Top 10 Countries that Make the Best Beer

The Top Ten
1 Belgium Belgium is renowned for its diverse range of beer styles, including Trappist ales, Lambics, and strong golden ales, with a deep-rooted brewing tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages.

If you're looking for the best dark beer in the world, it's Belgium. For the best pilsner, it's Poland and the Czech Republic, but the best variety is in Germany as a whole. Bavaria has the second-best dark beer next to Belgium, and northern Germany has the second-best pilsner next to Poland and the Czech Republic. I personally enjoy dark beer more than pilsner, probably because I live in Berlin and am spoiled with awesome pilsner. Therefore, I conclude, due to bias, that Belgium has the best beer in the world.

Being Belgian, I might be a little bit biased, but in my opinion, Belgium, by far, produces the best beer in the world. Just to provide you all with some perspective, Belgium is about a third the size of the U.S. state of Georgia, yet it produces over 800 different varieties of beer.

Each village and city in this small country proudly produces its own beer, and there is even something of a rivalry between different cities over who makes the best. I mean, come on, people. Has anyone tried a Trappist? You have not had a beer until you have enjoyed one of these. Get it together. Germany might be a close second, but Belgium is without a doubt the number one producer of beer. They are delicious and strong there. I'm going to drink my Stella now.

2 Germany Germany, famous for its beer purity law known as the Reinheitsgebot, boasts a rich beer culture with a focus on lagers, wheat beers, and the globally celebrated Oktoberfest.

Yes, centuries of the Reinheitsgebot (purity law limiting ingredients in German beer to the bare minimum of malted barley, hops, water, and eventually yeast) means you won't find the same unapproachable variety of beers in Germany that you will in today's microbrewery-heavy US beer market. But breweries here have been making excellent beers for hundreds of years longer than the US has even existed, and getting a good beer here doesn't mean spending a lot of money. "Low-end" German beers are better than mid- to high-end American beers. Half a liter for 79 euro cents, and you can get money back for returning crates and bottles. Not to mention great beers on tap in many restaurants and the infamous 1-liter "Maß." There's no better place to drink beer than Germany.

3 Czech Republic Czech Republic holds the highest beer consumption per capita in the world and is best known for its Pilsner lager, originating from the city of Plzeň, which set the standard for pale lagers worldwide.

I also commented the same in the German vote. I'm English. I love German beer and Czech beer. These two stand above all else. Sure, other countries can lay claim to decent beer, but these two countries are the powerhouses of beer brilliance.

I think most beer on tap is of poor quality. Don't get me wrong. On a hot day, with friends in an idyllic pub by the river, if all they had was Fosters, I'd drink it and have a great day. But if there is ever a choice, German and Czech beers are it.

When I met my partner, she only drank champagne. If you tried passing her Prosecco, she knew. But she never drank beer. Now, she is happy to drink Staropramen, Budweiser (the Budvar one, not the USA version), and various Pilsners. She won't touch Fosters or Carling, even if there was nothing else. Then it's herbal tea or water, haha.

Belgium would rank higher for me, but Stella lets the side down.

4 Ireland Ireland is globally synonymous with stouts, particularly the iconic Guinness, and has a beer scene that balances traditional styles with a burgeoning craft beer segment.

Have you ever heard of Smithwick's Beer? I was told that my ancestors developed that beer.

Guinness Extra Stout is the best beer, or rather, ale, in the world!

Frankly, the whiskey is better, but...

5 England England is known for its classic beer styles such as bitters, porters, and India Pale Ales (IPA), with a rich pub culture that emphasizes cask-conditioned ales.

What the? Fizzy, chemical, mass-produced lager brewing nations are higher on this list than England. Really. Unfortunately, most countries in the world do not have the right facilities to cellar store real ale at the correct temperature and to pull it through to create the ideal body for proper ale. No disrespect to other countries on this list, but you simply can't recreate a real pulled pint of real ale from a bottle. You need to experience it in a British pub.

England is known for its vast selection of Ales. Beers that actually taste of something, not fizzy water like 90% of commercial lager. It's obvious what people have really voted for on this list (just see the list of best beer brands - it's a joke). The only two countries that can hold their own against the beers of England - or Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland for that matter - are Germany and Belgium.

6 France France, traditionally known for wine, has a growing beer culture especially in regions like Alsace, with an increasing number of microbreweries and craft beers adding diversity to its beverage portfolio.

France is not known for its beer, better for its wine. But there, they are also drinking lots of beer and have lots of small breweries, which are really nice.

The problem is the price of beers in the bars and pubs.

France has more than 400 official breweries. For instance, the famous Kronenbourg has been producing beer since 1664.

7 United States United States leads in the global craft beer movement, offering a wide array of innovative and diverse beer styles, with the industry experiencing significant growth and evolution in recent decades.

I have tried beers when I was abroad in other countries in Europe. I've tried German beer, Czech beer, Dutch beer, and Belgian beer, and it is all pretty good, but it all tastes the same. Honestly, you can get a similar taste and better in the U.S., and the reason is that we have so much more selection. Brewing has become an artistry here. Some of the craft beers blow these European ones out of the water with taste, smoothness, and flavor. Contrary to what anyone thinks about this particular beer, I have yet to taste something as good and refreshing as a Blue Moon in Europe.

8 Canada Canada's beer industry is characterized by a mix of traditional brewing and a growing craft beer sector, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients and diverse styles ranging from lagers to experimental ales.

Since the beginning of the craft beer boom, Canada and the United States are the easy 1-2 for anyone who actually knows anything. The "Three Sisters" of the Pacific Northwest - Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver - are the epicenter of beer innovation in today's world. Meanwhile, some fantastic things are also coming out of places like Quebec and New York, Ontario and Chicago.

I live in Germany, and to be honest, German beer is all quite similar and bland. It's refreshing, of course, but bland.

In Canada, the variety is only rivaled by that in the United States. When you visit a pub, you don't have just 5 different beers to choose from. You have upwards of 50! And it's not 50 Kölsch or 50 Pils. It's 15-25 breweries with every style imaginable.

Every brewery also makes 5-6 styles of beer that are not similar.

In Germany, most brewers make one type. Most bars will serve 1 type of Pils, 1 Weiss, and 1 something else. It's scant choices in Europe.

9 Netherlands Netherlands has a historic brewing heritage with a contemporary focus on both traditional Dutch beers and a growing craft beer sector, marked by innovative and experimental brews.

Try the Heineken Oud Bruin (Old Brown) or Herfst and Winter Bok (Autumn and Winter Bock). The cherry beers are also quite nice, although I believe not many of the mentioned beers are being exported. You should really come to Holland and try all the different delicious beer flavors!

We all know Heineken is a plain horrible beer with a great marketing machine. In La Trappe, however, the Netherlands does have my favorite Trappist. Additionally, smaller breweries like Het IJ, Jopen, and De Molen are growing rapidly at an international pace for a reason.

10 Scotland Scotland is famous for its rich, malty ales and distinctively peaty flavors, with a beer tradition that complements its renowned whisky industry, and includes iconic breweries and innovative craft producers.
The Contenders
11 Japan Japan's beer industry is marked by the dominance of major breweries producing light lagers, alongside a rising craft beer movement that blends traditional Japanese ingredients with Western brewing techniques.

With Japan being one of Germany's allies, it received a lot of influence and help throughout the 20th century in creating palatable and crisp beers without sacrificing flavor. I put them above Italy on your list. Even after living in Siena and Florence, I still think their beer is overrated.

Not trendy to like it, but it's reliable and perfectly composed.

12 Austria Austria's beer market is deeply rooted in history, known for its classic styles like Märzen and Vienna lagers, with a recent surge in craft beer offerings that explore new flavors and styles.

Austrian beer is sadly always overlooked, I'm guessing because it's such a tiny country. But let me tell you, for its size, it has an amazing selection of beer.

Austria makes better beer than the USA. Bud Light literally tastes like mineral water compared to an Ottakringer from Vienna or a Baumgartner Märzen. Austria has so many breweries. Literally, every town has one. I personally love to drink a radler, which is a beer mixed with the Austrian soft drink Almdudler. It's probably one of the best things if you plan on driving home later because you won't get too drunk, as the beer is so good.

13 Mexico Mexico is renowned for its pale lagers, like Corona and Modelo, and has seen a recent surge in craft brewing, diversifying its beer portfolio beyond the well-known light, crisp lagers.

Love this country's variety. Look out for Cerveza Indio. It is an up-and-coming star that has been around for a while but is starting to go mainstream with its amazing taste, especially for a dark beer.

Why is Mexico ranked lower than Canada, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria? Mexico should always be ranked in the top 5 for sure. Who has heard of Italian, Greek, or Bulgarian beer?

Mexican beer is outstanding. Many German and Austrian immigrants brought their great beer brewing recipes to Mexico.

14 Greece Greece's beer industry, though historically overshadowed by wine and spirits, is experiencing a craft beer renaissance, with local breweries experimenting with Mediterranean ingredients and ancient brewing styles.

They have started producing really good beers in Greece, and during the summer, they serve it in an enjoyable way with a frozen glass, which is amazing! Every time I visit the country, I can't wait to drink a cold beer in a frozen glass. Fix and Alfa are my favorites.

Mythos kicks ass. If you haven't tasted it, you don't know what you're missing. Dare to discover! Take a trip to Greece and discover the beauty of its beaches, lifestyle, beers... Live a little!

Nissos is amazing! It's produced in a microbrewery on Tinos, one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. It is a really good, tasty pilsner.

15 Denmark Denmark has emerged as a leader in the European craft beer scene, with innovative breweries like Mikkeller gaining international acclaim for their experimental and diverse range of beers.

"Fur" is not only the best special beer in Denmark but also among the best in the world.

In Denmark, we have two major beer production companies, Tuborg and Carlsberg, both of which are great and world-renowned. We should be higher on the list.

So, I guess people voting here don't enjoy Heineken or Carlsberg.

16 China China, the world's largest beer market by volume, is predominantly known for light lagers, but is experiencing a surge in craft beer popularity, blending traditional brewing techniques with modern innovations.
17 Australia Australia's beer industry is characterized by a blend of classic lagers and a dynamic craft beer scene, with a focus on local ingredients and unique Australian flavors.

This is ridiculous. Australia has the best craft beer in the world! Although, I understand these aren't exported internationally, and Fosters is rubbish. So maybe it can be forgiven. Come here and try some beer, and then you'll understand.

Try the Tasmanian beers. The water is extremely pure down that way. Hence, the beers are so good. The Moo Brew Pale Ale is sensational.

Additionally, Feral Hop Hog IPA from Western Australia is probably Australia's best IPA.

"A hard-earned thirst needs a big cold beer, and the best cold beer is Vic." VB is the most popular beer in the country that loves beer the most.

18 New Zealand New Zealand is recognized for its vibrant craft beer scene, with a focus on using local hops and ingredients, leading to unique and distinctive beer styles that have gained international attention.

Steinlager, anyone? We also have the best craft beer scene in the world.

19 Poland Poland's beer market is dominated by pale lagers, but has seen a rise in craft beer popularity, introducing more diverse styles and flavors to its traditionally lager-centric palate.

In my opinion, Poland should be at the top. Polish beers are both tasty and strong. I can't believe Belgium is so high on the list. Stella Artois tastes like really bad fizzy water, and you can't even get drunk off it.

Poland is the third-largest beer producer in Europe, producing more than 1,000 different beers. The variety and choice are so massive that everyone can find their favorite one!

If you try Polish beer brewed by PINTA, Kormoran, Artezan, Cornelius, etc., then you will know why you should vote for Poland and no other country...

20 Thailand Thailand's beer landscape is characterized by a few popular domestic lager brands, while the emerging craft beer movement is challenging regulations to create a diverse range of locally brewed styles.

Singha and Chang beer brands were known to me when I traveled to Thailand.

21 Finland Finland's beer culture is known for its unique sahti, a traditional farmhouse ale, alongside a growing craft beer scene that experiments with local flavors and ingredients.
22 Romania Romania's beer landscape is primarily focused on pale lagers, with a growing interest in craft beers, showcasing a blend of traditional brewing methods and modern, innovative approaches.

We also like their white wine 1,000 times better than Italian wine.

So we drank a lot of beer. How do you know? Did you see one of us?

Because they drink a lot of beer...

23 South Africa South Africa's beer market is dominated by lager, with a rich brewing history influenced by European settlers, and a burgeoning craft beer sector that's introducing a variety of new styles.

Forget Castle and the whole SAB! There are brilliant craft beers such as Mitchell's.

Craft beer in South Africa has grown significantly, with incredible beers making their way into the market.

Best and cheapest beer in the world without a doubt. The wine is great too.

24 Bulgaria Bulgaria's beer industry primarily focuses on lagers, with a recent growth in craft brewing that's bringing a diverse range of styles and flavors to the country's beer palette.

Beers for everyone. Ariana has 2% alcohol and is perfect for beginners.

25 Norway Norway has a distinct beer culture, with traditional home brewing practices in rural areas and an expanding craft beer scene in urban centers, emphasizing local ingredients and Arctic-inspired flavors.

Norway makes delicious, mouthwatering beer.

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