From trendy IPAs to light lagers, there’s something for everyone in the American beer market. But with so many great beers now being brewed in the US, you might be asking if they’re popular in other countries as well.
American craft beers are popular among many beer enthusiasts in other countries, and many US breweries export them worldwide. Brands such as Sierra Nevada and Brooklyn Brewery are popular in the UK and other parts of Europe. Mass-market lagers like Bud and Coors are available but often not very popular.
American craft beers are celebrated for their bold flavors and innovative brewing techniques and have disrupted the traditional beer market, making them a worldwide export.
In this article, I’ll explore the popularity of American beers across Europe and elsewhere plus take a closer look at where you can find some of the most popular brands and styles outside of the US. So whether you’re a curious beer enthusiast or just looking to see what beer from the U.S.A. is available, read on to find out more.
Which American Beers Are Popular In Other Countries?
There are plenty of American beers that are popular in other countries, but the selection can be limited depending on the region.
In Europe, some of the most popular varieties include craft beers like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Brooklyn Lager, and Goose Island IPA. Mass-market lagers such as Budweiser, Bud Light, and Coors Light are available, especially in the UK.
Brooklyn Brewery was a pioneer in the craft beer export market and this now accounts for over half of its annual production. Brands like this get so big that they can no longer be called “craft” beer.
American light lagers are nowhere near as popular in Europe as local lager brands. But craft beers are certainly making a name for themselves among beer enthusiasts who appreciate their unique styles and flavors.
Most countries have their own beers and people like to drink their local brew, so American beers are only a fraction of the market in pretty much all countries.
In other parts of the world, American IPAs are gaining a growing following and have become some of the most popular craft export brands such as Ballast Point, Stone Brewing Co, and Lagunitas.
In Japan and other Asian countries, there has been an increasing interest in American craft beers, even to the point where Japanese breweries have started brewing their own versions of popular US styles.
It’s also worth mentioning that some of the most sought-after American beers are made by independent craft breweries. These beers have become cult favorites worldwide due to their unique flavor profiles and limited production runs.
Where Can You Find American Beers Abroad?
The availability of American beers in other countries depends on the local beer culture and they can be quite hard to come by. In many places though, you can at least find a selection in larger cities and tourist areas.
Canada, the UK, Sweden, Korea, Australia, and China are some of the largest exporters of US beer.
In Europe, the most popular US brands (e,g. Budweiser, Coors, etc.) can usually be found in some supermarkets and large stores, particularly in the UK. Other beers from the smaller American brewers are not so easy to buy in many European shops and stores.
The UK is probably the place where you can find the largest selection of different beers, with many American craft ales and lagers finding their way onto supermarket shelves across the country these days.
UK pubs will often have a “light beer” option available on draught, such as Coors Light or Bud Light. And the classic Budweiser can be found anywhere in bottles.
In Germany, German beers are very traditional and make up most of the options in grocery stores like Rewe – you can get the occasional US beer next to a Corona or Guinness. You’ll find artisan beer bars stocking American beers such as the Monterey Bar in Berlin and the Frisches Bier taproom in Munich.
As for France, you can get US beers like Coors Light and Bud in a large “supermarché” like Carrefour. As for bars, the Paris-based Le Supercoin craft bar stocks a wide range of beers from the US, including popular names like Deschutes River Ale and Lagunitas IPA.
Australia is also home to some excellent American craft brew suppliers. Beer Cartel, an online beer community Down Under, has a great selection of imported US beers including many New England and West Coast IPAs.
It’s clear there is a thriving artisan beer scene in many countries all over the world that will often provide access to imported American craft beers, you just have to search for them.
What Do Europeans Think Of American Beer?
For a long time, European views of US beers were largely based on the mass-produced lagers like Budweiser, Coors, and Miller that we often see in films or on television. This led to all American beers being stereotyped as “watery” and lacking flavor.
However, this view is quickly changing with the rise of the craft brewing industry in the United States. There are now thousands of breweries producing an array of unique styles and flavors that are getting the interest of many European beer drinkers.
While traditional European beer-making remains a beloved part of many countries’ cultures, there has been an influx of US craft beer over the continent – allowing even more people access to their experimental and high-quality brews.
When it comes to American beer, Europeans’ opinions are quite diverse – this can depend on their individual tastes and the types of beers they’re exposed to, as well as how those brews fit into their own cultural history.
Differences European Vs American Beer
European and American beer has some notable differences in terms of brewing techniques, ingredients, and styles.
American craft beer is often known for its hoppiness. Most craft IPAs are actually quite bitter, thanks to the large amount of hops and other flavor-enhancing ingredients that go into them.
European beers on the other hand tend to be maltier and sweeter in comparison – though there are still plenty of craft brews in Europe that emphasize the hop profile. These European beers are often served with a thick foam head.
Ultimately, it’s all a matter of personal preference: some people prefer the boldness of an American IPA while others might like the subtlety of a European lager better.
Is American Beer Sold In Germany?
American beer is sold in Germany but is not very widely available.
German people like drinking their own beer. The light lagers such as Coors Light don’t get any traction due to the wide amount of great lagers available in Germany. Craft beers are the only US beers that can occasionally be found in larger supermarkets.
I took a look at one of the largest German grocery stores called Rewe and their online beer section. There were zero American beers available in the standard beer category. There was a small amount of Corona, but probably 90%+ German beers.
They had a craft beer section that only had 3 beers available. Nothing American but there were what looked like American-influenced pale ales, brewed by German brands. Their website description indicated they sometimes sold US and UK craft beers.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in American craft beer brands among German beer enthusiasts with many artisan bars and specialist stores featuring a selection of U.S. beers from small independent breweries.
Is American Beer Popular In Japan?
American beer is available in Japan, but it is not as popular or widely consumed as the local Japanese brands.
That comes as no surprise as Japan has a rich brewing heritage – the country has been making beer for centuries. Today, Japan is home to some of the world’s most iconic brands: Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo are all well-known and incredibly popular both among locals and visitors.
With some digging though, I’ve found out that in recent years, American craft beer has become increasingly popular in Japan among many Japanese beer enthusiasts. This is just one more example of how the appreciation for quality U.S. brews continues to grow worldwide.
Conclusion
It’s clear that appreciation for American craft beer is growing all around the world.
From Europe to Japan, people are beginning to recognize the unique flavors and brewing techniques of these groundbreaking US innovations – a trend that will likely continue in the future as more breweries open up across America.
Whether you prefer an IPA from New England or a pilsner from Germany, there’s something out there for everyone.
Beer lovers everywhere should take advantage of this increased access to foreign brews and explore different styles from different countries. Cheers!