Beer has been a staple in human culture for thousands of years, enjoyed for its diverse flavors and the social connections it fosters. Today, with a multitude of breweries and styles worldwide, it can be challenging to identify the best beers. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top-rated beers globally, showcasing a range of styles and regions.
Best Overall: Westvleteren 12
Often referred to as the best beer in the world, Westvleteren 12 is a Belgian Quadrupel Ale brewed by the Trappist monks at the Saint Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren, Belgium. This dark, rich beer boasts a complex flavor profile, with notes of dark fruit, caramel, and chocolate.
Its high alcohol content (10.2%) and smooth, creamy texture make it a favorite among beer enthusiasts. However, obtaining a bottle can be challenging, as the brewery limits production and distribution to ensure quality.
Best for Beginners: Budweiser
An American icon, Budweiser is a light, refreshing lager that offers a smooth, easy-drinking experience. Its balanced flavors of malt and hops make it a popular choice for those new to beer. With a modest alcohol content (5% ABV), Budweiser is an ideal starting point for those looking to explore the world of beer.
Best for Hop Heads: Heady Topper
Brewed by The Alchemist in Stowe, Vermont, Heady Topper is an American Double/Imperial IPA that has gained a cult following for its aggressive hop flavor and aroma. With a hefty 8% ABV, this beer delivers a punchy, bitter taste balanced by a sweet, citrusy aroma. Heady Topper is a must-try for hop enthusiasts, though it can be difficult to find outside of Vermont.
Best for Beer Snobs: Orval
Orval is a Belgian Trappist Ale brewed at the Orval Abbey in the Gaume region of Belgium. Known for its distinctive bottle with a rustic, corked finish, this beer is a favorite among beer snobs for its complex, earthy flavors and unique bottle-conditioning process.
The beer’s dry, slightly sour finish and moderate alcohol content (6.9%) make it an intriguing choice for those seeking a sophisticated, unconventional brew.
Best for Dark Beer Lovers: Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS)
Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Founders Brewing Co. produces the highly sought-after Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Aged in bourbon barrels for a year, KBS boasts a rich, complex flavor profile that includes notes of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. With an alcohol content of 12.4% ABV, this beer is a decadent treat for those who enjoy dark, robust brews.
Best for Pale Ale Fans: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
As one of the pioneers of the American craft beer movement, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. offers a benchmark pale ale that has influenced countless brewers. This beer is characterized by its balanced malt and hop flavors, with a bright, citrusy aroma and a crisp, refreshing finish. With an ABV of 5.6%, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is an accessible and enjoyable choice for pale ale enthusiasts.
Best for Fruit Beer Enthusiasts: Lindemans Framboise
Lindemans Framboise is a Belgian Lambic beer fermented with raspberries, resulting in a fruity, sour, and refreshing beverage. This beer is perfect for those who enjoy the tart, tangy flavors of fruit beers, with a vibrant raspberry taste that shines through. With a low alcohol content of 2.5% ABV, Lindemans Framboise is a delightful, easy-drinking option for fruit beer fans.
Best for Belgian Beer Lovers: Duvel
Duvel is a Belgian Golden Strong Ale that has garnered international acclaim for its exceptional quality and flavor. Brewed by the Moortgat Brewery, this beer offers a strong, effervescent character with a delicate balance of malt and hops. Its high alcohol content (8.5% ABV) and refreshing finish make Duvel a popular choice for Belgian beer aficionados.
Best for Wheat Beer Fans: Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier
Hailing from the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world, the Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier is a classic example of a German Hefeweizen. This unfiltered wheat beer boasts a cloudy appearance and a complex flavor profile that combines banana, clove, and citrus notes.
With a moderate alcohol content of 5.4% ABV, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier is a refreshing and satisfying choice for wheat beer enthusiasts.
Best for Pilsner Lovers: Pilsner Urquell
Originating from the Pilsner region of the Czech Republic, Pilsner Urquell is widely regarded as the first golden lager. This beer is characterized by its crisp, refreshing taste, a delicate balance of malt and Saaz hops, and a slightly bitter finish. With an ABV of 5%, Pilsner Urquell is a quintessential choice for pilsner fans, offering a taste of history and tradition.
Best for Stout Connoisseurs: Guinness
Guinness is an Irish dry stout that has become synonymous with the style, thanks to its rich, creamy texture and iconic harp logo. Brewed using roasted barley, this beer offers a complex flavor profile that includes notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. With an ABV of 4.2%, Guinness is a smooth, satisfying choice for stout connoisseurs worldwide.
Best for Saison Fans: Saison Dupont
Brewed in the Farmhouse Ale tradition, Saison Dupont is a Belgian beer that has become a benchmark for the saison style. This beer boasts a fruity, spicy aroma and a complex, dry flavor profile with hints of pepper and coriander. With an ABV of 6.5%, Saison Dupont is a refreshing, sophisticated choice for saison enthusiasts.
Best for Sour Beer Lovers: Rodenbach Grand Cru
Rodenbach Grand Cru is a Flemish Red Ale from the Rodenbach Brewery in Roeselare, Belgium. This beer is known for its distinctive sour, tart flavor and its complex blend of young and old beers, aged in oak barrels.
With a moderate alcohol content of 6% ABV, Rodenbach Grand Cru is a captivating, sour beer experience that is not to be missed.
Best for IPA Aficionados: Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
Brewed by Bell’s Brewery in Comstock, Michigan, Two Hearted Ale is an American IPA that has garnered numerous awards and accolades for its outstanding quality. This beer features a balanced, hoppy flavor with notes of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit, along with a smooth, malty backbone. With an ABV of 7% and an IBU of 70, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is a must-try for IPA aficionados.
The world of beer is vast and diverse, with countless styles and flavors to explore. From the rich, complex flavors of Westvleteren 12 to the refreshing, easy-drinking character of Budweiser, there is a beer for every palate and preference!