The 11 Countries That Produce the Most Beer

When it comes to alcohol, beer is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. For Americans, you crack open a can of beer so you can watch your favorite football game. Or sometimes you go to a bar and order a delicious brewski while you talk with friends. Beer is an all-time American favorite, however, it’s also popular throughout the world. Countless countries produce beer and they all have a unique flavor that makes it special. Whether you have a Coors in the US, a Heineken in the Netherlands, or a Corona in Mexico, it’s all bound to be a delicious experience. But which countries produce the most beer? Let’s take a look at the 11 countries that produce the most beer.

11. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom and beer are just like two peas in a pod. Beer culture and the country is extremely popular and many companies brew beer all over. The history of beer brewing and the United Kingdom started in the Middle Ages. Some brewing companies have been around for more than 300 years including Shepherd Neame, as well as Bass Red Triangle and Diamond. Along with the large multinational brewing companies, there are also more than a thousand microbreweries located throughout the UK. The United Kingdom is also one of the largest consumers of beer in the world per capita.

10. Poland

Poland’s history with beer is expansive. Brewing has been around for more than a thousand years and it has become part of the country’s culture and traditions. Because of that, Poland is one of Europe’s largest beer producers. During communist Poland, many brewing companies were government-owned. After the fall of communism, things changed. Now there are large brewing companies — three to be exact, but also microbreweries popping up all over the country that tend to brew craft beer.

9. Vietnam

With the colonization of the French in Vietnam, beer production started in the country. There are many large international breweries located throughout the country, however, Sabeco Brewery is the largest brewing company in Vietnam. There are also many microbreweries producing craft beer, with many of them exploding in the past few years throughout Vietnam.

8. Spain

Archaeologists have found that ancient beer production in Spain started around 3,000 BC. But it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that it took off. It became much more popular in the 1900s with several large corporations popping up. Today, Spanish beer is some of the most popular in Europe. Spain is the second largest producer of beer in the European Union, behind only Germany. Spain, along with Germany, Poland, and The Netherlands, accounts for more than 50% of the beer production in the European Union.

7. Japan

When one thinks of Japan, beer does not come to mind. Instead, it’s sake. In fact, the Japanese drink more beer than sake. Beer production started when Europeans came to trade with the Japanese in the 17th century. It wasn’t popular, though, and so production was limited until the mid-1850s. The top three beer companies in Japan all formed in the 1860s and 1880s. Besides the large corporations, microbreweries have become popular over the past 30 years.

6. Russia

One might think that vodka is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Russia, but beer is tied with vodka in alcohol consumption. The industry is new to Russia, but there already are more than 500 beer companies. The largest and most popular Russian beer company is Baltika Brewery. There are various types of beer made in Russia, though Russians usually name their beers with color instead of their style or how the beer is fermented.

5. Germany

If there is one thing that Germany is synonymous with it is beer. After all, there is a holiday called Oktoberfest that so many people associate with beer. German beer uses only hops and malt as their ingredients. Because it’s such a big part of German tradition and culture, Germany is the third largest consumer of beer in Europe (per capita). German beer culture is so big that there is actual glassware associated with beer, and there are many different types of beer, as well.

4. Mexico

Beer started getting brewed in Mexico when the Spanish arrived to conquer the Aztec empire. Fascinatingly enough, native Mexican tribes did ferment alcohol and had alcohol available to their people. They used corn instead of barley. But once the Spanish arrived, the beer started being brewed with barley. For several hundred years, beer was limited, but after Mexico claimed its independence the beer industry increased substantially. By the turn of the century, 36 companies brewed beer, which now are some of the most famous beer companies in the world. Although they are the fourth largest producer of beer in the world, Mexico is the leading exporter of beer in the world.

3. Brazil

With many German immigrants moving to Brazil, the country began its beer production in the 1830s. The first Brazilian beer to ever come out of the country was Bohemia. They started production in 1853 in the state of Rio de Janeiro. It is said that it is the oldest beer that is still being produced. Afterward, more breweries started popping up throughout the country. Most notably, two of the most famous beer brands in Brazil — Brahma and Antarctica — started in the 1880s. Being the third largest producer of beer, Brazil’s choice for beer consumption is lager beer.

2. United States

Beer has been around in the United States since American colonialism. it was a quintessential part of life during the times of the founding fathers. However, the start of Prohibition in 1919 ensured that all alcoholic beverages were banned. Many people resorted to producing beer and liquor under the table and selling it under the table. After prohibition was repealed, many companies started to create breweries that would ensure beer production. Today, there are large corporations that produce beer, as well as small breweries that produce craft beer. It is said that the most popular beer consumed is the pale lager.

1. China

The history of Chinese beer started around 7,000 BC. Beer was made with rice, honey, and several fruits similar to how ancient Egyptians made beer. Interestingly enough, beer in ancient China was usually used for special events and rituals. Over time the popularity of beer decreased, however, and at the end of the 19th century, China’s beer consumption increased. It was then that beer production started flourishing in the country. Today, Chinese beer usually contains rice, rye, and barley, as well as sorghum. Currently, China leads in beer production.

Summary of 11 Countries That Produce the Most Beer

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