Everything To Know About Spanish Beer

There's nothing quite like a cool, refreshing beer on a warm day for many. In Spain, beer is one of the top choices for many Spaniards, with Spain being the fourth largest beer producer in Europe.

If you're due to visit Spain and wonder what locals are recommending, we've broken down everything there is to know about Spanish beer.

What Styles Are Spanish Beers?

Spain's most popular beer style is a light lager (or Rubia), with many breweries leaning towards a more pilsner approach. While pilsners are a type of lager, they use a more aggressive approach with hops making them a bit spicier.

You may find beer brands change between cities in Spain because many regions stick to their own locally-brewed beers. Often, Spanish brewers ensure there are local hints and tastes included.

What Are The Best Spanish Beers To Try?

Estrella Damm

Going as far back as 1876 and brewed in Barcelona, the Estrella Damm is a popular lager beer in Spain. It's lighter than most central European beers and was previously dubbed the Mediterranean lager as it was made for warmer climates. The lagers bottle design has changed a lot, but the taste has remained the same, with the recipe not evolving since its origin. Since 1904, this Spanish beer has won many awards internationally for its taste.

Mahou Cinco Estrellas

Mahou Cinco Estrellas' origins go back to 1936, having been known as the "Cerveza Especial", only becoming what it's known as today in 1969. This zesty, light-coloured lager beer is the official beer of Real Madrid, the city the beer originates from. This lager is well-known in the city and amongst the tapas culture, with this light, refreshing beer being perfect for a warm summer's day. 

Ambar Especial

A lager from the city of Zaragoza is Ambar Especial. This beer is brewed by a brewing company called 'Brewery, Malta and Ice', which was founded in 1900. This popular malt beer has an amber shade and is popular amongst Spaniards and tourists for its soft, balanced, and refreshing taste.

Alhambra Reserva

The full-body pilsner, Alhambra Reserva, is most recognisable because of its bright green bottle. This beer has light floral and spice notes with hints of orange and was brewed in Andalucia's first-ever brewery. It has won several awards, including the 2021 Superior Taste Award at the International Taste Institute (iTQi).

La Virgen

A light shaded lager brewed in Madrid is Cerveza Pura La Virgen. Made with 'love', La Virgen Madrid Lager is Madrid's take on a classic German Helles with a sweet, crisp taste which is perfect for a warm summer's day in the city. It's won five awards at the World Beer Awards, last winning in 2021. 

Cruzcampo Especial

The Cruz Del Campo brewery was founded in 1904, creating the Cruzcampo beer after discovering a unique yeast strain. Originally the Cruzcampo beer was made in Seville in 1904. However, since 2000, it has belonged to the brewing company Heineken International. To this day, it has a smooth, bitter taste with a fruity aroma.

Estrella Galicia

The bright and golden Estrella Galicia beer is a lager brewed right in the city of A Coruña, where it's made with fresh water straight from the city. This beer is best paired with cheeses, mushroom dishes or fish, having a crisp and dry taste with very mild hop bitterness. The brewery was founded in 1906, and while Estrella Galicia is well known in this city, it's not often found all over Spain.

Turia

Turia beer was founded by a group of friends founded in 1935 in Valencia. It is one of the most popular beers amongst Valencian citizens, with students ordering buckets after studying or when they've finished exams. Turia beer has an amber tone with hints of citrus notes and good freshness with a persistent foam, complementing tapas and appetiser dishes the best.

Moritz

Named the first beer in Barcelona, the Moritz lager has been around since 1856. This pale pilsner is made with mineral water and has become widely available across Spain since its relaunch in 2004. Most well-known is that this beer is the only Spanish label that is written entirely in Catalan.

San Miguel Especial

If you're after a classic, bitter-tasting lager, then a San Miguel is the beer for you. Having been around since 1890 and has become one of the most well-recognised Spanish beers around the globe. With hints of cereal and hops, this classic pale lager has won many awards, including gold at the World Beer Awards Spain 2020.

Things To Know About Ordering Spanish Beer

When it comes to ordering a beer in Spain, it's worth knowing the size of the beer you'll be asking for and the correct phrasing. Below, we've put together a guide to know which size to ask for so you aren't caught out!

●      Caña – The smallest size available, roughly just below the size of half a pint.

●      Doble – Typically twice the size of caña

●      Pinta – This is a pint and is usually served in a pint-size beer glass.

●      Botella de Cerveza – This is generally a standard size bottle of beer.

●      Jarra – Usually, this is a large mug or jar of beer. However, it's kinder on your wallet if you know you'll be having more than one all evening.

A lot, if not all, of the beers mentioned above, also offer their own alcohol-free versions and gluten-free versions. When getting away for a relaxing break, nothing quite beats a cold beer in the sun, and since Spain produces some delicious tasting beers, they go perfectly hand in hand. If this has put you in a Spanish mood, take a look at our guide to visiting Almeria in Spain, and don’t forget to check out how to make an offer on a hotel room with hoo for a bargain on your next stay, wherever it is.