There’s nothing quite like an exceptional craft beer. Whether it’s a full-bodied stout with hints of chocolate and coffee or a crisp pilsner with a gentle floral aroma, every glass tells a story—of its origin, its brewers, and its drinkers.
The craft beer renaissance has taken the world by storm, giving rise to a global movement where creativity, tradition, and innovation converge. Beer lovers now travel far and wide, seeking out the finest brews, immersing themselves in local beer cultures, and jotting down “must-visit” breweries.
Today, we’re thrilled to take you on a craft beer adventure. Together, we’ll explore the top 100 beers in the world, understand what makes them stand out, and discover how you can experience these beers firsthand. Whether you’re a die-hard beer enthusiast or someone curious about the world of craft beer, there’s something here for you.
What Makes a Beer the Best?
Not all beers are created equal. Crafting a list of the “top beers in the world” isn’t just about picking what tastes good—it’s a deeper process.
How We Ranked the Top Beers
To determine the best of the best, brews are judged on several key factors, including flavor complexity, ingredient quality, innovation, consistency, and cultural significance. Then, there’s the one-and-only Bro! Beer Scale—a community-driven rating system that captures the spirit of beer appreciation in one clever number. With 97+ earning the title of Bro! Beer, you know these picks are out of this world.
Bro! Beer in the Community
The Bro! Beer Scale doesn’t just rate beers—it connects craft beer lovers worldwide. It’s influenced by real-life tasting notes, expert reviews, and that indescribable “wow” factor that makes a beer unforgettable.
Exploring the Top 100 Beers in the World
When discussing greatness in craft beer, certain names rise to the top. Below are highlights from the global beer scene that deserve a spot in your beer journal (or fridge):
Belgium – Where the Trappists Reign Supreme
- Westvleteren 12 (XII) – Brouwerij Westvleteren (Bro! Beer 99): Often called the “best beer in the world,” this Belgian quad offers deep caramel and raisin flavors. Brewed in limited quantities by Trappist monks, it’s a must-try.
- Chimay Grand Réserve (Blue) – Chimay (Bro! Beer 98): A rich, malty delight with hints of fig, dates, and spice.
- Orval Trappist Ale – Orval Brewery (Bro! Beer 97): A funky, hoppy masterpiece with just the right touch of sourness.
- Duvel – Duvel Moortgat (Bro! Beer 97): Lightly fruity, with a heavenly effervescence and subtle bitterness.
USA – Leading the Modern Craft Movement
- Pliny the Elder – Russian River Brewing Company (Bro! Beer 99): A hoppy Double IPA that’s a cult favorite among American beer enthusiasts. Think citrus, pine, and perfection.
- Heady Topper – The Alchemist (Bro! Beer 99): Iconic for its unapologetically bold flavors of tropical fruit and resin. Drink straight from the can for authenticity!
- Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) – Founders Brewing Co. (Bro! Beer 97): This barrel-aged stout is a chocolate-coffee lover’s dream.
Germany – The Legacy of Precision Brewing
- Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier – Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan (Bro! Beer 98): With banana and clove notes, every sip feels like a nod to tradition.
- Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock – Ayinger Privatbrauerei (Bro! Beer 97): This malty brew is as smooth as it is flavorful, reminiscent of caramel candy.
Japan – Where Elegance Meets Innovation
- Hitachino Nest White Ale – Kiuchi Brewery (Bro! Beer 97): A citrusy wheat ale with ginger and nutmeg—perfectly balanced, as all things should be.
- Asahi Super Dry – Asahi Breweries (Bro! Beer 96): The crisp standard for dry lagers, loved for its clean finish.
Around the World – Other Standouts
- Unibroue La Fin du Monde – Canada (Bro! Beer 98): Possessing fruity and bread-like complexities, its name translates to “end of the world,” and we can see why—it’s like heaven in a glass.
- Pilsner Urquell – Czech Republic (Bro! Beer 99): The original pilsner. Need we say more?
If your toes are already curling with excitement, the rest of the list will blow you away. Don’t miss Bro! Classics like Gouden Carolus, Tripel Karmeliet, and Punk IPA.
Brewery Tourism – A Bucket List for Beer Lovers
More than just drinks, breweries are destinations. They’re where the magic happens, where hops and dreams overflow.
Belgium’s Abbey Breweries
Tour the ancient Trappist abbey of Westvleteren or enjoy a picturesque pint at Chimay. Belgium’s brewing culture is as rich as its beers.
USA’s Iconic Breweries
Stop by Russian River Brewing in California or visit The Alchemist in Vermont for a firsthand sip of history. Highly recommend guided brewery tours to learn about their unique brewing processes.
Germany’s Beer Gardens
Who doesn’t want to sip the world’s best weissbier in Munich’s lush beer gardens? Add Weihenstephan to your ultimate tour itinerary.
Japan’s Fusion Breweries
Japan’s breweries, like Hitachino Nest, are blending ancient traditions with modern tastes. Their brewery tours often include sake tastings—beer lovers, rejoice!
The Future of Craft Beer
Craft beer is an adventure evolving by the day. Sustainability is becoming key, with many breweries adopting green practices. There’s also a rising trend of incorporating lesser-known ingredients—like exotic fruits and spices—to redefine what beer can be.
And thanks to global beer guides like ours, smaller, independent breweries are finally getting the spotlight they deserve. It’s an exciting time to be in the beer community.
Explore, Share, and Sip Away!
The world of craft beer is vast, vibrant, and waiting for you to explore it. These lists aren’t just markers of greatness—they’re invitations for discovery. We encourage you to try these masterpieces, pair them with memorable meals, and share your experiences.
Got a favorite beer from the list? Think we missed one? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment or send us your suggestions for future guides.
Now grab a pint glass and get started on your next craft beer adventure. Cheers! 🍻
[…] As a craft beer lover, I’m thrilled to share the top 10 breweries in Southern California. These spots have made it to the elite list. From San Diego to Los Angeles, they offer a wide range of brews and experiences. You can learn more about these breweries and their craft beers on craft beer journeys. […]