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!
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Belgium
Belgium; Struise, Rochefort, Westvleteren, Chimay, Rodenbach, DeDolle, Cantillon, Orval, Westmalle, Dupont, Fantome, Duvel, Leffe. There are many other high quality breweries. No other country really comes close, not even Germany, England, or the Czech Republic.
Dan
Providence, RI USA 05/17/2008
Purity law
FYI, beers don't have to pass the German purity laws to be considered beer. That's an almost unbelievably narrow definition of beer. In fact, while the purity law has generally produced qualty beers, it has stifled creativity. Germany lags far behind Belgium and the US for beer quality.
Dan
Providence, RI USA 05/17/2008
Best Beer In Europe
The best beers have got to be in Switzerland. We just came back from a 10-day trip and just lapped it up. Favorite brands: Feldschlosschen, Rugenbrau, Cardinal, and Eichhoff. It's too bad they don't export!
Viceroy
Washington, DC USA 05/11/2008
Beer Define
For those who care, as defined by the Beer purity law, beer should only contain malt, hops, yeast, and water - nothing else. If anything else is added, it's not beer. The label may say it's beer and it may taste good, but if, for instance, it is cherry flavored or has anything else in it, it is not beer.
ExpatGore
Ansbach, USA 04/19/2008
Bier auf Deutschland
The family just returned from a wedding in Saxony and while we were there had a tour of the Landskron Brewery in Gorlitz. This is a "must see" for anyone within reach of this town. They serve an awesome pilsner that has the taste almost of a white wine. Their schwartz bier is Pupin Schultzes - a very smooth, sweet flavored dark beer that goes down like chocolate milk. (not to mention the beer and sausage/bread&spread buffet after the tour) The brewery is looking to import to the US. During the week in Germany this was by far my favorite.
Bruce Hoover
Lancaster, PA USA 04/17/2008
Beer
Belgium is the mecca of beer. I've lived in Australia, England and Germany and they all think they have the best beer but I was amazed at the Belgian beer. Try kriek, a cherry beer. My friends and I were sceptical but a waitress convinced us to try it and we got hooked - it's not sweet but very cherry flavored and refreshing.
Kay
Pompano Beach , FL USA 04/12/2008
Best Beer
Belgians do it best! My all time favorite is Palm, but there are so many other great beers across Europe. After all they've been doing it for thousands of years! England has something similar to the Radler. It's called a "shandy", a beer mixed with lemonade.
Jay
Attleboro, MA USA 04/11/2008
Yummm...Radler...
I fell in love with Radler Beer in Munich (beer mixed with "lemonade" although I think it was more like beer mixed withlemon/lime soda). Too bad it was our last stop on the trip!! Honestly, I think the best part of the beer we drank was that it was consumed IN Europe on vacation!
Lauren <email>
Ft Walton Bch, FL USA 04/07/2008
Best Cider!
Bulmer's on tap in Ireland (called Magner's in the UK) is the best! They don't have anything like this in the USA. It is actually not a beer, but a cider. Some mix it with beer and blackcurrant juice, and this is called a "Snakebite." I also love the alcopops in Ireland- the blue WKD, the many flavours of Bacardi breezers, and West Coast Cooler (an Irish-made wine cooler).
Courtney <email>
Austin, TX USA 04/04/2008
Augstiner- Salzburg
Augustiner-Mülln Bräustübl in Salzburg is the best beer hall I've ever visited. The beer is the freshest, most easy-to-drink sudsy goodness, poured straight from cask to mug. It's popular among tourists since it's easy to reach from the city center on foot. But locals typically make it a destination for after work or a weekend or holiday family picnic (family friendly, no hooligans here- it IS a monastery after all). Get there early in the summer if you want to sit outside in the garden under the chestnut trees.
Bryan
Atlanta, GA USA 04/02/2008
Beer Beer Beer!
I prefer the polish beer the most. The smooth feeling as it goes down your throat is to die for.
PS. I was in the background of the Rick Steves Edinburgh video!
Em Duff
Dallas, Texas USA 03/27/2008
Belgium Beer Festival 2008
Something to consider in your planning for 2008 is the Belgium Beer Festival, which is held each fall in Brussels.
The dates for 2008 are 5-7 September. They have a website that can be found; if your schedule doesn't work out, you can always go to the Delerium Cafe for a Delirium Tremens or Delirium Nocture ... or one of the 2000 others that they stock here.
-hh <email>
Denville, NJ USA 03/24/2008
Alcohol Free Beer
Some time you just don't want to be under the influance or your doctor doesn't want you under the influance, then you may be surprised to know that the brewries in Germany produce an alcohol free version of their good beer, so just ask - enjoy!
Darrell
USA 03/12/2008
Polish beer
Poland makes some of the best beer in Europe. Zywiec, Tyskie, Lech, Zubr, Okocim, Okocim Strong (7% alc.)and Lezajsk are all real nice, with fine after tastes. They are not water downed and are a perfect refreshment on a hot summers day. I read that the Polish beer market is the 5th biggest in Europe now (exports and all) and it doesn't surprise me. Any large city in North America with a decent Polish community will have those beers I mentioned imported.
Mike
Toronto, Canada 03/06/2008
The best beer I have ever tasted is in the Prater Biergarten on Kastanienallee in the Prenzlauerberg neighborhood of Berlin--they only serve their homemade Pils at the beer garden! Runner up is Puntigamer beer served in Graz, Austria.
USA 03/02/2008
In Munich we loved drinking Radlers at the Hofbrauhaus. It is beer mixed with lemonade and tastes great, plus the Hofbrauhaus is an experience in itself. In Brussels, we had a strawberry beer at the beer museum in Grand Place that was amazing!
Kaiser
Macon, GA USA 03/01/2008
Gollem in Amsterdam
If you are in Amsterdam. Take the time to check out Cafe Gollem. There are two so make sure you go to the one at Raamsteeg 4. Between Singel and Spuistraat. I suggest Orval which you can get any time. But if you are there in December get Chouffe N'Ice. A wonderful seasonal.
If you can not choose from the over 200 choices just ask the barkeep for a suggestion.
Oh, say hi to the cat for me. If I recall his name was Felix.
Kurt <email>
Ivoryton, CT USA 02/25/2008
Europe's Best Beer
I have yet to meet a European beer that is bad. I love the vast selection and local creations!!!
Pete W.
Minnetrista, Mn USA 02/17/2008
Belgians and Beer
Without question, the Belgians make the best beer in the world. If you like your beer with a kick, Try Hoeggarden's Grande Crue. A white beer with great flavor and a high alcohol content. Of course there is Duvel. For lighter drinks, Palm amd the flavored beers like Kriek are well done too.
Lee
Eliot, ME USA 02/08/2008
Ulei Beer
I love beer! All kinds of beer! However, the best beer I've EVER had was Ulei Beer. It is the oldest brewery in Switzerland and can only be enjoyed at the little brewery in Basel.
Must try if you are ever there. Great, fun atmosphere also!
Phyllis <email>
New Orleans, LA USA 01/30/2008
The Best European Beer?
Smithwick's-Ireland, is Dark beer, with a great taste.
Pilsner Urquell-Czech Republic, another good tasting beer, light.
Those two are my favorites along the beer spectrum
Joe
Madison, WI USA 01/23/2008
Europed best beer
Kinsale Lager, brewed and served in the Pub located at the brewery in Kinsale.
John Driscoll
Laceyville , PA. USA 01/16/2008
Wonderful Beer
I'm a beer fanatic, so I try any and every kind I have time for. Someone else here recommended Carlsberg, and I second that. Excellent! Tuborg (another Danish brew) is very good as well. As far as Belgian beers go, I've never had one I DIDN'T like, but a raspberry Lambic (tastes more like fruit juice than beer) is really a treat.
If you're in Germany or Austria, be sure to order a "Radler" at least once. It's a mixture (usually half-and-half, but it varies by brewery) of beer and a citrus soda. It was originally popular with athletes, but is now a universal favorite. Sometimes you'll find a Radler with a bit of raspberry or cherry soda in it as well. If it does have this, it'll be fairly bright red in colour. I like it so much that I often mix one for myself with Heineken and Sprite or Sierra Mist.
Anna <email>
Lansing, MI USA 01/15/2008
The Belgians
Having lived in Italy for 5 years and travelled all over Europe, the Belgians have the best beer in Europe. While Westmalle Tripple is my personal favorite, you can't go wrong with any Double or Tripple Fermented Trappist Ale. Unless you just can't take the full bodied beers, don't waste time with Jupiler & Stella Artois. They are just slightly better than American style light beers like Bud & Miller. I do give Jupiler the edge over Stella in the light beer category. By the way, if you are looking for authentic Belgian beer brewed in the US, then try Weyerbacher's Quad. It's a quadruple fermented Trappist style ale that competes with the best Belgian beers at competitions around the world.
Douglas
VA USA 01/08/2008
beers
Add my compliments to Ye Olde Mail Coach pub on High Street in Conwy (northern Wales)try a Old Speckled Hen real ale.
Don't forget the Grohlsch in Holland or the Stella Artois in Belgium and France.
Ed Wilson <email>
Lincoln, NE USA 01/04/2008
Europe's Best Beer
I went to Andechs Monastery in rural Germany just south of Munich. Some consider this monastery to serve the "best beer" in Europe. The beer here is great and the pork knuckle tasty.
Beware as you return to the parking lot to get in your car. If you see a police car driving around the parking lot, DO NOT GET IN YOUR CAR! Walk somewhere else. I made the mistake of walking directly to my car. The police drove right up behind me so I could not move. Two police got out and asked me for my ID. I was then forced to take a breathalizer test right then and there. Fortunately for me, I had drank only one beer and got a .06 reading. This level "passed" the test. If I, however, had drank two, three, or four beers....I would have been screwed. Be forewarned!
Ken
Gig Harbor, WA USA 12/28/2007
More than Guinness in Ireland
While I agree that you cannot go wrong with virtually any Belgium beer (Duvel is my personal favorite), one of the greatest beers I've ever had was the Plain Porter at the Porterhouse Brewing Company in Dublin, Ireland. My wife and I stopped in just to have a pint, and we ended up spending several hours there enjoying their fine selection of beer. My wife found a flavorful lambic that she got hooked on. I still dream about that porter!!!
Joshua <email>
Tampa, FL USA 12/24/2007
Europe's Best Beers
The best beer I have found was in Luxembourg, Lux..Kronnenberg (I believe is the spelling) hands down ..after arguing about which pub to visit for a refreshing pint we all agreed that this one is the best! excellent smooth taste.
Tina
Fort Worth , Texas USA 12/06/2007
Cider--not beer
I know this isn't beer, but my favorite drink in Ireland/UK over the summer was Bulmer's/Magner's. Only wish it was easier to find in the US.
Jill <email>
Kingwood, TX USA 12/04/2007
IRISH BEER
Smithwick's from Ireland! or as the locals call it "Smit-ick's" It's a darker beer, but not as heavy as a Guiness. Yummy!
LJ <email>
Pleasanton, CA USA 11/05/2007
Polish beer!
My husband and I fell in love with Okocim Palone in Zakopane, Poland. It's a dark beer with an aftertaste my husband compares to "brownies." Belgian beer is still my favorite though...I love how each beer has its own glass!
Jessica
Clearwater, FL USA 11/01/2007
European beer
Reading the recommendations from all these drinkers of European beer reinforces my trust that beer drinkers are great to travel with, eat with and drink with. When you are in the Palatinate, try the Parkbrau. You won't be disappointed.
Harold Pohl <email>
Fairport, NY USA 10/29/2007
Beer in Switzerland
We enjoyed Feldschloesschen at Hotel Mittaghorn in Gimmelwald and at a couple of places in Murren...it is fantastic! We were told that it is so good because of the pure mountain water they use to brew it, and we would highly recommend it!
JD
OH USA 10/28/2007
Augustiner Braustubel
Just go to the Augustiner Braustubel in Salzburg, get your stein, rinse it in the well, have it filled straight from the barrel, then sit in the biergarten and enjoy with the locals. Hard to beat.
Tom Duffy
Northbrook, IL USA 10/25/2007
Munich Weiss
Ayinger's is by far my favorite weiss beer in Germany. You can find it in bottles over here but of course it's not the same. If you're ever in Munich, across from the Hofbrauhaus the fine folks at Ayinger's have a bar/pub/restaurant type place called Ayingers am Platzl - serving their Ayinger's bier on tap. Absolutely the best bier!!! Food isn't bad either!
Mike <email>
Maywood, NJ USA 10/18/2007
BELGIAN BEER!!
I first tried Chimay in a little restaurant in New Hope, PA, about 12 years ago. We had never heard of it , but were intrigued by a bottle of beer which at that time cost about $25! Immediately, we were in love! I had never tasted anything like it before.
About 2 weeks later, we decided to go to Belgium and discover what other wonders we would find (beer-wise)
It was one of the best trips of my life, as we ate and drank and explored the beautiful country with the all the different and amazing beers....It is now one of my favorite countries to visit.
I have tried, in vain to turn my friends on to Belgian beer, to no avail. I try to explain, it is not a "gulping" or "refreshing, thirst quenching" beer. It is to be sipped, and savored, like a fine wine, but no one seems to get it.
I think, also that now-a days, Belgian beer is more commonly exported, and the stuff we get here in the US is not of the same quality that you would experience if you were over there, in Belgium. I am sure they save the good stuff for themselves!
just another reason to get back there!
Noelle <email>
Jersey City, NJ USA 10/17/2007
Gosser & Warsteiner
I was in Europe this summer and had a chance to visit Austria and Germany. I loved Gosser beer in Austria and Warsteiner in Germany.
Kam Chuhan <email>
Toronto , Ont Canada 10/17/2007
Best bier
Best bier...Lowenbrau aus Neu-Ulm. Although it's been 38 years since I drank any. Wonder if it's still in existence?
Norm Peterson <email>
Apple Valley, Ca USA 10/16/2007
Best Pub in UK
Ye Olde Mail Coach pub on High Street in Conwy (northern Wales) is hands down the best pub in the UK! Great beer and food, great atmosphere, and the nicest/friendliest folks around. Ask for Rachel; tell her Eric Cantona wasn't that good of a football player. That should get things going. :)
John <email>
West Palm Beach, FL USA 10/11/2007
Brewery in a Windmill
If you're visiting Amsterdam, go to the IJ Browerij (pronounced: eye brower-eye). They make great beer which is only available at a few local cafes and it sits next to a windmill. How Dutch! You can get there on the number 10 tram. The driver will tell you where to get off if you ask for the windmill (s/he may not know there's a brewery in it). Be forewarned, though, it's only open 3:45 - 7:45 Tues-Sun and the only food is cheese, salami, boiled egg or peanuts. Still, a summer weekend favorite!
Melanie <email>
Amsterdam, Netherlands 09/23/2007
Haven't had a bad one yet!
If you're trying Belgian beer for the first time it's best to let the waiter know what you like and get a suggestion as favorites are very personal. After living in Amsterdam for 4 years my absolute favorites from Belgium are: Roquefort 6 (a Trappist), Westvleteren 8 (another Trappist - VERY hard to find), Vondel, any of the St. Bernardus beers and Urthel 9. I must admit,however, that I haven't had a bad one yet! Most of the Belgian beers are very high in alcohol content, so sip slowly and savor the taste. These are not English session beers! Also, most of the Belgians age well. I've had 6 year old Chimay and am now drinking 4 year old Westleteren and the flavor just becomes smoother and more interesting over time. Most Belgian ales have a 2nd fermation in the bottle, so many won't be available on tap.
I'm adding my vote for the New Glarus beers too. The U.S. has great microbrews and that one is among the best.
Melanie <email>
Amsterdam, Netherlands 09/23/2007
Carlsberg
CARLSBERG
J
Hamburg, CA USA 09/21/2007
Belgian Beer
I don't think anyone who has experience drinking beer in Europe can deny that Belgium has the best beer, both in terms of quality and variety.
My personal favourites are Hoegaarden Witbier Blanche, Leffe, Duvel, Maes, Mort Subite, Safir, Kriek, Corsendonk (blond) and Blanche de Bruges.
One of my all time favourite memories is sitting in a sidewalk pub inside the 'Grand Place' in Brussels on a beautiful summer day enjoying a Mort Subite and a Maes.
Rob.C
Vancouver, B.C. Canada 08/26/2007
Best Beer....
Moin,
Spending a month here in the german north... Flens Pils, as stated, is just easy drinking (the "bud" of northern germany)also like holsten, and on the odd day where its hot out, an (sp?) alterwasser (beer and sprite) mix is quite refreshing. Oh, and 9 euro/bottle Jager is a good thing here as well :)
Hansens Braueri (sp again?) is a must visit, order a yard and a knuckle.
Steve
Flensburg for the summer, BC Canada 08/21/2007
Drink less beer, read more.
I believe the correct way to describe beer from Belgium is "Belgian" beer.
Also, if you are from Belgium, you are Belgian, not Belgiun.
Mirrorman.
EARTH 08/20/2007
Europe's Best Beer - by far!
Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Beer, Edinburgh, Scotland. For anyone looking for an ale, rather than a pils or lager, this is a stellar bevvie. For another exceptional taste experience, you must give the Traquair House Ale a go. Made in the Scottish Borders at the Traquair House just outside Innerleithen, it packs a hearty punch and is splendid, indeed.
Keith Ballantyne <email>
Danderhall, Scotland 08/18/2007
Belgium Beer-- It's True
I am not much of a beer drinker, but I became quite the connoisseur after a visit to Belgium. The beer is wonderful! Plus it is cheap (cheaper than pop or water) and you can find it everywhere. Every town, every bar has its own favorite. Ask what is recommended. You can get this "sampler"-- 4 6 oz. glasses of beer, ranging from lights to darks, for only a few euros. A great way to experience it all!
Laura <email>
Cincinnati, OH USA 08/16/2007
Tripel Karmeliet Belgium
As others have said, the best beer is in Belgium, hands down. Try the Tripel Karmeliet beer; it has a sweet aftertaste & is wonderful!
Tory <email>
cypress, tx USA 08/16/2007
Europe's best beer
As a proud Belgiun who lives in WA ,I would recommended to any traveler who visit Belgium , please take the time and stop in Gent.There is a little cafe and they sell 150 different beers. The adress is: vrijdags markt ( fridays market ) and the place is great !!! and also great places to eat are the restaurants in : 't Patershol. The food is Delicious !!!!
Now my American husband doesn't like the American beer anymore ... He likes them ALL !!!!
Connie Jolie McDermott <email>
Kirkland, WA USA 08/13/2007
Landskron Beer
I would highly recommend to any traveler who plans to visit Gorlitz, Germany to be sure to enjoy a Landskron beer while you are there. We ate at the Burgerstubl restaurant (which has been recently renovated by the Landskron Brewery) while there in July and ordered a one of their very special beers to go with our meal. It was such a treat that I asked the waitress if I could buy a Landskron beer glass to remember this experience by. What a great beer they produce. Although we didn't have time while there, a tour of the Landskron Brewery is definitely recommended so you can sample their product. More Americans should consider visiting Gorlitz beyond the beer experience they will have while there. Rick has added Gorlitz to his Germany & Austria guidebook for 2007. It's well worth a visit, I'll say!
Gary Hoffman <email>
Baldwin, WI USA 08/10/2007
Another vote for New Glarus
I have to second the recommendations for the New Glarus Brewing Company in Wisconsin. My personal favorite is their Edel-Pils, which is an excellent pilsner. They also make a traditional Belgian cherry ale, which, through spendy, is a great alternative to champagne at the holidays.
Chris <email>
Superior, WI USA 08/06/2007
best beer
I think the best beer ever is Kaiser's Alpin Radler. I had it in Austria this year and am hooked!
erin
selden, ny USA 08/05/2007
Great Beer of Europe
Thanks for all the great reading. I will be at Octoberfest Sept 22nd. Also 2 weeks of Austria & Italy. I will be happy to try all your suggestions and report back my findings in october.
Chris Conrad <email>
Henderson, Nevada USA 08/03/2007
German and Belgium Beer
If you want quanity then Munich, Germany is the place but the quality of the Belgium beers cannot be replaced. I suggest the beer garden in the English Garden in Munich. While in Brussels I found Leffe to be my personal favorite followed by a late night waffel. Enjoy!
Mike
Dekalb, IL USA 07/28/2007
Rothaus Pils - Freiburg, Germany
My cousins live in from Freiburg and the first time we visited them, I fell in love with Rothaus Pils! So much that whenever my wife and I or part of my immediate family visits Germany, I "order" a case.
At home I treat it similar to a fine wine that only gets consumed on special events!
Of course I cannot post without giving due respect to Bitburger Pils (Which you can get in the States.)
Matt
ST. LOUIS, MO USA 07/23/2007
RatHaus
Rathaus Pils in Freiburg Im Breisgau Is one of the best Cherman Pilsners. Took a case back to my freund in Koln by carrying a rack full through the city streets and on the train. Smart enough to grab some 'zels and some sarnies and Kase, I toured the German countryside lightening my load by drinking a few on the train. The drinks trolley man stopped by with the rolling mini bar and we had a good euro chuckle over the fact that I wouldn't be using his services that trip! Rathaus refers to the gov'ment administration of the town/vill/city...
DJ Bub <email>
Sunny Phoenix, AZ USA 07/22/2007
Guinness was a Genius
GUINNESS!
How could you go all the way to Ireland and not have some of the Black Stuff? I'll tell you what, I didn't really know much about Guin before marrying into a Irish family. It took a while to realize what a wonderful low calorie beer it really is. Smooth, creamy and takes for ever to get, but hey, well worth the wait! Often mis-poured in US, you can still find great Guinness in the states. Most people are just plain 'fraid of it. Don't be and know that there are good Guinness and poor Guinness out there. Often times you will hear that Guinness is poured warm. Well sorry, that couldn't be further from the truth! Raise a pint if you haven't already and join me in a toast: May endless good now come to you in endless ways! Thank God for Guinness!
DJ Bub <email>
Sunny Phoenix, AZ USA 07/22/2007
Jupiler is goo-ood!!!
i was all over europe a couple years back, and was throwing down some pretty heavy beers in ireland, germany, holland and belgium. jupiler is strong (5.2) but amazingly tasty and super drinkable. it speaks volumes that everyone in belgium (the veritable holy land of beer) is drinking jupiler... it's the best!
Simon
Redondo Beach, CA USA 07/14/2007
Polish Stout
Hey all-- I was visiting my family in Sebastapol last week, when my father offered me a cold one. But a "cold one" I had never heard of. Does anyone know where I can find Rustetrombone in Utah? It's gotta be the smoothest stout I've ever had! Dying for more!
Kenneth
Salt Lake, UT USA 07/14/2007
Cherry beer
While in Belgium try a cherry beer! It really has a good taste that I crave and keep some in the fridge tha tI pick up from a local market while there.
Shelley Buerer <email>
Mölenbach, HE DE 07/10/2007
No Italian Beer served here
two years ago we headed out for our first dinner of the trip. We went to a nice restaurant in Porto San Stefano. I wanted an Italian Beer and asked for one. The waiter politely told me they had no Italian beer!!! My husband and I were amused at that one. I enjoyed my Heinikin but was slightly disapointed.
Sally
Littleton, CO USA 06/25/2007
Munich Beer
On our recent trip to Munich the most "different" (how can you say which is best?) we tried was the Paulaner Dark Wheat Beer. Looking forward to a return trip to compare to some of those mentioned in these postings!
Laurie <email>
Hillsboro, OR USA 06/24/2007
Regent, Czech & Slovak pivo...
Matt from California mentioned Regent. Not a bad beer indeed but it's not from Telc (BTW, nice little town with one of the most beautiful main squares in the Czech Republic). Regent's brewed in Trebon, quite close to Telc. There's a another beer that's brewed in Telc but I can't recall the name...It's got a German sounding name- does anybody know it? Anyway, not the best pivo though.
My favourite Czech beer is BERNARD. Not the most famous but the Bernard 12° is delicious! Slovak beers are not as good as Czech ones but Martiner, Zlaty Bazant or Kelt are pretty good.
Tom
Bratislava, Slovakia 06/07/2007
Europe
I have to admit that my wife and I are not the biggest beer drinkers. However, in out just finished tour of Germany and Austria, we discovered the wonderful taste of wheat bear (wiesse or weitzen bier). Just about any of them was great; but the best, hands down was Augustiner in Munich. I hope we can find anything like this back here in Vermont.
Joshua I. Jacobson <email>
Bradford, VT USA 06/05/2007
Best beer
We have traveled lots and the best beer is Svyturys on tap from Klaipeda Lithuania. wow most of the town smells like the beeer, even the people get the yesty smell. #2 is Augustiner in Salzburg. Great church with some very big wooden caskets of Beer. Love their beer hall. A must see ,...
capt. Konrad
Key west , Florid USA 06/02/2007
Czech beer
Budvar in czech republic. Might not actually be better than the German or Belgian beers, but any beer tastes better when you're only paying 20 Kroner (about 1 dollar) for it.
CK
Kindsbach, Germany 06/01/2007
Pseudo-German beer
This beer is not brewed in Europe, per se, but it is brewed in boilers and other tanks that were once used in a brewery in Franconia. The brewery is the New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus, WI. Their signature beer is a hefeweizen called Spotted Cow. But I think their best beer is their Fat Squrrel, a nut brown ale. All of their beers are fantastic.
Visit the brewery sometime and learn about how the brewing equipment was saved from demolition. It's an inspiring story. The little old German man whose old brewery had been sold to a development company that was going to demolish the brewery to put up condos ended up selling the equipment to the owner of the New Glarus Brewing Company. He was so grateful that the equipment was not going to be destroyed that he sold it for the cost of scrap.
I have always said that, in general, if you can't afford to go to Europe then many parts of Wisconsin could be about as effective as a nicotine patch. It gets the job done even if it's not exactly the same. The town of New Glarus, WI is like traveling to Switzerland. Even the street signs are in German and English. Go to Wisconsin and try the beer. It's worth it!
Jarrod <email>
St. Paul, MN USA 05/31/2007
Europe Beers
I am doing the Eurail thing and trying to do it on the cheap, but one thing I've been buying is GOOD beer.
In Brugge, Belgium my favorites are Orval (with the fish on it) and Rochfort 10, both trappist and strong, thick and dark. Highly recommended with local cheese or mussles.
In Amsterdam the Heineken really is better than the states, and in Copenhagen stick to imported wine :P
In Germany (where I am currently) the strategy of asking the bartender for their favorite is working wonderfully.
Amos Waranch <email>
Denton, TX USA 05/30/2007
People Watching
Gawd, is there anything better than a cold Euro beer (pick your poison), sitting at a sidewalk cafe and just watching people? I think not. Their sodas might not be cold, but the beer always is.
Frank <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA 05/25/2007
Best Beer Made
I agree with Hartman from Hawaii - Schneider-Weisse is the best. I can't find it here in Florida and have to bring back a six pack or two whenever we visit my daughter in Evansville, Indiana.
Robert <email>
Okeechobee, FL USA 05/21/2007
Bohemian Regent
After a long day of train travel through Austria and the Czech Republic, we sat down by the river in Cesky Krumlov and had the best beer I've ever tasted - Bohemian Regent, brewed in Telc (I think). Worth the rough ride that day, and maybe even the whole 3 week trip!
Matt
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA USA 05/21/2007
Köstritzer from Bad Köstritz (near Gera)
Whilst in the Thüringen state of Germany last week, I had a chance to try Köstritzer dark beer. It has a nice taste, similar to that of Czech beers but not as heavy as Guiness. Köstritzer has been around for about 100 years, even during the cold war. Although it was bought by Bitburger in the early 1990s after reunification, the Köstritzer brewery still remains in Bad Köstritz, just a few hundred meters from the Weißer Elster river and just 5 miles north of Gera. It was interesting to see the bottling process. They also make "Bibop" beer-cola mix using their dark beer. I must have another Köstritzer when I revisit Thüringen.
Josh Hanz <email>
Frisco, TX USA 05/12/2007
Beer
EICHOF----Luzern Switzerland. Light and goes down real easy, too easy!!! HA HA HA
Jay <email>
Muskegon, Michig USA 04/29/2007
Europe's best beer
My favorite so far is Rochefort from Belgium. I can occasionally find it here in Spain. Scotland also has some excellent brews like Skull Splitter and The Ghillie. I have to agree with Russell Evans when he says that the US also has some great beers. The Pacific Northwest makes excellent microbrew. Man I miss those amber ales.
Tim Lundquist
Madrid, Spain 04/29/2007
Augustiner
Augustiner Braustubl Monastery in Salzburg. All I can say is - Delicious!
Jason
Nashville, TN USA 04/22/2007
Kreuzberg
Officially rated number 2 by Playboy and Time (Number one was Budwar from Czech and 3 was Pilsen-also Czech), Kreuzberg is a little monastary outside of Oberwildflecken, Germany. Atop a small mountain, and served in Stone Mugs is truly the Best Dark Beer in the world! Smooth but dangerous! I bet you can not drink 4 Liters without feeling like you were tranquilized! Your head stays clear, but your body does not!
It was a place to Jog to when I was in the Army at Wildflecken (10 K's uphill). Beautiful scenery, truly great SauerKraut and Brats!
Martin Morawski <email>
Skopje, Macedonia 04/18/2007
Europe's Best Beer
Boddington's Bitter!
Barton
Nashville, TN USA 04/17/2007
Re: Yorkshire
I will give a hearty "hear-hear" to the mention of Yorkshire beers. I know I probably am repeating myself, but Black sheep brewery in Masham is very good and in the same small town is the home of Theakston Brewery, hands down the best brewery tour anywhere. Victorian era brewery, still operating much the same way, making cask ales.
Paul <email>
IA USA 04/17/2007
Kozel dark
Kozel dark - hands down. Greatest dark beer in the world, a Czech brew. Sweet, rich, everything you would want in a dark beer. My goodness I miss the Czech.
Dustin <email>
Summerville, SC USA 04/17/2007
Beer in Germany
In the Rheinland-Westphalen province of Germany, I'll second the vote for Konig-Pilsner for a great easy-drinking lager. Definitely try a Kolsch in the Koln (Cologne) area. Can't get a good one stateside, and they are a delicious brew. An observation...seems like Bitburger is taking over much of central Germany. See Bitburger signs on pubs/restaurants everywhere nowadays. It's a good beer, but try the local stuff when you get a chance! "Bitte ein Bier!"
Paul
Plainsboro, NJ USA 04/12/2007
Yorkshire Beer
I may not be a beer expert, I tend to be an MGD drinker in the states. But I live in Yorkshire most of the year at this point and have still really enjoyed Black Sheep's Best Bitter. It is based in Masham, North Yorkshire. So if you are in the Yorkshire you should at least give it a half pint to try it. The York Brewery also has a solid following, but Black Sheep's Best Bitter is easier to find. The York Brewery does offer tours and is the only brewery in the city of York. But it's Yorkshire Terrier, it is a bitter, is still worth a try as well.
Casey Hart <email>
Chicago, IL USA 04/09/2007
Gambrinus is fanastic.
Gambrinus. Hands down.
USA 04/04/2007
beer
i cannot add more than has been said. the beer is excellent throughout europe. for the past ten years i have traveled to europe (netherlands, belgium, germany, france, austria, hungary, italy, switzerland, poland, united kingdom, romania) where is the bad beer? i have only experienced great beer, great food, great friends, and some pretty good smoke as well. travel europe, it is well worth it.
jeff leach <email>
naches, wa USA 03/25/2007
Czech Beer-#1
Krusovice Cerny (dark), Czech beer, hands down favorite, closely followed by Velky Popovice Cerny. That being said, my Czech wife and I had our best beer ever, Budvar Cerny, in Hradec Kralove in an out of the way old nice restaurant. Czech beer IMHO is the best in the world, taking nothing away from our good German friends (number two). If you ever get to Munich, be SURE to visit the HB Hofbrauhaus, a must see for the great food, beer, people and gemutlichkeit.
Jerry S
Prague , CZ 03/23/2007
Alt Bier in Duesseldorf
Although not on the typical tourist route Duesseldorf is a modern German city. However they make a very good old German ale there. They have a friendly competition with Cologne and this bier is much better than Koelsch, in my humble opinion. Also Great modern art in Duesseldorf.
MK <email>
Madison, WI USA 03/11/2007
Bier In Switerland
Traveling to Europe for 25 years and having the ooportunity to experience a wide variety of beers-from the Elephant beers in Denmark to Belgium to Iatly and most all the german varieties. One of the best I have tasted are the Calandra braus-Available in eastern Switerland and served in glass boots for mass consumption!
David
ne USA 03/02/2007
best beer
Flensburger beer certainly has the prettiest bottles! we have friends in the north who buy cases of this stuff and when we come to visit, we keep a bottle as a souvenier. Also, just for a beer drinking experience like none other, the Augustiner in Salzburg truly is like the cathedral of beer drinking environments!
Chere <email>
Kelso, WA USA 03/02/2007
British Beers
Spending the year in Oxford with its 60-odd pubs teaches you a thing or two about beer...
Simple guide to ordering beer from the pubs: only drink the stuff that comes out of the long-handled, pumped taps. These are the "real ales" that you'll doubtlessly hear so much about–delicious cask-conditioned ales stored in the cellar of whatever pub you're in. As a general guide, always go for 1. whatever has the stangest name (this has turned out extremely well in the case of Marley's Ghost, Chocolate Frog and Old Peculiar) 2. is brewed locally (Hobgoblin, Old Hookey or Dog's Bollocks here in Oxford) or 3. has the highest alcohol content–and not because they'll get you plastered a little faster than you were planning on, but because of the extra malt used in these beers, giving them a better, more complex flavour. Also, don't be afraid to try the ciders–rather than being week, watered-down drinks to give to girls who can't take their beer like in the States, British ciders and scrumpy can be truly delicious and flavourful concoctions–if sometimes unexpectedly strong. Katy Spartan oak-matured rum-finished cider and Old Rosie Cloudy Scrumpy are my favourates.
Phill
Oxford, GB 03/02/2007
Bier Beer Here!
Once upon a time in a town far far away from Phoenix AZ, I was visiting friends in Freiburg Im Breisgau (sp?) a college town near the black forest. In that town is one of the very best pilsner beers in all of Germany: RATHAUS PILS! Oh to die for, goes good with everything! Hot Chicks, chocolate fishy stuff, stinky cheese, fondue mon dieu, disco and slinky showers! Yum
Dj <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA 02/27/2007
Best Beers
I was in Germany 1.5 years ago and going back tomorrow!!! I had Mittenwalder in Garmishe at the Gorge! Great beer and views. But the best was in Brussels at the bar called "Mort Sublite" (sudden death)the beers were killer and the bar was real hard to find. People need to check this out
Jim Rosen <email>
Atlantic City, NJ USA 02/26/2007
Trappist Westvleteren 12
If you're in Belgium with a car, make your way through the Flanders (hops) fields to the St. Sixtus monastery to try the Westvleteren beers. The monastery has a very pleasant, large cafe with an outdoor terrace where you can drink and have a nice lunch, but unless you get a reservation to pick up a case or two of beer in person during the few times a year the monks make a batch, you can't buy it anywhere else. (And if you do come across some in a bar or on eBay, well, those people are going against the monks' wishes, who don't want it sold commercially; they're interested in making only enough beer to support their abbey.) It's worth seeking out!
Jennifer
Germany 02/24/2007
piwo - pivo - bier - beer - bière
In Poland, Zywiec & Perla are probably my faves; in Gdansk there's Kozlak. In Czech, I've always liked Velkopopovický Kozel (the 12°); Regent and Budvar are fine too.
In Slovakia, Topvar was a favorite, and Zlatý Bažant a standby.
In Vienna, try the brewpubs! 1516, Salm Braü, Siebenstern, Fischer Braü - and many more. Siebenstern Braü in Vienna brews what is probably my favorite dark beer in the world - their Prager Dunkles. I like Trumer Pils around Salzburg.
In Dublin, don't miss The Porterhouse, on Parliment Street. In Slovenia (and Croatia) I enjoyed Laško; and in Croatia, Karlovacko (but I think that was mostly because the beer was cold and the weather was hot). Belgium is filled with delights too numerous to name - just be adventurous and you'll avoid the swill. Whatever you think of it in the States, try a Grolsch at a pub in the Netherlands - you might be pleasantly surprised. The beer I've had everywhere I've been? Guinness, oddly - it's everywhere, and I guess I've made a habit of trying it - everywhere.
Jaime J.
Albuquerque, NM USA 02/23/2007
Kölsch in Cologne/Bonn
It's already Karnevaldienstag, the day before Ash Wednesday. I've been in Bonn since 15th February but will fly tomorrow to Lisbon. Most of the time, I have been drinking Kölsch (Beer found only in Cologne and Bonn and vicinity) with my relatives while at various Karneval venues in Bonn and Cologne. Kölsch has a nice flavor which is not too bitter, unlike many similar lager beers. Don't try to get Kölsch in Düsseldorf - there is a rivalry with Cologne and Düsseldorf. If you fly on Germanwings from Cologne/Bonn, you can get Kölsch (don't recall offhand if it's Früh, Sion, Gaffer, Gereon or Dom - those are the only five breweries I can name so far) inflight.
Josh Hanz <email>
Frisco, TX USA 02/20/2007
Scottish Beer
Two things:
1.) Scotland, like the rest of the UK has some delicious real cask ales (Dark Island is quite good if you like darker beers) and
2.) I know it's hip to put down America, but America has some of the world's best beer - it just doesn't have the history like Germany and the UK. But if you don't belive me, put down that Miller Lite and try something from the Flying Dog Brewery or Rogue, or Dogfish Head, or any of the hundreds of amazing microbrews all across the U.S.
Russell Evans
Edinburgh, UK 02/15/2007
Beer in Europe
Well, after reading everyone's comments I have to say ....Is there really a "Bad" beer? I live in Germany now, have lived in Belgium and Holland and have been just about everywhere in Europe. Soon will be leaving to come home to the States and will miss the variety and choices of beers here in Europe. I will recommend that if you ever get to Bamberg, Germany, try the Rauchbier (Smoked-Beer). Very unusual and very good.
John <email>
WIesbaden, Germany, USA 02/10/2007
The best beer is at Andechs Monastary
There are many good beers throughout Europe, but until you've experienced Andechs's Doppelbock Dunkel from the cask at the Andechs Monastary near Munich, you haven't experienced beer elevated to the highest level.
Steve <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA 02/09/2007
Another vote for Flensburger
Us Texans must be blessed with good luck, because the Flying Saucer is now carrying Flensburger's full line in bottles. Delicious!
Scott
San Antonio, TX USA 02/07/2007
Germany and the UK
The best beer I ever had was in Coburg, Germany when I was 17, only days after I went to Kulmbach with friends and discovered what beer was actually supposed to taste like!
Have to agree, though, that the best pubs are in the UK. We usually ask the bartender for recommendations.
Joanne
VA USA 02/07/2007
UK Choices
The ales I loved were Archer's, Timothy Taylors LandLord, all of the Fullers Products, and Youngs.
Rick
Tampa, fl USA 02/07/2007
Flensburger
I currently live in one of those nineteenth-century apartment blocks in Prenzlauerberg (Berlin) noted below and can second the recommendation of Flens. Probably my favorite pils.
ac
berlin, Germany 01/28/2007
Irish Ale
England has many fine ales, but we especially enjoyed Smithwick's Ale in Ireland.
Jeff
Honolulu, HI USA 01/27/2007
Flensburger Pils
I've lived in Berlin and Amsterdam and traveled extensively through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic. My favorite beer is Flensburger Pilsner from the maritime German North. One taste of it and you'll see the sun setting over the Gothic spires of Flensburg with its cobble-stone alleys as the ships dock at port. Or maybe you'll be transported to present-day urban Berlin where the 19th century tenement apartment blocks in Prenzlauerberg slowy crumble to the tune of a post-industrial somberness that bites at you like the cold air on the wind-swept plains of the German North. Luckily one can find this beer in our capital city at the "Whip-In" on I-35 and Woodard.
Hartman57
Austin, Texas USA 01/27/2007
Excellent Lithuanian Beer!
Last fall I discovered an excellent beer in Lithuania called Svyturys, which is hoppier than what I have found in Germany or during my other travels in Europe.
Nancy
Berlin, Germany and Upstate NY, USA 01/24/2007
Krusovice
Krusovice is actually German-owned and anyway not one of the better beers available in the Czech Republic. Of course, it's all relative and even the bad Czech (or German) beers will often be pretty good if you're used to beer back home.
ac
Berlin, Germany 01/21/2007
Best Beer
Anything in Belgium, you can't go wrong (I like rochefort). In Britain the best is Jacobite Ale from Traquair is Scotland. It's hard to come by. Also good are Orkeny Ales and Theakston's Old Peculier.
Will <email>
VANCOUVER, WA USA 01/19/2007
Krusovice Czech Pilsner
I'm for the Czech beer also. The best I had was Krusovice (there are hatshek accents in that name but I can't add them from this computer), a pilsner. I can't find it in California, but it's nice that some things (like English scrumpy) can only be found when you actually make the trip. Great stuff!
Andrew
CA USA 01/19/2007
Vote for Belgium+beer trip hints
Some experience across whole Europe, agree (obvious:Czech and German), another culture - UK/Ireland (love ales), Poland - not bad, true.
More rare - French "Fisher" - actually, it's Elsacian.
BELGIUM! Many places have it's own favourites: in Antwerp do not miss "De Coninck" (ask it just say "bolleke"), another gem - Trappisten beers brewed in monasterys - places are: Orval, Chimay, Rochefort, West-Fletteren and my best - Westmalle. Strongly recommended to go to Westmalle "Cafe trappisten", this is 20 min.drive near Antwerpen on a way to Holland.
What a names - Duvel (Devil) 9 alc., Piraat, Delirium Tremens, Lucifer. Golden Draak (Dragon) with taste of brown bread with coriander. Lot of local ales which are not brewed in Scotland but of Scottish origin.
Another favourite - John Martin's Pale Ale. Gordon Scotch is perfect. Many Wit (white) beers - Hoegaarden is most known, Blanche de Bruges etc. If you are in Antwerp - find a pub called Pilgrim near Cathedral, 15 steps down - and you seat in 15th century listening to Beethoven drinking beer. Ask there "KWAK" - you'll like the glass (you will be asked 20E deposit returned if you will not break the glass). Some kinds of Belgian beer are ordinary but good also - Stella, Jupiler, Maes - but it's a pils actually, however rather good.
Alex <email>
St.Petersburg, Russia 01/18/2007
No to Jupiler!
Avoid Jupiler unless you just miss the taste of Bud Lite. It's Belgium's most sold beer by volume, because it is basically just an American-style light lager. Going to a beer mecca like Belgium and drinking Jupiler is like going to Mexico and eating Taco Bell.
Scott <email>
San Antonio, TX USA 01/18/2007
I have to agree Schneider-Weissee is an all time favorite here! Had my first one about 18 yrs ago in Germany. And it is still top of my list.
Candy
Candy B <email>
Millsboro, DE USA 01/15/2007
Poland/Ireland
From one beer connoisseur to another, I will recommend drinking Polish beer. We have it in Canada and the two that we enjoy are Zywiec and Tyskie. They are 5.5 percent so Americans be advised!. Irish beer Harp is awsome as well. I will keep it short but there are many others that I enjoy world wide.
George
Toronto, Ont Canada 01/13/2007
Caffrey's Ale
I can get cafferey's at my local beer distributor..
Jon
East Islip, NY USA 01/12/2007
Beer in Prague
When in Prague try the original Budweiser for a kick. Of course its a completely different beer, no realtion to the American version. You can buy it at a grocery store for like 15 cents a can.
Pro Mine
Brooklyn, NY USA 01/11/2007
Just try one. Just try.....
Schneider-Weisse. 'Nuff said.
Hartman
Kealakekua, Hawaii USA 01/10/2007
Jupiler
The best beer to try in Europe is Jupiler. It is sold all over Bruges, and the rest of Belgium. You can buy a can of Jupiler at the Frite stand in front of the Belfry Tower.
Syrus <email>
Mt. Pleasant, MI USA 01/05/2007
mmm Stella
5 years ago on my first trip to europe i sat down with my grandfather by the lake in Zurich and had my first Stella Artois to this day Stella is still my favorite beer (and they sell it in the US now for about 8.00$ a 6 pack).
Drew C <email>
Boone, NC USA 01/04/2007
Best Beer
Belgium does have the best beer of any European countries. My favorite beer in Europe, however, is actually an English beer. It is called Caffrey's Irish Cream Ale. It is becoming harder to find in Europe even and finding it in America is next to impossible. Milwaukee is the only city I have traveled to that carries it in a few places.
Phil
Des moines, IA USA 01/02/2007
Favorite German Beers
Frankenheim Alt, available in Duesseldorf, is a very tasty "old style" dark beer that is cold brewed like a lager using ale yeasts. It has a light hop profile with a pleasant malty taste.
My favorite lager was König Pilsener which I enjoyed at a Duesseldorf pub. It's served in a fluted glass with a little paper skirt designed to catch the over-brimming head foam.
Raymond <email>
Boston, MA USA 12/23/2006
Dark Beer
I had what tasted like chocolate beer in Belguim. It was very dark. I don't remeber the name.
Jane
North Dakota, USA 12/22/2006
Beer
Best German Beer
The Germans have a much stronger beer than the US. The best is during Oktoberfest, the second best has to be any beer from Bavaria. Pils is like the Budwiser's of Cech and the US. Heffy is the dark German beer, a bit grainy but it defenitly is a good beer. Radler is a pils with Sprite, yes Sprite. You must try it, it is a very light and sweet beer, I have to try it back in the states. Paulner, Hb, Lowes, or Wuerzburger are great brands of beer. The best place to have a beer is with the locals, or at one of the many German fairs.
TW
Landstuhl , Germany 12/21/2006
Beer in Holland
I was surprized to find how much tastier Heineken is in Amsterdam than it is here. I never really liked it until I went there. It must lose something as it crosses the pond!
Robin
IN USA 12/21/2006
The Best BEER!!!
I've been all over the world, the best beer I've ever had was Kilkenny's. This beer is made by Guiness and it's not sold in the U.S. When I was in Europe and the Middle East, I just could not get enough of this sweet nectar!
Cesar
El Paso, Texas USA 12/20/2006
Czech Beer
Hi Lindsey from College Station Texas. I was in Prague in the Spring. The beer your refering to is called Kozell. I had it over there too. I'm not a big beer drinker but that one went down nicely :).
Cheryl
Kitchener, ON Canada 12/20/2006
Europe's Best Beer
Brugges, Belgium. A chilly damp afternoon. We stepped into a little bistro. Had some hot and mildly spicey fish stew....and a cold Framboise, Belgian raspberry beer. I can still taste it!
Linda
New York, NY USA 12/18/2006
Czech Beer
I was in Prague last summer and had the best dark beer I've ever tasted in my life. Problem is I can't remember the name of it. It's sorta sweet with absolutely no hoppiness to it...almost like drinking chocolate milk. Someone told me it's the most common dark beer there. Anyone know the name?
Lindsey
College Station, TX USA 12/16/2006
Re: worst and more
Ahh...you have touched on one of Europe's dirty little secrets, they have bad beer too. There are a number of swills, usually sold under some mock German name and usually in resort areas (ran into quite a few in Greece)that make most ridiculed American beers seem downright tasty. Europe is also undergoing some of the same changes that the US did early in the twentieth century, a preference for a lighter, crispier beer. Bud Light and Coors Light are big in England, and it is spreading. For those of you who like a book with your beer, this is a great book on some of the English beer trends: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Walks-into-Pub-Sociable/dp/0330412205 Enjoy.
Paul <email>
IA USA 12/12/2006
And... The WORST!
Just so ya don't bother... The very worst beer I've ever had in Europe was in the former Yugoslavia (To be exact, in what is now Croatia). YUK! It was so bad that we left it outside of our tent while camping near Rijeka hoping someone would steal it. It was still there when we left a week later. We ended up drinking wine while there. Not great, but at least it was swallow-able! :-)
Bob C. <email>
North Little Rock, AR USA 12/07/2006
Staropramen is the best I've ever had. It's so good it almost has a sweet taste. Flensburger Pils is a distant second, followed by Saris from Slovakia.
Ken
Fullerton, CA USA 12/04/2006
BEER
Palm Beir in Holland was delicious...almost sweet tasting. And lets not forget about Guiness...When poured in Dublin it is the worlds best beer (It is crap here at home).
Steve
Sonoma County, CA USA 12/01/2006
Castle Eden Ale pulled in the Duncow Inn, Durham, England.
USA 11/29/2006
As far as European beers, Jever Pilsner from Friesland in northern Germany is my favorite beer on a hot day, while various English ales are my favorite beers any other time.
Dan
Seattle, WA USA 11/25/2006
To Kevin
Kevin, that would be "Berliner Weiße mit Schuss", that is Berlin-style wheat beer with syrup.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berliner_Weisse
L
Germany 11/24/2006
Best Beers
Poland has some really nice ones to try. To me, Zywiec, which after a few gets easier to pronounce, is one of the best beers I've tasted. Poland is sort of underrated in the beverage department. If you are anywhere over there sneak into Poland, you'll love it!!!
Jason
Jason Anderson <email>
Portland, OR USA 11/22/2006
Czech Beer
Gambrinus in the Czech Republic is, to my taste, the best European beer money can buy. Yum.
Ashley <email>
Baton Rouge, LA USA 11/22/2006
Beer in Berlin
Does any one know the name of the beer in Berlin that they turn red or green? I was there last summer and I can't seem to remember the name?
Kevin <email>
KY USA 11/18/2006
Beer IS Travel
I have been to just a few of Beer's Holy Lands in the Euro nations.
Czech Republic and Bavaria, Germany are both essential for knowing the soul of lager-based recipes. From Pilsner Urquell and Budvar in the Czech Republic, to the Bocks, Doppelbocks and Märzens that appear seasonally in Munich and Bamberg, you will consume the beer fresh at source in small brewpubs as people have for centuries. Special mention for Hefe-Weizen, the ancient style of cloudy Wheat ale that once migrated from Bohemia long ago & now lives in modern-day Bavaria.
Still on the list to visit are Belgium and England.
GB is the quintessential everyday Ale stylist, while Belgium elevates its more intense and unusual beers to the serious status of good wine.
Belgium has beers you've never imagined; Flemish Brown ales and Gueuze that range from mildly sour to mouth-puckering; Rich dark abbey Dubbels and full, hoppy pale Tripels, right up to deeply fruity Quadrupels nearly as strong as wine. There are pale foamy Wits flavored with spice, and surprisingly serious Lambics brewed with whole cherries or raspberries. Belgium kind of tries everything and never stops following tangents, so look beyond the Stella if you go there.
England, by contrast, is a wide gradient of variations on a few themes of Ale. There is brown ale, porter, Stout, and Imperial Stout, ranging upward in intensity from highly refreshing to something richly savoured by a fireplace. There are also Pale Ales, hoppier India Pale Ales, & Best Bitters that aren't really so bitter at all. Actually what typifies most British beer is balance, and drinkability so don't be afriad to try anything you've never heard of. Chances are it will be quite agreeable.
Jonas K
Toronto, CAN 11/15/2006
Europe's best beer
Belgian beer: "GRIMBERGEN"
BEST BEER, ANYWHERE! Yum!
Erik Ohlson
Morgan Hill, CA USA 11/13/2006
MMMMMMMBEER!!!!
I just came back for Europe and I think the best beers were (in order)Belgium, Czech and German. Honorable mention to the Brits!! Belgium seemed to have the biggest variety and the best overall tasting beers. Czech Pilsners were very good and cheap!!! Can't forget to mention the great German beers at Oktoberfest. My liver hurts!!!!
Troy
Vancouver, BC CAN 11/05/2006
Beer Highlights
Belgium has by far the greatest variety of beers, and probably the best in general. German beers are good, but do offer a lager "sameness" after awhile. Many British ales are tasty as well. Beer is a major part of my travels, have yet to break 100 different ones in a single 3 1/2 week trip, but 85 ain't bad. Highlights:
Drinking Pilsner Urquell on the tour, directly from the wooden casks in the finishing caves...slight taste of pitch from the barrels. Sitting on a sunny street in Koln having multiple flutes of Kolsch, watching the crowds go by. BEST Brewery tour anywhere: Theakston Brewery in Masham, England. Victorian era brewery, still using mostly original equipment, still making cask ales. Try to go early in the week while they are brewing the mash.
Paul <email>
IA USA 11/03/2006
I have been to Europe several times, including 4 weeks in Austria and Germany this past summer.
The beer is very good and the beer halls are not to be missed.
But the beer is generally lager beer and I like my beer with a lot more hops.
Sorry to say, my favorite beer is a good Pacific Northwest IPA. :-(
P.S. I'd gladly suffer through another 4 weeks of Austrian and German lager beer, though. Maybe a few more beer halls and I'll change my mind. :-)
USA 11/03/2006
If you're ever in Amsterdam, be sure to check out the drink shop De Bierkoning. They stock 600-700 varieties of beer. You can find some great stuff, and don't overlook the locally brewed varities! It's located directy behind the Royal Palace, on Paleistraat. If you don't make it before they close, check out the Cracked Kettle on Spui, with a smaller selection and great, helpful staff.
Jeff
Seattle, USA 11/02/2006
I'd say Belgium has the best beer, though England has the best pubs.
Felton
USA 11/01/2006