Welcome to our top 20 beers roundup, a curated journey that will make your taste buds cheer. Below you’ll find twenty brews that span continents, styles, and stories—each worth a sip at least once.
Top 20 Beers Overview
20. Budweiser
Dubbed the world’s most ubiquitous lager, Budweiser often feels like the default beer on any continent. I recall trekking through Europe and spotting locals nursing Buds while a treasure trove of boutique brews waited nearby. Reluctantly, I’ve added it here—though it’s not as terrible as its reputation suggests.
19. Iron City
The logo may not win any beauty contests and the name doesn’t exactly roar, plus the city itself conjures gritty images, yet they manage to brew a solid, budget‑friendly lager that punches above its weight.
18. Amstel Light
Ever caught a glimpse of the regular Amstel? This lighter version keeps the classic Dutch character while dialing down the calories, making it a breezy option for those who want flavor without the heaviness.
17. Red Stripe
Think sun‑kissed Jamaica, reggae rhythms, and the unmistakable red bottle. Red Stripe delivers a crisp, refreshing sip that pairs perfectly with island vibes—truly a bottle that stands out in any cooler.
16. Smithwicks
Ireland’s third‑most‑popular lager earns its place with a smooth, easy‑drinking profile. Locals often pronounce the “W” silently, rendering the name as “Smithicks,” “Smitticks,” or even “Smeth‑icks,” adding a quirky linguistic twist.
15. Foster’s
Made famous by the iconic “oilcan” ads, this Australian lager is a staple at Outback restaurants worldwide—ironically, it remains relatively unpopular back home Down Under.
14. Victory
Pale‑ale enthusiasts will appreciate Victory’s Hop Devil offering—a bold, hop‑forward brew that packs a serious punch for anyone craving intensity.
13. Corona
Corona has become synonymous with summer beach days, lime wedges, and a light, almost white hue. Rarely seen on ski slopes, it shines brightest when paired with sun, surf, and sand.
12. Ommegang
One of the fastest‑growing microbreweries in the United States, Ommegang hails from Cooperstown, NY, and offers a quintet of standout beers worth seeking out whenever possible.
11. Chimay
These Trappist‑crafted Belgian ales are revered for their superior quality. Though pricier and fruit‑forward, they reward those willing to acquire a palate for their nuanced flavors.
10. Stella Artois
A clean, crisp lager that enjoys worldwide availability, Stella Artois serves as an excellent introductory import for anyone venturing beyond domestic options.
9. Paulaner
Ranked highest among wheat (hefe‑weizen) beers on this list, Paulaner shines brightest when paired with a fresh orange slice, delivering a bright, citrus‑kissed experience.
8. Newcastle
“Newcastle Brown, I’m tellin’ you, it can sure smack you down.” Known locally as “Dog” or “Broon,” this amber ale earned its nickname from the euphemism “I’m going to walk the dog,” a cheeky way of saying a trip to the pub.
7. Samuel Adams
Named after a founding father of American independence, Samuel Adams’ Massachusetts brewery churns out award‑winning micro‑brews at a macro scale, making quality widely accessible across U.S. bars.
6. Rogue
Oregon’s Rogue brewery helped ignite the modern micro‑brew movement. Their Dead Guy Ale stands as a hallmark of bold, experimental craft brewing.
5. Sam Smith’s
Old‑school labels, gold foil accents, and a reputation for solid porters and stouts make Sam Smith’s a reliable, reasonably‑priced choice from Yorkshire, England.
4. Yuengling
Pronounced “Ying‑ling,” Yuengling is America’s oldest brewery, delivering a genuinely great lager that’s a staple throughout the Mid‑Atlantic and increasingly the South.
3. Guinness
The iconic stout that needs no introduction, Guinness commands recognition from across the room. A perfect pour fills the glass halfway, lets it settle, then tops off for that silky, velvety finish.
2. Sierra Nevada
If any pale ale can claim it all, it’s this one. Intense flavor, striking green label, and a satisfying kick make Sierra Nevada a must‑have cornerstone of any collection.
1. Westvleteren
The undisputed champion of beers, Westvleteren can only be purchased at the monastery by reservation, limited to one case per car. My lucky encounter came when my uncle pilfered a stash from his son—an unforgettable taste of true Belgian monastic craftsmanship.