Beer Crawl in the European Continent – The Ultimate Guide

Before I go on any further, I want to make a couple of things clear:

1. I am not an alcoholic

2. I am a drinkie. A drinkie to drinks is what a foodie is to food.

I have compiled a list of my favourite beers over the course of 3 months we spent touring this continent. Your favourite can be different; no hard feelings but these are surely worth a try. So whether you are an alcoholic or a drinkie, this one is for you. Read on!

Iceland – Viking

 

• Beer was banned in Iceland until 1989, so once the ban was lifted Icelanders really gave beer brewing a go

• 62% of the population today drinks beer and Viking is the uncontested No.1

Try it at: Bravó Bar, Reykjavik

 

 Spain – Mahou

• Probably the second last place on earth (After France) you would think of ordering beer at a local bar

• Well, you are in for a surprise, Cerveza (Beer) is popular everywhere and Mahau leads them all

Try it at: Museo del Jamon, Madrid

 

Czech Republic – Pilsner Urquell

• The Czechs and the Germans meet head-on when it comes to per capita beer consumption. At present Czechs are the clear leader

• In the beer houses here, the bartender will refill your glass every time you empty it – I literally had to physically stop him from pouring more!

Try it at: the closest pub to your hotel in Prague

 

France – Kronenbourg 1664

• The French and The Beer! I was surprised, are you?

• The French have a long history of beer brewing unknown to most. Kronenbourg is a welcome change when touring this wine country

Try it at: the 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant, Paris

 

Belgium – Chimay

• When in Belgium, do what the Belgian do! Drink Belgian beer. You can never run out of varieties to try!

• Of all the ones I tried, I really enjoyed the “Trappist” beers (brewed in a monastery by monks) and Chimay was my absolute favourite

Try it at: Delirium Café, Brussels

 

Netherlands – Bavaria

• When you see Bavaria all over Dutch pubs, hold on your thoughts before you think Germans have taken over the beer scene here.

• Bavaria is as Dutch as it could be and with its own unique and distinct taste

Try it at: The Bulldog , Amsterdam

 

Greece – Fix Hellas

• Greeks have some really weird alcoholic drinks (Read > Raki, Ouzo and Retsina). But they also have been doing conventional things since ages (Read > Brew beer)

• Apparently, the study of beer and beer-making – Zythology is derived from the Greek words “zythos” (beer) and “logos” (study). Thats some real Greek influence!

Try it at: Selene Cafe, Santorini

 

Germany – HOFBRÄUHAUS

• Germans are really serious about their beer. They even have a Purity Law which states that only ingredients which can be used to make beer in Germany are Water, Barley, and Hops. Nothing else!

• While HB is widely available across Germany, you must certainly have a pint at their brewhouse in Munich. It is an experience!

Try it at: Hofbräuhaus Brewery, Munich

 

Hungary – Dreher

• A word of caution: it is considered rude to clink your beer glasses in Hungary.

• The legend goes that when the 1848 Hungarian revolution was defeated, 13 Hungarian generals were executed, and the Austrians clinking their beer glasses after each execution.

• After this, Hungarians vowed to not cheer with the beer for 150 years. That time has passed, but it’s still a custom

Try it at: Szimpla Kert, Budapest

 

Slovenia – Union

• There is nothing more contentious than arguing with a Slovene about the brand of domestic beer they prefer

• Union and Lasko are like Coke and Pepsi here. I have my clear favourite though!

Try it at: cake shop of Hotel Park, Lake Bled

 

Turkey – Efes

• The Turks are increasingly moving away from the traditional Raki (aniseed-flavored alcoholic drink). It takes guts to try Raki!

• Efes is the Nation’s second favourite after raki and one of the most beloved beers

Try it at: Cafe Keyif , Göreme

 

Slovakia – Zlaty Bazant

• Bratislava takes its beer just as seriously as its more famous neighbour, Prague

• Make sure to try their favourite beer when in town.

Try it at: UFO, Bratislava

 

Croatia – Karlovačko

• Honestly, Croatia is more famous for its cafe-culture than its beer-culture

• But when you are in this country and need a break from coffee, be sure to ask for a Karlovačko

Try it at: one of the many cafes in Zagreb Old town

 

Denmark – Carlsberg

• You can have a Carlsberg anywhere in the world, but it is another feeling to have it where it all began

• When Danish scientist Niels Bohr won the Nobel Prize in 1922, Carlsberg gave him a perpetual supply of beer piped into his house. That some serious extra motivation to win more Nobels in the future!

Try it at: any supermarket :P

 

Norway – Hansa

• The Norwegians really love beer!

• So much so that Norway‘s first aircraft hijacking was resolved after the hijacker surrendered his weapon in exchange for more beer

Try it at: any supermarket :P

 

Austria – Stiegl

• Germany and Austria might be politically separated but the beer brewing passion is still the same

• Try Stiegl, but beware the sour notes can come as an unpleasant surprise

Try it at: Cafe Landtmann, Vienna

 

About the Author : "Megha and Pranay (alias The Trunk Travellers) are travelling around the world this year. An ex- Investment Banker and ex- Consultant by profession, they decided to take the greatest journey of their lives. They have visited over 30 countries together. Megha has co-founded the kitschy product label, Pitaara Handmade and is scouting for inspiration during her travels. They have been featured with LBB Mumbai and WedMeGood previously. You can follow their adventures and photographs on Instagram as well"