Beers from Around the World

At Norman Goodfellows, we pride ourselves on being more than just a purveyor of fine beverages; we are curators of experiences and aficionados of taste.

In this blog, we take you on a global journey through the captivating world of beers. Join us as we traverse the continents, exploring the nuances of beers from around the world. Whether you’re a connoisseur, an adventurer seeking new brews, or a curious soul with a penchant for the extraordinary, you’re sure to enjoy this guided tour through the realms of brews.

What Makes Beer Unique?

Many think that beer is simply, well, beer. However, each type of beer has its own concoction of notes and nuances. From the fruity ales to the rich darkness of stouts, every sip tells a tale. But what truly makes beer unique is the intricate blend of ingredients, time, and craftsmanship that goes into making every barrel. Malt, hops, and yeast are three essential ingredients used in the process of making beer:

  • Malt is the foundation of beer and provides the sugars necessary for fermentation. It’s usually made from barley that has been germinated, dried, and sometimes roasted. The malting process develops enzymes that break down starches in the barley into fermentable sugars, which yeast can then convert into alcohol and carbon dioxide during fermentation.
  • Hops are flowers or cones from a hop plant that are added to beer primarily for flavour, aroma, and bitterness. They balance the sweetness of the malt with a bitter taste and contribute various aromas and flavours, ranging from citrusy to earthy. Hops also act as a natural preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of the beer.
  • Yeast is a microorganism responsible for fermentation. It consumes the sugars from the malt and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide as byproducts. Yeast comes in different strains, each contributing its own unique flavours and characteristics to the beer. The type of yeast used can greatly influence the final taste, aroma, and appearance of the beer.

Most Popular Types of Beer

Just as a sommelier discerns the notes of wine, a beer lover navigates the realm of hops and malts. Whether you crave the citrusy bite of an IPA or the crisp allure of a pilsner, each type has its charm. When it comes to the most popular types of beers around the world, the top types include:

#1 – Lagers

Lager is a type of beer that is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures. It is known for its crisp, clean taste and often has a lighter colour and milder flavour profile.

#2 – Ales

Ales are fermented at warmer temperatures and tend to have a more complex and varied flavour range compared to lagers. Common ale styles include Pale Ale, India Pale Ale (IPA), Amber Ale, and Brown Ale.

#3 – Stouts

Stouts are dark, rich beers known for their roasted malt flavours and often have a creamy texture. Variations like Dry Stout, Sweet Stout, and Imperial Stout offer different levels of sweetness and intensity.

#4 – Pilsners

Pilsners are a type of pale lager originating from the Czech Republic. They are characterized by their golden colour, crisp bitterness, and balanced maltiness.

#5 – IPAs (India Pale Ale)

IPAs are known for their hop-forward flavours and aromas, often with a pronounced bitterness. Substyles include American IPA, New England IPA (hazy and juicy), and Double IPA (higher alcohol and hop content).

Most Popular Beer in the World

We’ve curated a list of the top ten most popular beers in the world, which are a mix of ales, lagers, pilsners, and stouts. How many have you tried?

  • Budweiser – United States
  • Corona – Mexico
  • Heineken – Netherlands
  • Snow Beer – China
  • Tsingtao Brewery – China
  • Skol – Brazil
  • Brahma – Brazil
  • Yanjing Beer – China
  • Castle – South Africa
  • Harbin Beer – China

When it comes to South Africa’s beer landscape, there is much choice of character and colour. From the iconic Castle Lager to the hearty Windhoek Lager, South Africa has produced some local legends that have become synonymous with camaraderie and shared moments.

For all of these brew brands and more, shop at Norman Goodfellows online. We’ve curated selection of beers from around the world, waiting to be uncorked, it’s time to savour the journey and celebrate the richness of life’s pleasures. Cheers to the world of beer!