As an Amazon Associate, Modded gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
It’s hard to beat an ice-cold beer after a long day. Though you could never go wrong with a classic Budweiser or Coors, expanding your palette beyond the Land of Liberty could bring some fun variation to that much-needed late-night beverage. Beyond developing your taste buds, beer can be an interesting lens to explore the world through— helping you gain cultural perspective with diverse flavors, brewing traditions and crisp bubbles.
This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to the best international brews, perfect for anyone who considers themselves a beer enthusiast. From Asia to Europe, this list has been carefully curated to ensure that every reader finds the perfect new ale for them.
Considering that National Beer Day is right around the corner, it might be time to up your game. Here are 10 incredible and famous international beers every man should experience.
1. Japanese Rice Lager
If you haven’t had a proper Japanese rice lager, like an Asahi Super Dry or Sapporo Premium, you are missing out on a refreshing palate cleanser. These beers are brewed with a portion of rice, which gives them a distinctively clean finish.
Unlike many Western beers, an Asahi or Sapporo doesn’t feel like it’s weighing you down. They are intentionally brewed to be light, making them perfect pairings for food, specifically sushi or a steaming bowl of ramen. It is an ideal option for someone looking for something crisp and ridiculously easy to drink. A Japanese Rice Lager is seriously perfect for those hot afternoons when you want something refreshing but still bold.
2. Mexican Lager
You’ve seen the commercials— the ones with white sand and blue water. And honestly? They aren’t lying about the vibe. Mexican lagers are the gold standard for vacation drinking for a reason.
While Coronas are often the go-to, Modelo offers a slightly richer and maltier experience. Both are designed to be served super cold, usually with a wedge of lime pushed into the neck of the bottle to add that hint of bright citrusness. The Mexican Lager is the ultimate thirst-quencher. One sip and you’re basically on a beach, even if you’re just in your backyard staring at a lawn that needs mowing.
3. South African Lager
In South Africa, beer is synonymous with the braai, which is their version of a massive outdoor barbecue. Turns out, grilling large quantities of delicious meat with your loved ones is pretty popular, even outside the U.S.A. And just like in America, these occasions are best when paired with great beer. For South Africans, Castle Lager has been the staple for over a century.
These beers are designed for social settings. They have a balanced bitterness that stands up well to grilled meats and heavy smoke. The South African craft scene is blowing up right now, but these classic lagers remain the heartbeat of any local get-together. You might love it because it’s a no-nonsense beer, perfect for sharing with friends.
4. Vietnamese Bia hơi
This is more of an experience than just a plain bottle of beer. The special thing about this beverage is that it’s typically meant to be consumed the same day it’s brewed, making it as “fresh” as a beer can get. Bia hơi contains low amounts of alcohol, often having only 3-4%, making it pretty much the opposite of the snake venom beer.
In Vietnam, you’ll typically see people drinking these on street corners, lounging on plastic stools, and having a great time. It is super light, bubbly and some of the best beer from around the world. It is a great choice for the adventurous and culturally curious.
5. Icelandic Porter
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Iceland. Brewing beer was actually illegal in Iceland until 1989, but they’ve made up for lost time. Einstök Toasted Porter is a standout, using clear Icelandic water and chocolate malts.
Icelandic porters are typically not too bitter, and paired with the dark chocolate notes, it’s an excellent introductory option for people new to dark beer. It’s very warming, yet complex. For cold winter nights where hot chocolate isn’t around, it’s precisely what you want to be drinking.
6. Brazilian Catharina Sour
This one’s actually a relatively new style. But it’s so special that it became Brazil’s first official beer style. It’s a sour beer, often a style for more refined taste buds, until you realize that this one is sour because it’s infused with fresh tropical fruits like guava and passion fruit. What you get when you combine fruit and beer is something that feels like a sophisticated cocktail rather than a heavy ale.
While it’s a massive departure from your standard brewski, the fizzy and tart drink is perfect for anyone who loves fruits and tropical vibes. If you’re tired of the same old bready beer flavors, this one’s a flavor explosion that brings that twist you’ve been looking for.
7. Irish Stout
Surprised? No article listing the best international beers, or just the best beers in general, is complete without the classic Irish Stout. And when you think Irish Stout, you think Guinness. Guinness is famous for its nitrogen pour, which gives it that iconic creamy head and smooth, silky texture.
Despite its dark color, Guinness is actually quite low in calories and alcohol compared to many craft beers. It has a roasted, slightly coffee-like flavor with a dry finish that makes it surprisingly easy to drink more than one. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a pint of Guinness settle. It’s a comforting, familiar choice that never lets you down, which is especially important in a world that’s becoming more and more chaotic.
Experiencing the World, One Brewski at a Time
If you’ve been instinctively grabbing the same 6-pack from the grocery store since college, it might be time to switch things up a little bit. The world is too massive for you to spend your entire life stuck in one tiny corner of the beer cooler. Whether you’re chasing something crisp and regressing like a Japanese lager, or looking for a punchier option like a Brazilian Catharina Sour to bring some boldness into your day, your taste buds deserve a new kind of variety.
