Memorable Moments Drinking Beer around the World
Well, it’s about that time again! Time for the next installment of our popular series about memorable moments drinking beer around the world.
As lovers of beer and travel, we try our best to take a photo of every beer that we sample while on the road, making for an awesome photo collection with over 300 different types and brands of beer.
Because tastes and preferences are so subjective, our goal for this series is not to find the “best beer in the world”, but rather to reflect on memorable beer drinking moments from our travels. Keep in mind, we don’t consider ourselves professional beer connoisseurs and our beer reviews can easily be influenced by how many were consumed that day.
The beer-tastic series continues with its 10th edition, serving up ten more unforgettable moments from around the world. Cheers!
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Victoria Cerveza – Tulum, Mexico
This familiar bottle of cerveza was enjoyed on the private deck of our fantastic beachfront villa after exploring the ruins of Tulum. With unobstructed views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea, its no surprise that this unforgettable moment made the list. When we think of tropical paradise, images of bright sunshine, turquoise water and cold beer come to mind. This moment had it all!
The beer verdict – Light and refreshing, plenty of carbonation with decent body. We give it 7 out of 10
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Bia Hoi in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
After hours of wandering up and down the noisy, exhaust fumed streets of Ho Chi Minh City, we finally found a small makeshift bar that was serving up Vietnam’s infamous Bia Hoi. The cheap home brew was served in a 4-litre plastic jug, taken straight out of a steel drum (we didn’t really want to think about the manufacturing process). That jug in the photo beside Nicole cost less than US$1, providing the inspiration for an interesting, fun filled evening in the city.
The beer verdict – tangy and sour, yet refreshing in the muggy humidity. We give it 5 out of 10 on taste, but 10 out of 10 on value (you can’t beat $0.22 a pint!)
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Birell Beer – Cario, Egypt
If you’re the observational type, you’ll notice that this can of beer is actually “non-alcoholic”. Therefore, technically it shouldn’t be included in this post. However, we didn’t realize this until after drinking one and asking each other, “is it just me, or is this beer really weak?”
We clearly weren’t paying attention and grabbed a few cans that looked like beer from the lone fridge at the Cairo train station. Being a Muslim country that frowns on alcohol consumption, we should have known better! We boarded the overnight train from Cairo to Luxor and looked forward to enjoying a few cold beers in our private room. Sadly, these cans of malty liquid just didn’t do the trick.
The beer verdict – malty and sour with terrible aftertaste, not good. We give it a 1 out of 10
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Kingfisher Premium Lager – Taj Mahal in Agra, India
This photo does a fantastic job portraying the city of Agra, India. We drank this warm bottle of Kingfisher on the rooftop of our budget hotel, watching the sun set over the majestic Taj Mahal. The soothing Muslim call to prayer surrounded us, vibrating across the city as children and fathers flew their colourful kites in the thick humidity. It’s amazing how the street level chaos disappears once you reach the peaceful rooftop terraces – it’s a completely different world.
The beer verdict – Malty and bitter with skunky aftertaste, heavily carbonated and served warm, not great but it’s the best India has. We give it a 6 out of 10
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Spinnakers Lion’s Head Cascadia Dark Ale – Victoria, British Columbia
This tasty dark ale was purchased directly from Spinnakers Brewpub, one of the oldest breweries in the Pacific Northwest. We were still buzzing from our incredible whale watching tour with Prince of Whales, witnessing over 25 killer whales in the span of an hour! Public consumption of alcohol is not allowed in Canada, so this delicious bottle of beer was enjoyed at our luxurious boutique hotel, located within steps of Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour (where this photo was taken).
The beer verdict – Bold aroma, distinct hops and malts with slight bitterness, great colour and flavourful finish. We give it 8.5 out of 10
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Lasko Zlatorog Lager – Split, Croatia
The body of water in the backdrop is the Adriatic Sea. We had just returned from an afternoon exploring Split’s historical harbour and old town. We enjoyed this massive bottle of lager on the patio of our vacation rental, soaking up the sun while we watched the remainder of the afternoon disappear. We were thankful to have found accommodations outside of the bustling city centre, allowing us to experience the peacefulness and simplicity of the Dalmatian Coast.
The beer verdict – Light bodied, clear and carbonated, refreshing but nothing special. We give it 6.5 out of 10
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Efes Dark – Ankara, Turkey
If you’ve traveled to Turkey, and you like beer, you’ve probably sampled a bottle of Efes Beer. In fact, it’s pretty much the only beer available in Turkey. This tasty beer was enjoyed inside our Ankara apartment, after a full day of sightseeing that included the Kocapete Mosque and the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It was also the night before we traveled to Cappadocia, where we spent a few days exploring the ancient fairy chimneys and rock formations in the Göreme Valley (as seen on the cover of the guidebook in the photo).
The beer verdict – Light body for a dark beer, malty and sweet with decent amount of bitterness. Enjoyed it more than the standard Efes beer. We give it 7 out of 10
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Brand Dubblebock – Amsterdam, Netherlands
This picture perfect pint was consumed in a cozy Amsterdam lounge, located across the street from the Heineken Brewery. It was a chilly and damp November evening, so the warmth of the wood burning stove and the candles on the table were welcomed. There was nothing particularly special about the day or the evening, but the ambiance of this cute heritage restaurant made for an unforgettable evening – it felt very European.
The beer verdict – Full body, sweet and flavorful, great head and dark amber colour. We give it 8.5 out of 10
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Asahi Super Dry – Kyoto, Japan
Although the photo does not properly show the setting, this world famous beer was enjoyed on the banks of the Kamo River in Kyoto. After stuffing ourselves with Yakitori at a traditional restaurant, we grabbed a couple bottles of Asahi beer and strange potato chips from the 7/11 store and headed to the popular riverbanks to hang out with the locals. There were literally hundreds of people socializing along the water, singing and dancing, and basically drinking themselves silly. It was the perfect spot to people watch and enjoy a cold beer, though the potato ships were not very good (I think it was shrimp flavour?).
The beer verdict – Crisp and clean, refreshing and dry, good bitterness with smooth finish. We give it 7 out of 10
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Gallo Cerveza – Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Our trip to Guatemala centered around the legendary Mayan Temples and Pyramids that are found in Tikal National Park. In order to catch both a sunrise and sunset over the pyramids, we decided to spend a couple nights directly in the park at the Jungle Lodge. To our surprise, we appeared to be the only guests in the lodge. As the photo illustrates, we had the entire restaurant (and lodge) to ourselves. This refreshing bottle of Gallo Cerveza was enjoyed over a couple rounds of cribbage, our staple travel game.
The beer verdict – Not great but light, clear and refreshing in the humid jungle. We give it 6 out of 10
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Do you have a memorable beer moment that you’d like to share?
Share your experience in the comments section below!
Check out the other beers in this collection – Memorable Moments Drinking Beer around the World
Cameron and Nicole Wears are a Canadian couple and newbie parents living in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. A passion for travel and outdoor adventure has taken them to over 65 countries & territories on 6 continents in the past 7 years. Consider following us via 
This is great! We’re a travel and beer loving couple too (though I’ve gotten more into wine lately). Did a post on my top 5 beer bars around the world (in our travel experiences thus far) and looking back at it was wondering if you’d been to Cafe Gollam when you were in Amsterdam? Amazing selection of Belgium and other beers!
Hi Sam – glad you enjoyed the post!
Not sure if went to Cafe Gollam or not? Can’t remember the names, though I wasn’t really paying attention. So many delicious pints in Amsterdam!
Love it. I wish I had taken photos of the beers we have enjoyed around the world as well! Might need to steal your idea for some upcoming posts
No problem – happy to have inspired your new “hobby”!
I’ve been enjoying this series for quite some time. I didn’t even know about the Spinnakers Lion’s Head Cascadia Dark Ale – Victoria, British Columbia – shame on me!
Shame on you indeed! Spinnakers is a great brewery to visit when in Victoria, and its food is equally impressive
how the heck did I miss dubblebock??!! Darn it!! now I’ve got to go back!
It’s a tasty one!
I don’t suppose you’ve come across any gluten-free beer on your travels? It’s usually awful stuff, but just wondering. I–and my readers–would find this information useful. Great post. Ah, the memories.
Sorry Christopher, I can’t say I’ve ever come across gluten-free beer on our travels. Though I haven’t really been looking for it.
I lived with someone who drank gluten free beer in australia. I’m not sure what it’s called, but it does exist!
Well there you go! Thanks for sharing
I always love your “beer around the world’ posts. You are doing a public service, and making me thirsty!
Thanks Glen – we’re just doing our part to make sure that beer and travel remain a priority!
I fI drank this much beer, I would have no memorable moments.
Hah! all in moderation (wink, wink)
I do love enjoying local brews when traveling. I do have to say that after my latest trip I was craving a ‘good’ glass of wine, though! Enjoyed reading your rankings on the beers.
Thanks Debbie! Glad you enjoy reading the series
You guys are awesome! If you ever pass by Malaysia, look me up and I’ll take you for some local Beer here! After reading this post, I need a beer!
Will do David! Would love a cold bottle of Tiger and some spicy noodles right about now
I’m not the biggest fan of beer – in fact, I only really like Estrella Damm… I think.
This was still really fun to read, though. Funny how you can find beer everywhere!
Thanks, glad you guys like the post!
There’s always new beer to be found
Wondering if you see any IPA’s that locals drink floating around other countries you visit?
We’ve found that IPA’s are best in North America and Western Europe (but that’s kind of a blanket statment because North America and Europe make the best beer, period!).
Yes Kingfisher my favorite Indian Beer !
I’m not a big fan of Kingfisher, but it’s certainly the best that India has to offer
Oh, I wish I had tried the Brand Dubblebock when I was in the Netherlands. I’m usually a wine drinker, but there are times when a really good beer is the right thing to have. Looks like you guys are the go-to people about world beer!
The Dubblebock is very good, one of the better ones from this list.
Every time is a good time for a beer!
I do like me some Gallo I have to admit…surprised you only gave it a 6…
Yeah, I wasn’t as impressed with Gallo.
It’s good, and I indulged in several during our time in Gautemala, but compared to the world stage, I think it misses the mark (for me anyways – but everyone has different taste preferences)
Mmmmm beer!
have you guys been to Fiji yet? I had some really great beer there called Fiji Gold, however a lot of people seem to hate it haha
haven’t been to Fiji yet, but when we do visit (hopefully in 2012) we will certainly give that beer a try!
I’m really glad we’re not the only ones who have tried every beer brand available in every country we’ve visited, haha =) I was starting to worry about us
Hah! No, no… you’re not alone.
Hopefully our paths with cross one day and we can swap travel stories over a cold pint!
I’ve probably said it before, but I love this series! Birell Beer – Cario, Egypt = 1…is that the lowest score you’ve ever given a beer? I don’t want to sound crude but from your description it might better off drinking horse *something*?
Yup – it’s THE lowest score we’ve ever given! Not good, avoid at all costs
nom nom nom Have you been to Belgium yet? With over 700 beers brewed in the country… you will have lots of oppurtunities for beer moments
Yes – we LOVE Belgium beers. So many to choose from!
Most of the pints we drank in Belgium were served in a clear glass without branding (micro-breweries), which makes it difficult to showcase the brand in a photo. We’ve added a few of them in previous posts.
You’ll just have to check them all to find out where!
So happy Central America squeaked in at the end… The tropics always makes me want a refreshing beer!
No doubt! The hot sun and tropical beaches scream a cold pint of deliciousness!
Wait – you can’t drink beer in public in Canada?
Nope!
In fact, if you get caught with an open alcoholic drink in public you will get a fine. We’re pretty uptight!
Mmmm makes me want a nicer amber ale right now. I know there’s a few bloggers doing the beers around the world thing right now, and I am not ashamed to say I may become one of them when I take off in January!
We are all about beer and travel. For us, it’s like sampling the local cuisine of a foreign culture.
I love your blog! I recently “stumbled upon” it and immedietly became a fan on facebook. I am fan of traveling and a huge fan of beer. This is the best blog!!! I need to find someone to travel and find beers with myself haha.
Happy Travels, can’t wait for the next “drinking beer around the world”!!
We appreciate your kind words! So happy that you enjoy our blog (makes all the painful hours of work worth it!). Hopefully we deliver
Love this post! I am a huge beer enthusiast but because of my midsection over the summer, and moving to France, I am trying my hand lifting exercises with wine. Not the same!
There is something so refreshing about a cold pint of beer.
I personally think I am low in yeast
Thanks for the kind words Eva – glad you enjoy the post!
Well, if you’re in France I would say you are probably better off with its wine, they don’t do beer very well. BUT, you are so close to Germany and Belgium, the masters of beer craft!
I loooove Victoria beer! So delish!
It’s certainly one of the better Mexican beers
I remember drinking Kingfisher warm in India in 1980 when it was difficult to find it in the same bottle twice.
I agree that Efes dark is much better than Efes lager, there are a few other brands out there but more difficult to find. BUT my favorite drink in Turkey is Yeni Raki (Green Label)
I gotta say Fiji Bitter is up there.
Thanks
Me and Raki don’t really get along… I can handle a few sips with late night Meeze but that’s about the extent of it. But I’m always game for some late night Efes!
I always like to taste the local beer in every place I go… I love drinking beer! Thanks for your post, I have 1 brand here I have not tasted yet!
Excellent! Glad you like the post Xander. We’ve got another one in the works as we speak…
Now if you are enjoying an Authentic Seacoast Ale on the deck of the Rare Bird Pub & Eatery in Guysborough, Nova Scotia, you might actually see some pilot whales in the harbour as you enjoy your beers. Here’s a photo taken from the Rare Bird Pub of “>pilot whales In the Guysborough harbour.
Sounds like the perfect place to enjoy a pint! Thanks for sharing
Loving this post guys! I’m personally more of a wine person but I do love tasting local beers when I travel. I also like how you incorporated the beer into these photos!
Thanks! Our goal for the series is more about the moment than the actual beer. It’s a fun series to create!
Many people conflate good beer with cheap and cold. Cold, cheap beer is usually not that good, but context can make it thoroughly enjoyable, as you’ve effectively shown. Given the various beer styles there are, it’s a shame that the majority of beers you have in this series is standard lager, the Wonder Bread of beer. It speaks of the virtual monoculture that has developed. Thankfully, the North American craft brewing scene is strongly pushing back against this tide, which has also reinvigorated European brewing and kept traditional brewers, like Cantillon, alive.
Wherever I travel, I’ll always try the local brew, albeit with low expectations. The hotter the weather, the more likely I’ll appreciate the refreshment. Lately, though, I’ve taken to bringing non-lager, Canadian craft beer with me to share with locals, to give them an opportunity to experience other possibilities. Needless to say, this creates memorable moments. So if you come across R&B and Red Racer t-shirts in Asia, you’ll know where they came from.
By the way, if you’ve never been to the Alibi Room in Vancouver, you must go!
I haven’t heard of Alibi Room but after checking it out I think i’ll have to make a visit in the near future – thanks for the tip!
You actually bring Canadian craft beer with you when you travel to other countries? How do you manage to get beer on the plane without getting push back from customs?
I can appreciate your stance on lagers, I’m not a big fan either. That said, trying to find a rich and flavourful beer in South America or Asia is tall order… one that typically ends with a Heineken.
The Alibi Room is my favourite place for craft beer in Vancouver. Their two famous annual events are Hopapalooza during Vancouver Craft Beer Week and their beer menu centenary (their beer selection changes about twice a week), which usually happens in the second week of December.
Absolutely right in that it can be hard to find good beer outside of North America and Western Europe. And if you do, it can be expensive. The problem with Heineken is the green bottle. If the beer isn’t handled properly, it will get light-struck and turn skunky. With so much beer in China being packaged in clear and green bottles, avoiding skunked beer becomes a challenge.
Haven’t had a problem taking beer with me yet. I usually opt for a couple of Red Racer six packs in my checked-in suitcase. The cans are compact and can be chilled quicker than bottles. Last fall, the BC Craft Brewers Association came out with a mixed pack, which was great for the craft beer ambassador. I took one to Shanghai with good results. I hope they’ll come out with them on a regular basis.