8. Denmark
Denmark may not have a long history of brewing, but it has quickly become a hub for craft beer and is giving its European counterparts a run for their money. Increasingly a famous country for the best beer, Danish breweries are known for their innovative and experimental styles. The brewers use unique ingredients and techniques to create equally unique and delicious brews.
Some of the best breweries to visit in Denmark include Mikkeller in Copenhagen, To Øl in Copenhagen, and Nørrebro Bryghus in Copenhagen.
9. Sweden
Sweden’s thriving craft beer scene is gaining recognition around the world. Pouring some of the best beers in the world, the Swedish breweries are known for their innovative and experimental styles, which are brewed using traditional techniques from Belgium and Germany. Increasingly, Sweden is also marrying local ingredients into the mix and is innovating beer flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
When in Sweden, you must grab a pint at Omnipollo in Stockholm, Stigbergets Bryggeri in Gothenburg, and O/O Brewing in Gothenburg.
10. Italy
Italy is known for its wine, but it also has a thriving beer scene, particularly in the north. Italian breweries produce a variety of beers, including lagers, ales, and stouts, and are often inspired by traditional German and Belgian styles, making the country a good destination for some of the best beers in the world.
While in Italy, pay a visit to Birra del Borgo in Lazio, Birrificio Italiano in Lombardy, and Birrificio Toccalmatto in Parma to sample different beer styles and simply great Italian beer.
11. Japan
Just like Japanese whisky, Japanese beer is exquisite and gaining popularity too. Pouring some of the best beers in the world, Japan is now a growing beer destination. It is said that beer was introduced to Japan by Dutch traders in the 17th century. Japan is now a popular exporter for beers, and the four key producers include Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory. But you must visit Tokyo and Osaka for their thriving craft beer scene and explore how microbreweries in Japan are keeping up with the artisanship associated with Japanese cuisine. Japan also hosts sever beer tours for tourists in an attempt to promote its beer culture and beers.
While in Japan, you can visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, Asahi Suite Brewery in Osaka, Kirin Beer Factory in Yokohama, and Orion Happy Park in Okinawa.
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