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Europe's Best Beer

From Denmark to England to Germany to the Czech Republic, locals pride themselves on their beer. How does a tourist best tap into this flavorful fountain of European culture? Share your favorite locations and labels!

I want to add my comments! 

Beer
My most memorable beer was on a visit to the Pilsner Urquel Brewery before the Velvet Revolution. It was in a small private tasting area and everytime a beer was finished a new one would appear in a small serving window.I thought I had died and went to beer drinker's heaven.
Wayne
Flemington, NJd  USA   11/21/2009

German Beer
The best beer in the world is German beer. The two I favour the most are: Berliner Weisse mit rot and Herforder Pils.
Fred
San Francisco, Ca  USA   11/19/2009

Spanish beer
Whether you are in Granada, Sevilla, or Madrid, look for a cafe that serves Cruzcampo Glacial- a great refreshing beer that soothes the soul after a long day of seeing these wonderful cities.
Bob Mikita
Pittsburgh, PA  USA   11/06/2009

Europe's best beer.
It is the Finland beer, Lapin Kulta, Kolmonen, Karjala, has to be, I am a Finn. When in the UK Guinness, in Cyprus Keo, the list is long...
Tuula Westra
Helsinki, Finland   11/05/2009

Tucher
Tucher is by far my favorite. My wife and I got to spend some time in Ansbach, Germany in the summer of '08 and fell in love with Germany, Bavaria, and Tucher. We loved it so much, getting ready to move there in a little over a year.
Paul
Clarksville, TN  USA   11/01/2009

Beer!
I Loved the moss of Hoffenbrau beer at the famous HoffenbrauHaus in Munich! I found it here in NY and pay about $50 a case but it is worth it for me to have the taste and the experince again! I bought a HB Stein in St Goar, Germany as per Ricks book (got a great discount when mentioning Rick) I drink the beer eat some cheese and sausage and re-live my trip! Thanks Rick and staff!
Christian Scott <email>
Riverhead, NY  USA   10/17/2009

Beer
My trip to Madrid this year turned up a real tasty beer--MAHOU. Sure went well with morcilla and manchego and fabadas asturianas and patatas bravas and well, you get the idea.
Tom Skalman <email>
Las Vegas , NV  USA   10/05/2009

Europe's Best Beer
Krusovice, from Czech Republic
Ray
Melbourne, Australia   10/04/2009

German Beers
Have completed our second unscientific beer drinking tour and offer the following suggestions: 1. Regensburg-Spital Garten along the Danube is a wonderful atmosphere and the beer is delicious. There are three other breweries to sample as well. 2. Bamburg-There are 10 breweries, with some that you can acutally get rooms to spend the night. Mahr's Brau, Fassala and Spezial are just great. 3. Augsburg-Thorbrau and Augusta are delicious. There are three other breweries as well. 4. Munich-In addition to Augustinerbrau, a day trip to Hofbrau Tegernsee is both scenic and provides a true german beer hall delight.

In the interest of brevity I'll leave it at that. If you like, e-mail to go more in depth.
Scott <email>
Pittsburgh, PA  USA   09/27/2009

i drunk many beers but the best are in czech rep. I´m 100% sure!!!
dnk   09/26/2009

Beer
You must try Konig Ludwig Dunkel hefiweizen.Hackelberg from Passau is great, both lager and hefiweizen. All the Bavarian hefiweizens are good.
H. Thornton
Athens, Texas  USA   09/22/2009

Munich Beer
Augustiner!, and one of the best places to drink this brew is the Hirshbiergarten. Take tram 17 to Kriemhild strasse and walk about three blocks. This is where the locals eat, drink and socialize after work and on the weekends (outside service June, July and August only).
Edward
Titusville, NJ  USA   09/14/2009

So many good beers ... and Poland, too!
Ahhhh! So many good beers listed here. I also love Hacker Pshorr Hefeweisen and Alt and Belgium beers. I didn't see anyone mention my favorite Polish beers, so here's mine: Okocim Mocne. I went to Poland with my polish friends and every beer was great ... and cheap! You can find them in Chicago or New York, but hardly anywhere else. Cheers!
Gomer
Mayberry, NC  USA   09/09/2009

Bavaria's Best Beer
I have been living/working in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, for the past year, and the best beer I've found is from the Griesbrau in Murnau, Germany, about a half hour from Garmisch. The beer is unfiltered and absolutely delicious, and if you go with a big group I highly recommend their keg of helles. It is brought out and tapped at the table and, for a beer lover, it's heaven. Hacker Pschorr is another Bavarian beer that satisfies... although not at the same level of the Griesbrau helles.
Jess C
Maine  USA   09/06/2009

Belgian beers are the best!
...according to my husband anyway. I am not a huge beer fan, but I actually do enjoy some of the Belgian beers and really have an appreciation for the passion they have in brewing and drinking them. Of all the European cities I've visited, Brussels seems to be the best place to enjoy beer.
Caroline <email>
Westport, CT  USA   09/05/2009

My Choices
German beer is probably my favorite - a kolsch maybe or any of the draught pils. And nothing beats Munich Oktoberfest - a must do in life for the beer lovers out there. I do prefer pilsners. Belgian is too flavored - I want my beer to taste like beer.
Laura <email>
Rutherford, NJ  USA   08/27/2009

Alt is awesome
Sorry guys. I have lived and worked all over Europe and, by far, the best beer in the world is the Alt in Duesseldorf Germany. My favorites are the Fuchschen and Uerige breweries. You have to have them fresh from the barrel within 15-20 minutes of being tapped. The taste is absolutely out of this world.

Just one problem. I haven't enjoyed a beer since returning to the US. Can't wait to return to Germany. Fortunately there's a brew pub in the Duesseldorf airport, so I don't have to wait until I get into town for that first glass of Alt.

Go to the Fuchschen brewery in the Altstadt. It's the perfect start for the perfect beer experience.
Mark Scarton
Park City, UT  USA   08/08/2009

Irish Ale
Smithwicks Irish Ale from Guinness in Dublin, Ireland - excellent ! And readily available in the U.S.
Bob
San Diego, CA  USA   08/06/2009

Prague Beer
We just got back and still have fond memories of Prague. We sat at a small hotel curbside restaurant and drank the smoothest beer I have ever tasted. They have about 8 tables. It is behind the town hall and next to the large church. It might end up being the most expensive beer you have ever had, but the view of the old town square and the flavor of the beer will make you not want to care. Fantastic beer and atmosphere.
Bob and Linda <email>
Charlotte, NC  USA   08/05/2009

The best beer I've ever quaffed: Reissdorf Kolsch from Koln, Germany. Nothing else I've tried even comes close to this perfectly produced pilsner.
Gray George
Los Angeles, CA  USA   07/19/2009

Best Beer
Ganter in Frieburg, Germany...this from an experienced and highly selective beer drinker with 5 continents of experience.
Charles
Alpine, Texas  USA   07/17/2009

Kloster beers
i love the monastery breweries in Germany and Austria.. Best is Andechs just south of Munich. There is also a great on in Salzburg on the river, but i cannot recall the name. Monks in robes filling steins from flowing taps all day long
Hal
Atlanta, GA  USA   07/11/2009

Scottish beers
In Scotland - Deuchers IPA or Caledonia 80'

Made in Edinburgh
Kevin
Edmonton , Ab  Canada   07/10/2009

Munich Hofbrauhaus
I went to the Hofbrauhaus in summer of 2005. I did not have an issue with the wait staff. Seemed touristy, however, I found the tourist to be German. My wife and I found a table and sat down and interacted with three German couples. They tried their English and I tried my German. The beer was good because of the company. One of my favorite memories of Europe to date.
Mike
Dallas, USA   07/04/2009

Best Beer
Augustiner - Munchen - Yum.
John
San Diego, CA  USA   06/22/2009

Munich Beer Halls (Hofbrauhaus)
Munich, Germany. Please take care if you eat or drink at the Hofbrauhaus beer hall. Our young blond waitress on 11 June, 2009 in the outdoor area said we ordered another beer and that the tip was not included in the price. We did not order another beer and the menu states that the tip is included. May I suggest eating and drinking at the Augustiner-Keller beer haul near the central station in Munich.
Bob Schmelz <email>
Fort Wayne, IN  USA   06/22/2009

Paulaner!
I went to the Paulaner brewery in Munich and had the best beer I have ever had, ever. Their Hefeweizen Naturtrub, if you like the weissbier, is amazing. I had two liters and probably would have had more just because it was so delicious.

Also their food is good too, and if you're going to drink that much beer, you should definitely eat it.
Alex
Boulder, CO  USA   06/21/2009

I know this is a common beer found anywhere in the world, but I grew to really like Heineken after drinking it every night while staying in a hostel in Amsterdam.
KC <email>
San Leandro, CA  USA   06/10/2009

Best beers
My favourites by country (and not available in the U.S.): 1. Scotland- Tennent's 2. Ireland-- West Coast Cooler, Smithwick's 3. Poland- Warka 4. Serbia- Jelen Pivo 5. Italy- Moretti 6. Croatia- Karlovacko pivo, Ožujsko pivo 7. Iceland- Viking 8. Germany- too many to remember! 4.
Courtney <email>
Austin, TX  USA   05/27/2009

Belgium
Garre beer in Bruges was great. From a slightly hidden bar down an almost invisible alley. A friend told me about the place and I met someone who read about it in RS's Amsterdam, Bruge, and Brussels book. Also McChouffe which can be hard to find in the US was everywhere. The Brugges Zot was good. I didn't have a bad beer the whole time I was in Belgium. Mmmmm beer. And it was cheap too.
Sam
Philadelphia, PA  USA   05/18/2009

Heffenweisen
I was in Dusseldorf and befriended the bartender at my hotel(Ollie). He introduced me to a custom with Heffenweisen. He poured a tall Heff and added a shot of Amaretto and a splash of sprite to top it off. Man that was the best Heff I've ever had in my LIFE. Thanks again Ollie.
Dan M.
Rialto, Ca  USA   05/17/2009

Best beer memory of southern Europe
OK so these are not world class beers but they fit the warmer south of Europe, We got into the pilsners of Spain: Try Mahou 5 star in Madrid and Cruzcampo draft with tapas in Sevilla. Alambra reserva in Granada was primo also- we got into these cuz our guide, Dan, on a small group Andalucia trip was fantastico! the company web is www.magicalspain.com. adias, greg
Greg Hardy
Chicago, Il  USA   05/12/2009

Best Beer
I have lived in Germany the last three years and I have found Belgian beers to be the best. There are literally undreds of varieties, and the taste is lively, strong yet not filling and always something to look forward to. My favorites are Grimbergen, Leffe, Orval, and Duvel (you can cut the foam with a knife!). It is always a tough decision - to go with a known great beer or try a new one. All respect to Germany, but their beers are all similar and just don't have the variety. One opinion, but try a Belgian beer you've never heard of, chances are you'll like it.
Cliff H. <email>
Kaiserslautern, Germany   05/11/2009

German Beer
I lived in Germany for 8 yrs. and drank alot of the local fare, but my favorite beer was PARK brewed in Zweibruken.
Bruce MacWhiiney <email>
Bakersfield, CA  USA   05/04/2009

Best Beer
Augustiner is the best I've ever had!
Beth <email>
Chicago, IL  USA   04/17/2009

Best Czech beer = Svijany
I live in Prague and the best Czech beer puts Krusovice, Kozel, Budvar, Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, and Gambrinus to shame. It is called Svijany and is made in a small village 1 hour north of Prague. It is very difficult to find in Prague in a pub (you can find it in large grocery stores) but if you go up to Cesky Raj (Czech Paradise) north of Prague you can find it.
Clint Meyer <email>
Prague, CR   04/12/2009

German Beer
After reading all these comments I can only say that Germany still provides some of the best beers in the world. All beers are still brewed under the strict "German Purity Law" which means they do not contain any preservatives or artificial flavors unlike popular beers in other countries.

My favorite beer comes from around the Cologne (Northrhein Westphalia) area, which is called "Koelsch". It's a clear light and bright yellow beer which is served in thin long glasses.
Sismoko
Canada   04/01/2009

Altbier
My cousins in Duesseldorf introduced me to their local bier in 2005. It is an old fashioned German ale. Thank goodness some ales still survive in Germany. Although I like lagers Altbier is now my favorite German bier.
Marty <email>
Madison, WI  USA   03/24/2009

Beer and more
Spent all day exploring the Louvre, and in need of a refreshing beverage? If it is past 6 o'clock head to Au Caveau Montpensier! Located on the small, quiet Rue de Montpensier in one of Paris' busiest arrondissements, it is just what you need to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Owned by Jeb and guarded by his loveable and friendly dog, Bleu, you will feel as if you stepped into another world with the bar's stone walls, plush seats, and castle-like feel with friendly, English speaking barhands who make awesome mixed drinks and gladly serve you a good pint! 15 Rue de Montpensier, metro station Palais Royal
Melissa
Kansas City, MO  USA   03/13/2009

Best beer
Good - Besser - Gösser says it all. The best beer comes from the Steiermark in Austria
Karl Reitter <email>
Henderson, NV  USA   03/04/2009

best beer
the Ayinger Brewery in Aying (of course) is a must visit. Celebrator on tap! oh, my.
Jim Raup <email>
Austin, Texas  USA   02/24/2009

Waxey O'Connors
Waxey O'Connors in London is easily the best bar I visited while in Europe. Located somewhere on the border of China Town/Soho/and Trafalger square. I recommend a pint of Murpheys Irish Stout.

Also Eirdinger (Germany), Hoeegarden (netherlands?)
Josh
EL, MI  USA   02/20/2009

British Real Ale - no representation?
British beers (the real ones not lager) are not represented in this list as well as they should be I think. The thing is you HAVE to try it draught, not from a bottle. If you are visiting the UK you can get details of beer festivals from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) site: www.camra.org.uk

There are hundreds if not thousands of varieties and fantastic as Belgian beer is (and it is :-) I would say a freshly pulled pint of quality Ale is as least as good!

Cheers Steve.
Steve
Brighton, Sussex  UK   02/14/2009

cruzcampo
cruzcampo on a hot day in Sevilla is the best in the world
clay
dallas, Texas  USA   01/18/2009

You are all right gays, but best beer (lager) comes from Czech Republic, it is named Gambrinus. Dutch beers are also very delicious. There are the places where fermentation happens spontaneously, whiteout addition of yeast, which means that in air should be right kinds of yeast as natural micro flora, which is only place in the world.
Stonka
MD  USA   01/07/2009