Global Beer Network has a diverse selection of high quality import beer in cans. If you are at a concert on the lake or on the tee box we have the perfect beer to add an additional sense of escape during your summer getaway.
In Europe cans are often viewed as somewhat “lowbrow” and are associated with macro-adjunct beers. In reality, when beer is not re-fermented, cans are preferable vessels. They protect the liquid from becoming light struck, thus preserving all those subtle flavors that make each beer unique.
Below are our top 5 best selling imported canned beers for the summer.
Bavik Super Pils
Bavik Super Pils is one of the top pilsners in Belgium. Brouwerij De Brabandere is one of the few brewers that can tout that their pils is not only unpasteurized, but that it has a 2-year shelf life. That is unheard of in pilsner brewing.
How does this beer have such an amazing quality? 30 days of cold maturation in very hygienic conditions gives this beer an amazing stability, which is only increased when packaged in a can.
Bavik Super Pils uses only noble hops, which gives the beer a very pleasant bitter aftertaste that washes away after every sip. Every bit of the brewery’s own well water comes in contact with malt, which means there is no dilution or high gravity brewing.
High gravity brewing means that the brewer is making a stronger beer in order to dilute it down to an approachable abv. This is much easier and cheaper than brewing a straight batch of high-quality bottom-fermented beer.
In a world of highly advertised import cervezas… Bavik Super Pils is the little red can that could.
View this post on InstagramDe perfecte afkoeling bij hoge temperaturen = #baviksuperpils 🍻 Thanks to @csbent for sharing!
Monks Café Flemish Sour
Regarded amongst beer bar owners all over the U.S. as “the perfect starter sour,” this beer was originally brewed as a refreshing beverage for farm workers in the region around Brouwerij Van Steenberge in the 18th century. The beer’s tartness provided a refreshing note while working the fields long before refrigeration.
A traditional Oud Buin (old brown) style, this is a sour ale that can suit any type of beer drinker. The burgundy color sets an expectation of richness, but it is in fact bright and refreshing. Tartness gives way to notes of cherry and raisin.
At 5.5% abv this is probably the most complex and exciting import can to throw on ice this summer.
Stiegl Radler Grapefruit
At an easy 2.0% abv, this beer is the perfect poolside refreshment and a great thirst quencher after an active summer day. Radler actually means cyclist which lends to the sporty nature of this beer.
A blend of 40% lager (Stiegl-Goldbräu) and 60% grapefruit soda, radler is often consumed in the alpine lake region during summer vacations or after hikes in the fall. That being said, don’t let that fool you, if you are coming down the slopes in Austria in the winter and need a quick thirst quencher, you will be able to find a refreshing Stiegl Radler with ease.
Given it’s low alcohol, it is not uncommon to see this beer used in a Paloma cocktail or served with a side of mezcal or vodka at outdoor bars in the U.S.
When you see that trademark orange sunburst can, you know you are within an arms reach of a relaxing and beautiful Stiegl moment.
Stiegl Radler Zitrone
Like the Grapefruit Radler, Zitrone is a blend of 40% Stiegl Goldbrau, but with 60% lemon soda blended in. Likened to a shandy this beer offers a bit more citrus tartness, where the grapefruit carries a touch of bitterness.
Also 2.0% abv this beer a is perfect for a quick refreshment after walking all day on the golf course without losing your ability drive it straight down the fairway afterwards.
For the perfect summertime palate cleanser try using Stiegl Zitrone in a sorbet at your next pool party!
Wittekerke Wit
Wittekerke Wit was one not only one of the first high quality import cans, it was also one of the first craft beer cans! This short blue can fits perfectly in a golf bag, tackle box or back pack.
A true wit beer must be made of at least 25% wheat malt in combination with barley malt. Belgian wit beers are naturally cloudy since they are unfiltered. Wittekerke also uses a bit of oats which gives the beer its very light moutfeel.
This beer pairs perfectly with all types of seafood, but it is often used in preparation of mussels. Of all the beers on our list, Wittekerke is the one best suited for the coast!
