What’s on your beer bucket list? Historic wheat beers from Belgium?
American IPAs with limited runs? Or do you want to travel the tastes of the globe through beer?
My beer bucket list consists of a little bit of everything, a mash-up of tastes and flavors to spend a lifetime enjoying. Read on to find the top 50 beers to try before you die.
50 Beers To Try Before You Die
60 Minute Dogfish Head IPA
Bitter but balanced, the 60 Minute IPA by Dogfish Head has a deliciously toasted undertone.
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier is known for a ham-like aroma — which is much better than it sounds.
Alaskan Smoked Porter
Balancing German and American flavors, enjoy Alaskan Smoked Porter around the campfire or barbecue.
Asahi
Head to Japan for Asahi, a rice lager with a light flavor profile, a crisp taste, and a dry finish.
Beerlao Original
Perhaps an unusual choice, the delightfully simple Beerlao is perfect for warm days in Southeast Asia.
Bell’s Hopslam Ale
A double IPA, Bell’s Hopslam Ale pairs a strong bitter body with fruity and floral sweetness.
Brahma Beer
Ask for a beer in Brazil, and you’ll get Brahma. It’s bright and clean, with crisp notes.
BrewDog Punk IPA
Scotland’s BrewDog Punk IPA starts fruity, and finishes with a hit of bitter.
Cantillon Gueuze
Fruity and woody with a touch of acid and a lingering finish, let Cantillon Gueuze age before you crack it open.
Collesi Ambrata Craft Beer
Italy is the surprising forefront of the craft beer market, with Collesi Ambrata leading the way.
Deschutes The Abyss
Aged in oak barrels, bourbon flavors add to the dark complexity of The Abyss.
Duchesse de Bourgogne
A Flemish red ale, the long finish of Duchesse de Bourgogne is unbelievably smooth.
Duvel
One of Belgium’s best blonde beers, Duvel is subtle, refined, and sophisticated.
Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout
Enjoy a combination of coffee and beer, plus a hit of bourbon, with Founders KBS.
Fuller’s ESB
An English beer, Fuller’s ESB should be enjoyed with rainy weather and a pub lunch.
Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout
The full flavor of BCBS is only matched by the incredible balance of ingredients.
Guinness
Board a flight to Dublin, and enjoy the world’s most famous stout in its true home.
Hanoi Beer
Best sipped on a warm evening in Vietnam, Hanoi beer is refreshingly simple.
Heady Topper
Heady Topper is a double IPA that’s just as good as everyone says it is. Don’t miss out.
Hill Farmstead Edward
Stripped back, Hill Farmstead Edward puts all the focus on the hops, and executes it perfectly.
Hoegaarden
A Belgian witbier with an unmistakable spiced flavor, Hoegaarden fans should seek out the rarer Grand Cru.
Kingfisher
India’s most popular beer, and, yes, Kingfisher does pair well with a curry.
Kuhnhenn Raspberry Eisbock
If you only ever try one dessert beer, make it Kuhnhenn Raspberry Eisbock.
Lagunitas A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’
Well-rounded and easy to drink, A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ is a mellow IPA.
Left Hand Milk Stout
Creamy and strangely reminiscent of childhood treats, Left Handed Milk Stout is a heavy stout.
Negra Modelo
Is Negra Modelo the best beer from Mexico? Try it yourself and discover the creamy balance.
Newcastle Brown Ale
Blending pale malts with caramel malts, the dark color of Newcastle Brown Ale is matched by its unique flavor.
Orval Trappist Ale
Orval Trappist Ale is a decades-old recipe that tastes surprisingly modern. Sip it slowly, to explore the layered flavors.
Pilsner Urquell
The original pilsner, try Pilsner Urquell and see how all imitations pale in comparison.
Quilmes
Quilmes is an Argentinian beer, first brewed in 1890, and still as refreshing today.
Red Stripe
Jamaica’s most famous beer, Red Stripe tastes best with good music and excellent company.
Rochefort 10
A beer for the connoisseur, head to Belgium to enjoy Rochefort 10 in its true home.
Russian River Consecration
Aged in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, Consecration is tart and acidic, with plenty of punch.
Russian River Pliny the Elder
A bold IPA with limited availability, Pliny the Elder is a must-try for all IPA enthusiasts.
Saison Dupont
Every bottle of Saison Dupont is a little different, making this a bucket list beer to try again and again.
Samichlaus Classic
The flavors are excellent, but Samichlaus is worth trying because of its unusual creation ritual: it’s only brewed once a year.
Sapporo
Sapporo is the beer of Japan, and a classic accompaniment to diverse meals.
Schneider Weisse
Schneider Weisse has made wheat beer an art form, with the traditional recipe unaltered since 1872.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Sierra Nevada Ale started the pale ale revolution, and it still lives up to the hype.
Singha
Refreshingly light, Singha is a Thai beer with a simplicity ideal for summer.
Tecate
A classic Mexican beer, Tecate is full-bodied and crisp. Try in Mexico or California.
Three Floyd’s Zombie Dust
Zombie Dust is intense and aromatic, and worth the effort of seeking out.
Three Horses Beer
Madagascan pilsner might not be an obvious combination, but Three Horses Beer is an unconventional delight.
Tiger Beer
Designed as a beer for the heat of Singapore, aromas of tropical fruit complement a full body.
Trappist Westvleteren 12
Trappist Westvleteren 12 is almost impossible to find, and entirely worth the effort. Exceptional.
Tree House Julius
Tree House Julius is the juiciest IPA you’ll ever drink, and the most orange beer you’ll ever see.
Tsingtao
The second most popular beer in China, Tsingtao is the Chinese beer worth traveling for.
Victoria Bitter
Drink Victoria Bitter ice-cold for a full-bodied flavor crafted for Australian heat.
Victory Prima Pils
Deliciously floral with a hint of spice, Victory Prima Pils is a pilsner for all beer lovers.
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
The name might be a good mouthful, but so is this smooth and golden wheat beer.
Final Thoughts
I hope this list has made you excited to try some beers outside your go-to favorites. What beers are on your bucket list?