Search locations or food
OR
Sign up

What to drink in Europe? Top 100 European Beers

Last update: Mon Mar 24 2025
Top 100 European Beers
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best European Beer Types

01
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Trappist is a particular category of beers, or more precisely an indication of origin, which includes various styles that are brewed in Trappist monasteries. Trappist beers are internationally certified and can only be produced by Trappist abbeys—which include six located in Belgium and two in the Netherlands, while Italy, Austria, England, France, the United States, and Spain all have one certified Trappist brewery.


All abbeys develop their yeast, and the regulations also stipulate that the beer must be brewed within the immediate surroundings of the abbey and that the entire production needs to be supervised by monks. Similar beer styles that are produced in non-Trappist monasteries are usually referred to as Abbey-style beers. 
VARIATIONS OF Trappist Beer
02

Ale

BELGIUM
4.4
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Belgian-style tripel is an approachable and easy-drinking beer style with high carbonation and complex flavors. They traditionally have high alcohol content, falling between a 7 to 10% ABV range, and are often classified as very strong ales.


These yellow-golden beers typically have a distinctive spicy, fruity, and subtly sweet malt character. Their yeast character varies, but it often includes banana or clove-like aromas. First tripels were produced as abbey beers, while the Westmalle Tripel is widely considered as the prototype. 
03

Beer

CZECH REPUBLIC
4.4
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

České pivo is a term that refers to a variety of beers produced throughout the whole Czech Republic that have a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) mark. The mark is used by fourteen breweries in the country for more than 80 brands of beer, which is about 65% of the total domestic market.


The first records of brewing beer of excellent quality in the country are connected to the Brevnov Monastery, where the monks produced beer all the way back in 993 AD. The beers are distinguished by the top-quality raw materials used in the process, the traditional methods of brewing, and the local know-how passed on from generation to generation. 
04

Ale

WESTMALLE, Belgium
4.3
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Dubbel is a rich and well-balanced Trappist beer that originated in Belgium and whose modern version is often associated with Henrik Verlinden who created the prototype at Westmalle brewery in 1926. This version was named Dubbel Bruin, and soon after its invention, the style was copied in many Belgian breweries.


Unlike other brown beers, typical Belgian dubbel will get its flavor from candi sugar—a thick and dark caramelized syrup that is added to the wort. These beers typically range from amber to copper, and they will usually have complex aromas and flavors reminiscent of toffee, raisins, malt, and dark fruit. 
THE BEST Dubbel Ales
1 La Trappe Dubbel
Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven
La Trappe Dubbel

4.8

Rate It

World Beer Cup - Gold 2024

05

Ale

BAVARIA, Germany
4.3
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Weissbier is a classic Bavarian wheat ale that is top-fermented and characterized by its mousse-like foam and cloudy appearance—which is a result of a large proportion of wheat and a small amount of barley malt used in its production.


German weissbier has to be made with at least 50% malted wheat, but most producers use more than the minimum. These beers are fermented with yeast strains that provide typical clove, banana, smoke, and occasionally even bubble gum aroma. Weissbiers are typically malty and subtly bitter, and though they are traditionally fermented in the bottle, this practice has become rare. 
THE BEST Weissbier Ales
1 Ayinger Urweisse
Brauerei Aying Franz Inselkammer
Ayinger Urweisse

5.0

Rate It

World Beer Cup - Gold 2024

2 Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier
Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier

4.8

Rate It

World Beer Cup - Gold 2016

3 Triple Blonde
Brauerei Kloster Fischingen
Triple Blonde

4.7

Rate It

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold 2022

06

Ale

BRUSSELS, Belgium and  one more region
4.3
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Lambic is a traditional beer style that has its roots in Brussels and the region of Pajottenland. This style must be made with a minimum of 30% wheat, and the wort is always spontaneously fermented with local and naturally occurring wild yeasts.


Because of different local microorganisms, these beers always have a unique and frequently unpredictable character. Due to its wild nature, many batches of lambic are sometimes blended, a style known as gueuze or geuze, to produce a more palatable version. 
THE BEST Lambic Ales
1 Oude Geuze Boon Vat 108
Brouwerij Boon
Oude Geuze Boon Vat 108

5.0

Rate It

World Beer Cup - Gold 2018

07

Beer

BAVARIA, Germany
4.3
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Bavaria has been an important beer-producing region for centuries, and all Bavarian beers are produced under 1516 Bavarian Purity Law. The beers are made with high-quality ingredients, which are mostly locally-sourced, and the quality of the beer and the components is continuously checked by scientific institutes.


Today, there are more than 600 breweries in Bavaria – nearly half of all the breweries in Germany, and every year, Bavarian brewers produce more than 20 million hectoliters of beer. The styles that appear in the region and that can be labeled as Bayerisches Bier include: Schankbier, Hell/Lager, Pils, Export, Dunkel, Schwarzbier, Märzen/Festbier, Bock, Doppelbock, Weizenschankbier, Weizenbier, Kristallweizen, Rauchbier, Kellerbier/Zwickelbier, and Eisbier/Icebier.

08

Beer

MUNICH, Germany
4.3
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

In the 19th century, artisanal breweries were increasingly being replaced by larger industrial breweries, and today there are seven famous large breweries in Munich: Augustiner, Hofbräu, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu, Spaten, and Franziskaner.


Together, these seven breweries produce around 6 million hectoliters of beer per year. Even today, these breweries use no additives, as dictated by the Munich Beer Purity Law of 1487. This not only has to do with tradition, but with long-established high ethical values. 
09

Lager

PLZEŇ REGION, Czech Republic
4.3
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Chodské pivo has been produced in the historic Chodsko region (Plzeň) since the 12th century. It is made from locally sourced water with low mineral content, hops, malt, and yeast. Only Žatecký poloraný červeňák, Sládek, and Premiant hop varieties can be used in its production.


Due to the two-stage fermentation process, lengthy maturation, and the choice of specific raw materials, Chodské pivo is golden, rich, and malty, while its flavor is slightly bitter and strong. This beer is held in high regard, and it was even supplied to the royal courts of Prague and Bavaria. 
10

Lager

MUNICH, Germany
4.2
Ate it? Rate it
Wanna try?
Add to list

Helles is a German-style lager that first appeared in Munich in 1894. It was a Bavarian answer to light Czech pilsner. Although Bavaria heavily relied on strong and dark lagers, the popularity of crisp and golden pilsner beers influenced Bavarian brewers to start producing a similar style.


Traditional Helles is typically more malt-forward and has a firmer body than pilsner and other lager styles, but still remains soft and medium-bodied. It is clean, easy-drinking, refined, fresh, and dry, with light hop bitterness and subtle malt sweetness. 
THE BEST Helles Lagers
1
Metazoa Brewing
Ain’t Afraid Of No Goats

4.8

Rate It

World Beer Cup - Gold 2024

2 Frost Hammer
Grains of Wrath Brewing
Frost Hammer

4.8

Rate It

Great American Beer Festival - Gold 2021

3 Weihenstephaner Helles
Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan
Weihenstephaner Helles

4.7

Rate It

European Beer Star - Gold 2020

4 Lagerhead Turtle
Metazoa Brewing
Lagerhead Turtle

4.7

Rate It

U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold 2023

5 Munich Helles
Schulz Brau Brewing
Munich Helles

4.7

Rate It

U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold 2021

11
Beer Brand
PUURS, Belgium
4.2
12
13
Lager
PLZEŇ, Czech Republic
4.1
14
Ale
LONDON, England
4.1
15
Ale
BELGIUM
4.1
16
Ale
BRUSSELS, Belgium  and  one more region
4.1
17
18
19
Lager
BAVARIA, Germany
4.1
20
Beer Brand
CHIMAY, Belgium
4.1
21
22
Beer
MUNICH, Germany
4.1
23
Ale
EAST FLANDERS PROVINCE, Belgium
4.1
24
Ale
FINLAND  and  6 more regions
4.1
25
Beer
ČERNÁ HORA, Czech Republic
4.1
26
Ale
BRUSSELS, Belgium
4.1
27
Lager
BAVARIA, Germany
4.0
28
29
30
Lager
MUNICH, Germany
4.0
31
Lager
MUNICH, Germany
4.0
32
Ale
WALLONIA, Belgium
4.0
33
Ale
WEST FLANDERS PROVINCE, Belgium
4.0
34
Ale
BRUSSELS, Belgium  and  one more region
4.0
35
36
Lager
BAVARIA, Germany
3.9
37
Ale
ENGLAND
3.9
38
39
Hybrid Beer
DÜSSELDORF, Germany
3.9
40
Lager
EINBECK, Germany
3.9
41
Ale
ENGLAND
3.9
42
Ale
GRODZISK WIELKOPOLSKI, Poland
3.9
43
Ale
BAVARIA, Germany
3.9
44
Ale
LEIPZIG, Germany
3.9
45
Lager
ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE, Czech Republic
3.9
46
Lager
ZNOJMO, Czech Republic
3.9
47
Hybrid Beer
COLOGNE, Germany
3.8
48
Lager
BAMBERG, Germany
3.8
49
50
51
Ale
UNITED KINGDOM
3.8
52
Ale
SCANDINAVIA  and  5 more regions
3.8
53
54
55
Ale
BRUSSELS, Belgium
3.8
56
57
58
Lager
DORTMUND, Germany
3.7
59
Ale
BRUSSELS, Belgium  and  one more region
3.7
60
61
62
Ale
HAINAUT PROVINCE, Belgium
3.7
63
Beer
DORTMUND, Germany
3.7
64
Lager
BŘEZNICE, Czech Republic
3.7
65
66
Ale
BERLIN, Germany
3.6
67
Lager
KULMBACH, Germany
3.6
68
Ale
UNITED KINGDOM
3.6
69
Ale
UNITED KINGDOM
3.6
70
71
Ale
ENGLAND
3.5
72
73
74
75
76
Ale
NORD-PAS-DE-CALAIS, France
3.4
77
Lager
VIENNA, Austria
3.4
78
Lager
BAVARIA, Germany
3.4
79
Ale
ENGLAND
3.3
80
81
Mead
UNITED KINGDOM
3.3
82
Ale
KENT, England
3.3
83
Beer
KULMBACH, Germany
3.3
84
Beer
SOUTHERN FINLAND, Finland
3.2
85
86
Lager
NETHERLANDS
3.2
87
Beer
BRNO, Czech Republic
3.2
88
Lager
BAVARIA, Germany
3.1
89
Ale
UNITED KINGDOM
3.0
90
Ale
STJØRDAL MUNICIPALITY, Norway
n/a
91
Beer
REUTH BEI ERBENDORF, Germany
n/a
92
Lager
LICHTENHAIN, Germany
n/a
93
Beer
HOF, Germany
n/a
94
95
Ale
WESTERN NORWAY, Norway
n/a
96
Ale
VOSSAVANGEN, Norway
n/a
97
Beer
MAINFRANKEN, Germany
n/a
98
Ale
RUTLAND, England
n/a
99
Beer
BREMEN, Germany
n/a
100
Beer Style
CZECH REPUBLIC
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best European Beer Producers

01
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Brauerei Aying Franz Inselkammer, also known as Ayinger Privatbrauerei, is a renowned brewery located in the small Bavarian village of Aying, near Munich, Germany. Established in 1878, the brewery has remained family-owned by the Inselkammer family and is celebrated for its commitment to Bavarian brewing traditions and exceptional quality.
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2024

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2023, 2021

European Beer Star - Gold

2020

BEST Brauerei Aying Franz Inselkammer Beers
02

Beer

BILBAO, Spain
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Cervezas La Salve is a Spanish brewery based in Bilbao, with a rich history dating back to 1886. After several decades of dormancy, the brewery was revived in 2014 with the goal of bringing traditional Basque brewing back to life. Its philosophy is rooted in sustainability, quality, and a strong connection to the local community.


La Salve offers a diverse range of beers, including classic styles like lagers and pale ales, as well as more modern craft beer variations. The brewery prides itself on using local ingredients and innovative recipes, creating beers known for their balanced taste and distinctive aromas.
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2024, 2022

Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold

2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

03

Beer

VARESE, Italy
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold

2023

European Beer Star - Gold

2023, 2022

04

Beer

BAKEWELL, England
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

World Beer Awards - Country Winner

2023

International Beer Challenge - Best Lager up to 5%

2022

05

Beer

MANCHESTER, England
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Joseph Holt is a historic, family-run brewery based in Manchester, England, founded in 1849. Known for its rich brewing heritage, the company produces a diverse range of traditional ales, lagers, and craft beers, maintaining a strong commitment to quality and innovation.


With over 125 pubs across the North West, Joseph Holt is recognized for its award-winning beers and dedication to supporting local communities. The brewery remains independent and family-owned, preserving its legacy while embracing modern brewing techniques.
AWARDS

International Brewing Awards - Gold

2024, 2021, 2017

06
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Birrificio Bionoc’ is an Italian craft brewery located in the beautiful region of Trentino, in the northern part of Italy. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Bionoc’ creates a variety of beers that reflect the rich natural surroundings of its location.


The brewery specializes in crafting beers with unique flavors, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional brewing methods. Their offerings often include a range of styles, from light lagers to more complex ales, focusing on balance and drinkability.
AWARDS

Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

BEST Birrificio Bionoc’ Beers
07

Beer

ÎLE-DE-FRANCE, France
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

France Bière Challenge - Gold

2024, 2022, 2021

BEST PBC Distribution Beers
08

Beer

A CORUÑA, Spain
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List

Corporación Hijos de Rivera is a Spanish beverage company renowned for its flagship beer brand, Estrella Galicia, founded in 1906 in A Coruña, Galicia. It is a family-owned company that combines tradition with innovation to produce high-quality beers, ciders, and mineral waters.


Their portfolio includes a wide range of products, such as craft beers under the brand 1906, Maeloc ciders, and Cabreiroá mineral water. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, the company continues to expand globally while preserving its Galician roots. 
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold

2022, 2020

International Beer Challenge - Supreme Champion & Best Lager above 5%

2022

BEST Hijos de Rivera Beers
09

Beer

ENGLAND, United Kingdom
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

International Beer Challenge - Best Flavoured Beer

2023

International Beer Challenge - Best Speciality Beer

2023

BEST Glen Affric Brewery Beers
10

Beer

NORFOLK, England
4.7
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2023, 2022

BEST COVA Brewing Co. Beers
11
Beer
CARATE BRIANZA, Italy
4.7
12
Beer
STYRIA, Austria
4.7
13
Beer
HAUTS-DE-FRANCE, France
4.7
14
15
16
17
Beer
WINTERTHUR, Switzerland
4.7
18
Beer
GIEY-SUR-AUJON, France
4.7
19
Beer
WALLONIA, Belgium
4.7
20
Beer
BORGHETTO, Italy
4.7
21
22
23
Beer
WALLONIA, Belgium
4.7
24
Beer
NOTTINGHAM, England
4.7
25
Beer
GRAND EST, France
4.7
26
27
Beer
SARDINIA, Italy
4.7
28
Beer
GRAND EST, France
4.7
29
30
Beer
BLACKBURN, England
4.7
31
Beer
LISBON, Portugal
4.7
32
33
34
Beer
GRANDFRESNOY, France
4.7
35
Beer
SAINT-ÉTIENNE-DE-MONTLUC, France
4.7
36
37
Beer
BAVARIA, Germany
4.7
38
Beer
LIÉRGANES, Spain
4.7
39
Beer
STUDÉNKA, Czech Republic
4.7
40
Beer
PIETRASANTA, Italy
4.7
41
Beer
HAUTS-DE-FRANCE, France
4.7
42
Beer
HAUTS-DE-FRANCE, France
4.7
43
Beer
PAYS DE LA LOIRE, France
4.7
44
45
Beer
HAUTS-DE-FRANCE, France
4.7
46
Beer
PAYS DE LA LOIRE, France
4.7
47
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
4.7
48
49
Beer
OCCITANIE, France
4.7
50
Beer
AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES, France
4.7
51
52
53
54
55
Beer
GRAND EST, France
4.7
56
Beer
NORTH HOLLAND, Netherlands
4.7
57
Beer
VENETO, Italy
4.7
58
Beer
BASQUE COUNTRY, Spain
4.7
59
60
Beer
AALBORG, Northern Europe
4.7
61
62
63
Beer
PIEDMONT, Italy
4.7
64
65
66
67
Beer
BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG, Germany
4.7
68
Beer
FABRIANO, Italy
4.7
69
Beer
BAVARIA, Germany
4.7
70
Beer
TRONDHEIM, Norway
4.7
71
Beer
BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG, Germany
4.7
72
73
74
75
Beer
SALZBURG, Central Europe
4.7
76
Beer
FORCHHEIM, Germany
4.7
77
Beer
VORARLBERG, Austria
4.7
78
79
80
Beer
BAVARIA, Germany
4.7
81
Beer
BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG, Germany
4.7
82
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
83
Beer
FLANDERS, Belgium
4.7
84
85
Beer
LOMBARDY, Italy
4.7
86
Beer
LOMBARDY, Italy
4.7
87
Beer
LETTERKENNY, Ireland
4.7
88
89
Beer
TRIER, Germany
4.7
90
Beer
TUUSULA, Finland
4.7
91
Beer
WURMLINGEN, Germany
4.7
92
Beer
BAMBERG, Germany
4.7
93
94
95
Beer
BAVARIA, Germany
4.7
96
97
Beer
UTRECHT, Netherlands
4.7
98
Beer
BAVARIA, Germany
4.7
99
Beer
CENTRAL BOHEMIA, Czech Republic
4.7
100
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best European Beers

01
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Amber in color, dry in palate, very fruity, bursting with flavor. A complex beer with suggestions of soft fruit, apple, and, in the finish, perhaps even cloves. Extraordinary as an aperitif.
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2024

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2021

European Beer Star - Gold

2020

02
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
Dark Extra lager marked by notes of coffee and liquorice added by the malt coupage. Its elaboration, in our only production centre, follows our traditional guidelines: the best raw materials, a specific must, a long ageing.
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold

2022

International Beer Challenge - Supreme Champion & Best Lager above 5%

2022

03
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold

2023, 2022

04
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2023, 2022

05

Beer

CARATE BRIANZA, Italy
5.0
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold

2023, 2021

06
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold

2023, 2021

07
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2022

World Beer Awards - World’s Best Pale Beer

2021

08
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

World Beer Awards - Country Winner

2023

09
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

World Beer Awards - Country Winner

2023

10
Rate it
Wanna try?
Add To List
AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

World Beer Awards - Country Winner

2023

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
26
27
28
29
Beer
LEEDS, United Kingdom
5.0
30
Beer
LONDON, United Kingdom
5.0
31
Beer
BISHOP'S CASTLE, England
5.0
32
Beer
AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES, France
5.0
33
34
Beer
BASQUE COUNTRY, Spain
5.0
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
Beer
LOMBARDY, Italy
5.0
56
Beer
LOMBARDY, Italy
5.0
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
Beer
CENTRAL BOHEMIA, Czech Republic
5.0
75
76
Beer
BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG, Germany
5.0
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
Beer
HAUGESUND, Norway
5.0
92
Beer
FABRIANO, Italy
5.0
93
94
Beer
WINTERTHUR, Switzerland
5.0
95
96
97
98
99
100

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 European Beers” list until March 24, 2025, 5,283 ratings were recorded, of which 4,742 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

Show Map
European Beers