Europe is the birthplace of many of the world’s most iconic beers. From centuries-old breweries in Germany and Belgium to modern craft producers in Scandinavia and the UK, the continent has something for every beer lover.
Whether you prefer a rich stout, a crisp pilsner, or a flavorful ale, European beers deliver quality, tradition, and variety. In this list, we highlight 10 must-try beers from across Europe—each offering a unique taste of its country’s brewing culture.
1. Guinness (Ireland)
Guinness is one of the most recognized beer brands in the world—and a proud symbol of Irish heritage. Known for its dark color, creamy head, and bold flavor, Guinness is more than just a drink in Ireland—it’s part of the culture.
If you’ve only tried the bottled or canned version abroad, the experience of drinking a freshly poured pint in Ireland is something else entirely. The taste is smoother, richer, and fresher. While its roasted, slightly bitter flavor isn’t for everyone at first, many beer lovers grow to appreciate its depth. Once you’ve had the original, freshly-poured Guinness at an Irish pub, you’ll understand why it’s considered a must-try.
Who Makes Guinness?
Guinness is currently produced by Diageo, a global beverage company that also owns well-known brands like Johnnie Walker, Baileys, and Smirnoff. The beer was first brewed in 1759 by Arthur Guinness, who signed a now-famous 9,000-year lease at St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin.
Today, that same brewery still produces the iconic Irish version of Guinness. It also serves as a major tourist destination, where visitors can learn about the brewing process, the brand’s history, and even pour their own perfect pint.
2. Heineken (Netherlands)
Heineken is one of the world’s most popular lagers—and one of the most recognizable beer brands globally. Brewed in the Netherlands, this beer has a crisp, clean taste with a signature golden color and a thick, foamy head. At 5% ABV, it offers a refreshing drinking experience that’s both smooth and easy to enjoy. Known for its strong aroma and consistent quality, Heineken is a staple in bars and supermarkets around the world.
The numbers say it all: Heineken is brewed on a massive scale, with an estimated 24 billion liters produced each year.
Who Makes Heineken?
Heineken is brewed by Heineken N.V., a Dutch brewing company founded in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken in Amsterdam. Heineken got his start by purchasing an older brewery known as “De Hooiberg”. Just a decade later, he expanded operations by opening a second brewery in Rotterdam and renaming the company Heineken’s Bierbrouwerij Maatschappij (HBM).
Today, Heineken N.V. remains one of the largest beer companies in the world. Although it’s a global corporation, the Heineken family still owns a 23% stake, keeping the brand’s roots close to home. Over the years, the company has expanded by acquiring other major breweries, including Scottish & Newcastle, makers of Newcastle Brown Ale.
3. Pilsner Urquell (Czech Republic)
When it comes to beer, the Czech Republic is in a league of its own—and Pilsner Urquell is one of its finest contributions. This bottom-fermented lager is light in alcohol at 4.4% ABV, but don’t let that fool you. It delivers a full-bodied taste with a clean, slightly bitter finish that fans love. Smooth, golden, and easy to drink, it’s a classic beer that has stood the test of time.
Who Makes Pilsner Urquell?
Pilsner Urquell is brewed by Plzeňský Prazdroj, also known as the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, located in Plzeň, a city in the historical region of Bohemia. The brewery was founded in 1842 and changed the beer world forever.
Why? Because they were the first to create a pale lager—what we now call a “pilsner.” Their original brewing method set the standard for a new beer style that quickly spread worldwide. Today, about two-thirds of all beer consumed globally is based on this original formula.
4. Stella Artois (Belgium)
Stella Artois is a classic Belgian lager known for its smooth taste, malty body, and crisp, clean finish. With a brewing history that dates back to 1366, it’s one of the oldest names in beer. Stella balances a soft bitterness with a light hop character, making it easy to enjoy in almost any setting. It’s a premium beer with a long-standing reputation for quality and tradition.
Who Makes Stella Artois?
Stella Artois is brewed by Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the largest beer companies in the world. Its headquarters are in Leuven, Belgium, the same city where the brand’s story began.
The roots of Stella Artois trace back to the Den Hoorn brewery, which operated in Leuven as early as the 14th century. In 1926, the beer was officially launched as “Stella,” which means “star” in Latin, originally as a Christmas brew. Since then, it’s grown into one of the most recognized Belgian beers worldwide.
5. Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier (Germany)
Brewed in Bavaria, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier is a standout wheat beer with a rich heritage and a distinct flavor profile. It features a smooth malt base, lively carbonation, and classic notes of banana and clove, thanks to traditional yeast fermentation. Refreshing and well-balanced, it’s a great example of Germany’s deep-rooted passion for quality beer.
Who Makes Weihenstephaner?
This beer comes from the Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, located in Freising, just north of Munich. Known as the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world, its brewing history goes all the way back to 1040.
Originally part of a Benedictine monastery, the brewery is now affiliated with the Technical University of Munich, where tradition meets modern brewing science. This connection allows Weihenstephan to blend centuries-old methods with cutting-edge techniques, ensuring consistent quality in every bottle.
6. Duvel (Belgium)
Duvel is a bold, golden ale that lives up to its name—“devil” in Flemish—thanks to its surprisingly strong 8.5% ABV. It’s bright, effervescent, and full of character. With a crisp, dry finish, a peppery spice, and a mix of fruity and hoppy notes, Duvel is both refreshing and complex. High carbonation gives it a lively mouthfeel, making each sip an experience.
Who Makes Duvel?
Duvel is brewed by the Duvel Moortgat Brewery, a family-owned business based in Puurs, Belgium. Founded in 1871 by Jan-Leonard Moortgat, the brewery has grown into one of Belgium’s most respected names in beer.
Duvel was first brewed in the 1920s and earned its name due to its strong alcohol content and deceptively smooth taste. Since then, it has become a flagship example of the Belgian strong golden ale style. The Moortgat family’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation has helped Duvel earn global recognition, while still staying true to its Belgian roots.
7. La Trappe Trappist Quadrupel (Netherlands)
La Trappe Trappist Quadrupel is a strong, rich beer with deep flavors and a warming finish. It’s brewed in the Netherlands and stands out as one of the few authentic Trappist beers made outside Belgium. With bold notes of dark fruit, caramel, and spice, this quadrupel is smooth, powerful, and best enjoyed slowly. At 10% ABV, it’s a beer meant for quiet moments and thoughtful sipping.
Who Makes La Trappe Quadrupel?
La Trappe is brewed by De Koningshoeven Brewery, located inside the Onze Lieve Vrouw van Koningshoeven Abbey near Tilburg, Netherlands. The brewery was founded in 1884 and is operated by Trappist monks, who follow strict rules to maintain their Trappist certification.
The monks are involved in every step of the brewing process, ensuring that each bottle reflects their values of tradition, patience, and quality. Their La Trappe Quadrupel is a perfect example of monastic brewing—strong, complex, and carefully crafted. It’s not just a beer, but a true expression of devotion and skill.
8. Chimay Blue (Belgium)
Another Trappist masterpiece, Chimay Blue is a strong dark ale with a complex bouquet of fresh fruit, roasted malt, and hints of spice. Its full body and rich, silky texture are a testament to monastic brewing excellence.
Who Makes Chimay Blue?
Chimay Blue is produced by the Chimay Brewery, which is located within the Scourmont Abbey in Chimay, Belgium. Since 1862, the Trappist monks of Scourmont have been brewing beer according to monastic traditions and under their strict supervision.
The sales of their beer support the monastery’s charitable works and community efforts. Chimay Blue, known for its rich and complex character, is one of the premier Trappist beers, reflecting the spiritual and brewing heritage of the monks.
9. London Pride (England)
Fuller’s London Pride is a classic English pale ale that balances malt and hops perfectly, offering a smooth, well-rounded flavor profile with notes of biscuit, caramel, and a soft hop bitterness.
Who Makes London Price?
London Pride is brewed by Fuller, Smith & Turner P.L.C., more commonly known as Fuller’s Brewery. Located in Chiswick, West London, Fuller’s has been a part of Britain’s brewing heritage since 1845. The brewery is famed for its dedication to traditional brewing methods while embracing innovation.
London Pride, their flagship ale, is a quintessential English pale ale that represents the culmination of Fuller’s brewing expertise, offering a balanced, flavorful experience that has become a benchmark for the style.
10. Saison Dupont (Belgium)
This farmhouse ale is a Belgian specialty, offering a blend of spicy, fruity, and earthy flavors with a dry, refreshing finish. Saison Dupont is a celebration of the saison style, which was traditionally brewed in farmhouses in the Wallonia region of Belgium.
Who Makes Saison Dupont?
Saison Dupont is brewed by Brasserie Dupont, a family-owned brewery located in Tourpes, in the Hainaut province of Belgium. With origins dating back to 1759, the brewery has become synonymous with the saison style, a farmhouse ale originally brewed in the winter months for consumption during the summer harvest.
Brasserie Dupont’s commitment to traditional brewing methods and quality ingredients has made Saison Dupont a standard-bearer for the style, celebrated for its balance of spice, fruitiness, and hop bitterness.
Honorable Mentions
The following beers are also widely popular and considered some of the top beer in Europe. These fall into our honorable mention category:
Rugenbrau
Aside from chocolates, the Swiss Army knife, and the beautiful Alps, Rugenbrau is one of the best things Switzerland has to offer. Fresh-tasting and bittersweet, Rugenbrau leaves your palate clean, but you will be craving more once you take a sip of this beverage.
Who Makes Rugenbrau?
Rugenbrau is produced by Rugenbrau AG, a brewery that was founded in 1866 and is located in Matten bei Interlaker (Matten near Interlaken), a village and municipality in Switzerland.
Rugenbrau AG is a family-owned brewery that was originally owned by Christian Indermühle, a Grand Councilor (a member of the parliament established in the Swiss canton of Bern) who gave the ownership of the brewery to his sons Carl and Albert after his death.
Rugenbrau AG produces more than 3 million liters of Rugenbrau beer every year, and their product is considered to be one of the most popular in Switzerland. It is one of the few family-owned breweries that are still operating in Switzerland even after centuries of its founding.
Augustiiner
This double-fermented lager is brewed by the oldest independent brewery in Munich called Augustiner-Bräu, which is believed to have been around since 1328. This clean, crisp lager (with 5.2% alcohol by volume) has a sweet aftertaste that would be appealing to many people who are looking for a different flavor from the usual European beers.
Who Makes Augustiner?
Augustiner, as mentioned previously, is brewed by Augustiner-Bräu. Historians are still debating on the actual founding year of the brewery, but it was first mentioned by name in 1328. According to records, the brewery was founded within an Augustinian monastery that settled outside the city walls of Munich in 1294.
The Augustinian monks who produced beer in the brewery would later distribute their product to neighboring cities, towns, and villages.
In 1803, the Augustinian monastery was dissolved, and the ownership of the brewery was passed to the government before being sold to an unknown private company. The brewery would be acquired in 1840 by Anton and Therese Wagner, a couple that had knowledge of brewing.
The couple’s company would later be known as Augustiner-Bräu Wagner KG, a brewery that still owns and produces Augustiner today.
Paulaner
Aside from Augustiner, Paulaner is another great Munich-made beer that’s also become popular in Germany and other European countries. Made by Paulaner Brauerei, the beer contains 5.5% alcohol. Many of its fans would say that it is a great wheat beer with a sweet finish.
Who Makes Paulaner?
The brewery behind Paulaner, Paulaner Brauerei, was founded in 1634, which makes it one of the oldest beer breweries in Germany. The brewery was established by the Paulaner Order, an order of monks in Munich that originally produced beer that was given to the poor or to pubs within the city.
The first mention of the name “Paulaner Brewery” was from a letter written on February 24, 1634, wherein civilian brewers were complaining to the city council about the competition from the Paulaner Order. Although the brewery was around before 1634, many consider the said year to be the founding date of the Paulaner Brewery.
Berliner Kindl
Berlin might not be a popular German city for beers compared to Munich, but the city still offers one of the best beers in Europe, and this beer is Berliner Kindl. This clear, golden beer leaves a dry and decently bitter finish. This beer is perfect for parties and get-togethers with friends.
Who Makes Berliner Kindl?
Berliner Kindl is produced by Berliner-Kindl-Schultheiss-Brauerei GmbH, a brewery that was founded in 1842. For many years. Berliner Kindl was managed by a larger brewing company called Brau und Brunnen AG, but in 2004, the said brewing company was purchased by Dr. August Oetker KG, a German multinational company that produces a variety of products, including cornflakes, frozen pizzas, and cake mixes. Dr. August Oetker KG would later integrate Berliner Kindl into the Radeberger Gruppe, the largest brewery group in Germany.
Newcastle Brown Ale
Newcastle Brown Ale is a British alcoholic beverage that has a nutty, sweet, malty taste despite its foam (also known as “head”) fizzing out too quickly the moment it’s poured into the glass. There is a popular phrase that is used as an excuse for people who want to drink Newcastle Brown Ale secretly, and this phrase is, “I am seeing a man about a dog.”
So, if there is someone in Britain who tells you that they are going to see a man about a dog, they are likely going to a pub to drink Newcastle Brown Ale. Because of its association with the said phrase, Newcastle Brown Ale is often called “Dog.”
Who Makes Newcastle Brown Ale?
Newcastle Brown Ale was originally brewed in 1927 by Lieutenant Colonel Jim Porter, a third-generation brewer who owned Newcastle Breweries. Jim Porter experimented with creating the perfect brew for three years before perfecting his recipe.
Porter’s Newcastle Breweries would later merge with another brewery, Scottish Brewers, to create a much larger company, Scottish and Newcastle plc, that would later make Newcastle Brown Ale one of the best-selling beers in the United Kingdom.
In 2008, Heineken Brewery, a company that produces another popular European beer that we will discuss later, purchased Scottish and Newcastle plc through a joint deal with multinational brewer Carlsberg, thus gaining rights to produce Newcastle Brown Ale.
Besides the United Kingdom, Newcastle Brown Ale is also brewed in Petaluma, California, by the Lagunitas Brewing Company, a subsidiary of Heineken Brewery.
Jupiler
Jupiler is a Belgian beer that has good color and head, and its taste has hints of hay and grass, which then produces the beer’s signature “earthy” flavor. This beer even leaves a sweet aftertaste. Even though it can be considered a pricier beer in Europe compared to others, Jupiler is still the highest-selling beer in Belgium, as it has a 40% share of beers sold and consumed by volume in the country.
Who Makes Jupiler?
Juliper is produced by Piedboeuf Brewery, which is located in Jupille-sur-Meuse, a district of the city of Liège in Belgium. Although the current version of Jupiler was introduced in 1966, historians believe that the name of the beer and its recipe was first mentioned in 1853, which was about thirty years after the founding of Piedboeuf Brewery.
Before the version of Jupiler that we know today was produced, there was a Jupiler beer that was released in 1950 called “Jupiler Urtyp.” Then, the current version was introduced in 1966 as “Jupiler 5,” with the “5” in its name indicating its 5% alcohol content. The “5” in the name would later be erased, and “Jupiler 5” would become known simply as “Jupiler.”
Westvleteren
Considered by many as one of the best beers in the world in terms of taste and quality, Westvleteren is not widely available in many countries. Instead, you would have to go to Belgium’s Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus, a Roman Catholic abbey found in Westvleteren, to purchase this product. Sweet, spicy, and malty with a very strong alcohol content (10.2%), the Westvleteren is adored by many due to its rarity and quality.
Who Makes Westvleteren?
Westvleteren is produced by the brewery of the same name that was founded in 1838 at the Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus. The original brewers of the beer were Trappist monks who originated from the Mont des Cats monastery in France, which was founded in 1831.
Today, the brewing of the Westvleteren beer is still done by the Trappist monks, although they employ secular workers to perform different manual labor tasks. There are about 25 Trappist monks that reside at the Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus, but it is believed that only five of them run the brewery, and there are five additional monks that help in the bottling of the beer.
Since only a few people run the brewery and produce the beer, Westvleteren is only brewed and sold in small quantities.
Final Thoughts
Europe’s beer landscape is as diverse as it is historic, with each brew telling a story of its origins, traditions, and the people who crafted it. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a curious explorer, these 10 European beers offer a taste of the continent’s rich brewing heritage and the creativity of its brewers. So, raise a glass and toast to the enduring art of European beer-making!