Top Beer Producing Countries In Europe

By Author: Ackley Cooper Shaw
Total Articles: 211

Beer is one of the most consumed drinks in the European countries. While the legal drinking age in most of the countries across the world is 21, several countries in Europe have set the age as 16. Its popularity is tremendously high and it is available even in small grocery stores and fast food restaurants all throughout the continent. Therefore, Europe has become the home of some of the best breweries in the world. The beer-drinking tradition of Europe dates back to thousands of years. The enthusiasm of European people about drinking beer is so much that numerous yearly festivals are held every year dedicated to the celebration of beer, like the popular Oktoberfest in Germany.

Out of the top 10 beer consuming countries in the world, 9 are in Europe itself. Although beer was not invented in Europe, it surely reached the pinnacle of perfection in this continent. Due to the long and rich history of beer in Europe, wide diversities of beer are brewed, and these different styles vary from one country to another.

Following are the different varieties of beer in Europe categorized by the name of the country in which they are brewed:

I. Germany: Germany has the highest number of breweries in Europe. Just a few years back, it had the highest number of breweries in the world until America surpassed it recently. German breweries are reputed to have produced the widest variety of ales in the world.

a. Bavaria –This area specializes in German Helles beer which is well-known for its malty nature and pale texture. During the Oktoberfest, Bavarian Marzen beer is the most commonly served beer.

b. Cologne – This area specializes in Kolsch beer which is well-known for its light body and pale texture.

c. Berlin - This area specializes in Berliner Weisse which is made from wheat and is well-known for its sour taste and pale texture.

d. Dortmund - This area specializes in Export beer which is malty and pale but lacks in flavors and aroma than most other beers.

e. Dusseldorf - This area specializes in Altbier which is dark and is well-known to be full of earthy flavors and aroma.
Other than these region-based specialties, Pilsner beer is a very popular one. König Ludwig, Hefeweizen, Warsteiner, Weizenbock and Doppelbock are popular picks.

II. Belgium: Like Germany, Belgium is also reputed in producing a large variety of beers. Belgium’s history of beer-brewing goes back to the Middle Ages. The country is famous for their Trappist beer, which is first prepared and then supervised by the Trappist Monastery monks. Other than the Trappist beer, some renowned beers in Belgium are Lambic, Dubbel, Tripel, Flemish Red, and White beer.

III. England: England is perhaps the most beer-consuming country in the world. In England, it is a tradition to mature the beers in caskets at the pubs, rather than at the breweries. Beer in England is normally served at cellar temperature. Beers produced in the eastern regions of England are known to have more hops and kicks. Some popular beers in England are Old ale, English Pale ale, India Pale ale, Brown ale, Porter, and Stout.

Most beers in the world have Europeans origins, primarily from these three countries, but new ingredients are added to give them a different touch and suit the preferences of people. These beers are so popular; they have found their place in numerous pubs and restaurants outside Europe. In Canada, there are many places which have the largest European beer selection in cities like Edmonton. So, pick up a mug full of European beer and have a great time!