Buying international beer: how to choose the right world beer

Would you like to buy international beer for a barbecue, meal, party or simply to discover new flavours? You’ll soon come across dozens of options, from Japanese and Thai beer to Polish beer, Belgian lager and Mexican alcohol-free beer. The packaging and country of origin may catch your eye, but they do not tell you everything about what you will receive.

So pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:

• A country name is confused with a fixed flavour profile. Japanese beer, for example, may be described as fresh and dry, but the exact flavour varies by brand, recipe and packaging.
• A large beer pack looks like good value, but does not always suit your needs. A crate or box of 24 cans is handy for a party, but less suitable if you want to try a product first.
• “Alcohol-free” does not automatically mean that no alcohol is present. Always check the stated alcohol percentage, ingredients and information on the packaging. Corona Cero, for example, is listed as containing 0.0% alcohol.

Which specifications should you check before buying?

1. Alcohol percentage and volume

The alcohol percentage helps determine which option is right for the occasion. The range includes lagers with around 4.2% to 5.6% alcohol, including Tusker at 4.2%, Sapporo at 4.7%, Kirin at 5.0% and Tyskie at 5.6%.

Also pay attention to the volume per pack:

• 250 ml or 320–330 ml: suitable for individual servings and smaller gatherings.
• 500 ml: a larger serving, as with Tusker or Żywiec.
• Multipacks of 6, 12 or 24: practical for stocking up, parties and larger groups.
• Beer in cans: easy to chill and transport.
• Beer in bottles: ideal if the serving format and appearance of a bottle are important to you.

A box of 24 is not necessarily better value if some of it goes unused. Therefore, compare the price per litre, not just the price of the pack.

2. Ingredients and allergens

Most of the international lagers in this selection contain water, malt, hops and yeast. Some recipes also list maize, rice or other cereals. Check the current product page and label before every purchase.

Many products list barley malt. This generally means that the product contains cereals with gluten. The allergen information on the product label takes precedence. This also applies if an online product description appears to be different or incomplete.

According to the product information, for example, Kirin Ichiban contains barley malt and rice, while Jupiler lists water, barley malt, maize and hops. LEO lists barley malt, malt syrup, rice and hops. Use this information for comparison, but always check the packaging when your order arrives.

3. Packaging, shelf life and storage temperature

Beer should be stored away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Temperature fluctuations can affect its quality. When your order arrives, check:

1. that cans or bottles are not damaged;
2. that the seal is intact;
3. where the shelf-life information is shown;
4. that the format is suitable for your fridge and storage space.

For a party, a beer pack or beer by the crate can be practical. For a meal or an introduction to international beer, a 4-pack or individual bottle is often easier to manage.

Our recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Jupiler Pilsner - 250 ml

Why it suits this profile: The 250 ml size is a manageable option if you want to try Belgian lager without immediately buying a large stock. The product information states an alcohol content of 5.2%.

How this product avoids the pitfall

You do not have to buy a whole crate straight away. The volume, alcohol percentage and ingredients are clearly specified.

Key benefit & advantages

250 ml per pack; 5.2% alcohol according to the product information; barley malt and cereals containing gluten listed.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Kirin Ichiban beer 330ml x 24

Why it suits this profile: If you are looking for Japanese beer in a larger pack, you get 24 cans of 330 ml. According to the product description, the beer is made using the Ichiban Shibori method and contains 5.0% alcohol.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The exact quantity, format and alcohol percentage are visible in advance. This makes it easier to estimate the total volume and price per litre.

Key benefit & advantages

24 cans of 330 ml; 5.0% alcohol according to the description; contains barley malt and rice.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users

Corona Cero Alcohol-Free Beer - 6 x 330 ml

Why it suits this profile: This Mexican alcohol-free beer is a practical choice if you want to serve a 0.0% option at a social occasion. The pack contains six 330 ml bottles.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The alcohol percentage is stated as 0.0%. Nevertheless, always check the current label and allergen information before use.

Key benefit & advantages

0.0% alcohol according to the product information; 6 x 330 ml; contains barley malt and cereals containing gluten.

More variety in world beer

Several pack sizes are available if you want to stock up. Żywiec Beer 24x50 cl and Tyskie Beer 24x50 cl are suitable for a party or cupboard stock. Tyskie is described in the product information as a Polish beer with 5.6% alcohol and notes of hops, caramel and fruit. If you prefer beer in bottles, take a look at Żywiec FLES Beer 20x50 cl.

Fans of Thai beer can compare LEO, Chang and Singha. The product descriptions suggest that these beers are suitable with Asian dishes, grilled meat and spicy snacks. These are serving suggestions from the product information, not a guarantee of a particular flavour experience.

For a Japanese selection, Sapporo and Asahi Super Dry are also available alongside Kirin. Asahi Super Dry is offered as an individual bottle or a box of 24 x 330 ml. With these products, pay attention to the difference between premium lager as a product description and verifiable details such as volume, alcohol percentage and ingredients.

Frequently asked questions about buying international beer

What should I look out for when buying international beer online?

Check the origin, volume, alcohol percentage, packaging, ingredients and allergens. Also look at the price per litre. A product name or flag on the packaging does not provide enough information about flavour or composition.

Is beer in a can or a bottle more convenient?

That depends on how you plan to use it. Cans are generally practical for transport, chilling and larger events. Bottles may be a better choice with a meal or when the serving format is important to you. With both types of packaging, check the seal and the condition of the product when it arrives.

How much international beer do I need for a party?

Estimate the amount based on the number of adult guests, the length of the gathering and the range of other drinks available. If you are unsure, choose a multipack that suits your storage space. Compare the volume per item and the price per litre rather than just the number of cans or bottles. Follow the legal minimum age of 18 and do not drink if you still need to drive.