As everybody knows Spain has a tradition of making good beer, but Spanish’s have not a good reputation off from Spain. So, it this blog post I am going to show you which ones are the top 10 Spanish beers, according to judges of the World Beer Challenge.
This annual event has been taken place in different places around the world, and this year is going to take place in Estoril, Portugal, during the 28th and 31st of May. In this championship participate more than 600 brands worldwide and there are 21 countries represented, but only 7 countries go to the final.
In the last edition of the World Beer Challenge, some Spanish beers faced the most famous beers worldwide and showed up that the quality of Spanish beers is one of the best one in the world. So, these results prove that in Spain there are good beer makers and they can be as much famous as the world recognized beer brands. And, last year the Spanish beer industry got 9 gold medals.
Now, let’s focus on the ranking that shows which ones are the best Spanish beers according to the World Beer Challenge last year:
1. 1906 RESERVA ESPECIAL
On the first place of this ranking we have the best Spanish beer, which is called 1906 Reserva Especial.
This beer is manufacture in the north of Spain, specifically in Galicia by “Hijos de Rivera”, which is a sub-brand of Estrella Galicia, one of the most famous beer company in Spain.
The type of this beer is the “Märzen/Oktoberfest” and the percentage of alcohol is 6.5. In the last edition of this event this beer got the best score. In addition, this beer repeats gold medal for the third consecutive year.
2. AMBAR CENTENO
On the second place we have a “Roggenbier” (German Rye Beer) beer from Zaragoza, called Ambar Centeno. This beer is elaborate by Cervezas Ambar, and with this beer the company wants to reclaim the use of the rye, due to is unusual us it in this type of industry.
The result of the Ambar Centeno is surprising, due to its turbid aspect, silky passage through the mouth and great complexity, and with only 6.4% of alcohol volume.
3. AMBAR EXPORT
In the third place we have the Ambar Export, another beer from Zaragoza and manufacture by Cervezas Ambar. This beer is elaborated with three varieties of malt and double fermentation, with 7% of alcohol volume and the type of this beer is called “German Style Oktoberfest”.
The Ambar Export stands out for its pronounced character, intense flavour and long after taste. This beer repeats the gold medal that won in the world cup of 2016.
This beer is from Galicia, and is also from the Estrella Galicia company, as the number one of this ranking. The percentage of alcohol of the 1906 Red Vintage is 8%, the higher on this top ten, and its type is called “Traditional German Style Bock”.
During several years this beer was not manufactured, but, recently, the company re-produce it. The profile of the Red Vintage is roasted and intense with hints of caramel, and is like the “bock” from Germany.
5. 1906 BLACK COUPAGE
Another one from the Estrella Galicia company. This beer is made with two types of hops, Nugget and Sladek, and the result of it, is a dark beer with aromas and an intense taste. The percentage of alcohol of this beer is 7.2 and its type is the “European Style Dark/Munchner Dunkel”.
Perhaps the boldest bet among all beers of the 1906 family.
6. AMBAR ESPECIAL
In the sixth place we have another beer from Cervezas Ambar, but now the type of the beer is the “European Style Pilsner” and is the best seller of this brand. In 2017, this beer got the higher score in its category on the World Beer Challenge.
With 5.2% of alcohol volume and a balanced combination of barley malt and bitter and aromatic hops, we can say that this beer is refreshing and seduce the most demanding palate.
7. MAHOU MAESTRA
Mahou is one of the best beers in Spain. This brand is from Guadalajara and is made by the brewing group called Mahou San Miguel. This beer was created to commemorate the 125º anniversary of the company.
The Mahou Maestra have 7,5% of alcohol volume and the type of this beer is called “German Style Bock/ Maibock”. It’s made by the combination of two hops and its colour is amber.
8. MAHOU BARRICA
Another Mahou San Miguel beer, but in this position, we have a “European Wood and Barrel Aged Pale to Amber Beer” beer.
The percentage of alcohol volume is 6.1 and is aged in oak, have nuances of cereals, vanilla and almond. The Mahou Barrica is a different, dry a versatile “lager”.
9. MAMBA NEGRA
The Mamba Negra is a beer from Toledo made by Monkey Beer and is the only Spanish craft beer that got a gold medal in the last World Beer Challenge.
This “American Stout” beer is a dark and intense with 7.8% of alcohol volume that on the palate the sensations that the people who drink it have are toast, sweet and spice with creamy texture.
10. MICA ORO ALE PREMIUM
Finally, in the last place of the ranking of the best Spanish beers, we have the beer called Mica Oro Ale Premium made in Burgos by Cervezas Mica.
The colour of this beer is like gold and the percentage of the alcohol volume is lower of this ranking, with 4.7. It is a very fresh balanced beer, with a very soft toasted flavour, and with a sweetness that balances with a citrus flavour.