Beers of Europe

Europe is known for making some of the best beers on the planet. The tradition of making beer goes back for many centuries in this region, with many recipes still honored in authenticity today. While many of the most popular beers of Europe are those that are exported to America, there are still many companies in Europe that are probably not as well-known in the West, although they should be. Here are ten of the best or most popular beers of Europe (in no particular order):

1. Among the beers of Europe, Heineken is one of the most popular imports in the United States. It is a premium pale lager with a little bite. It originally hails from Holland, but it is now brewed by 40 different breweries in 39 countries around the world.
2. Pilsner Urquell was the very first Pilsner-style beer (which is a form of lager). Originating in the Czech Republic, this light-colored yet flavorful beer is enjoyed all over the world and is one of the most widely celebrated beers of Europe.
3. Guinness is, maybe, the most famous beer in the world. This is probably somewhat due to good marketing, but when you make a stout beer, it's hard to get everyone to like it. However, the chocolaty, aromatic room-temperature Irish stout has been turning heads since the 1700's because it is, quite simply, just that good.
4. Harps Lager, then, must also be on this list because while it is a fair Irish beer (and a fairly light one at that) it is the other ingredient in a true Black and Tan (Guinness being the first). It is not necessarily the most flavorful of all the lagers in the world, but it is worth mentioning as the balance to Ireland's more robust beers (which also includes the sweeter Murphy's Stout).
5. RugenBrau is one of the more refreshingly light beers of Europe that you will find. Fresh and crisp it is little-known outside of its native Interlaken, Switzerland but that could soon change if it's popularity keeps growing.
6. Newcastle Brown Ale, from England, is one of the newest beers of Europe, at least as far as establishment is concerned. However, it has quickly become a favorite locally as well as in the United States and many other countries around the world.
7. Beck's is, basically, the German answer to Heineken. It is also a premium lager that comes in a green bottle, but the similarities may end there. Beck's is a bit easier on the senses because it is slightly smoother than its Dutch counterpart.
8. Jupiler, the most popular beer in Belgium, is an easy to drink lager that you will not likely find outside the country, except for perhaps France.
9. Carlsberg beer is one the most well-known brands in the world. This is partly due to an enduring family legacy that dates back to Denmark 1847. The proprietors of the Carlsberg brand developed brewing innovations that are still used today.