Beer in Europe: Top Brews to Sip Across the Continent

Last Updated on 10 July 2025 by Johan

Whether you’re tracing beer roots through a medieval brewery or savoring a cold pint on a modern city terrace, Europe’s beer culture is a tapestry of tradition and taste. This updated guide dives into the top-selling beer brands of 2025 and shows you how to pair each with local flavors while traveling.

Top-Selling Beers Across Europe

Europe’s most beloved brews are crisp, crowd-pleasing lagers with flavor profiles perfect for pairing:

Beer BrandOriginTypeFood Pairings
HeinekenNetherlandsLagerGrilled meats, burgers, spicy bites
GuinnessIrelandStoutBeef stews, oysters, chocolate
CarlsbergDenmarkLagerThai dishes, seafood, pizza
Stella ArtoisBelgiumLagerMussels, frites, creamy cheeses
Beck’sGermanyLagerSausages, pretzels, sauerkraut
Budweiser BudvarCzech RepublicPale LagerDumplings, goulash, sushi
AmstelNetherlandsLagerBitterballen, Dutch cheese
PeroniItalyPale LagerPizza, antipasti, pasta
TuborgDenmarkLagerDanish pastries, seafood
Corona ExtraMexico (Popular in Europe)LagerFish tacos, ceviche, guacamole

Trends Worth Tapping Into

  • Lager Dominance: 8 out of the 10 top sellers are lagers, confirming Europe’s love for smooth, drinkable brews.
  • Northern Europe Rules: Brands from Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany lead the list.
  • Global Tastes Rising: Despite its Mexican origin, Corona has carved out a massive fan base across Europe.

Create Your Own “Beer Passport” Tour

Planning a European adventure? Make each stop count by pairing beers with local eats:

  • Beck’s in Berlin with bratwurst and a fresh pretzel
  • Peroni on a Roman terrace with antipasti
  • Stella Artois in Brussels alongside moules-frites
  • Guinness in Dublin with a bowl of rich stew

Travel Tip

Snap a photo at every brewery, beer hall, or garden you visit — some cities even offer official “beer passports” that score you souvenirs or discounts when stamped at partner pubs.

…. and, before you ask, it is always 5 o’clock somewhere in the world… Cheers!