7 Iconic Colombian Beers to Try on Your Next Trip
Discover the unique flavors, history, and brewery culture behind Colombia’s most beloved beers—essential tastes for every traveler.
7 Essential Colombian Beers to Savor on Your Travels
Colombia isn’t just famous for lush mountains and vibrant culture—it’s also home to a thriving beer scene. Whether you’re catching a sunset on the Caribbean coast or sharing laughs with new friends in Bogotá, trying local beers is an authentic way to taste the country’s heritage. Colombia’s beer landscape offers a rich blend of history, flavor, and innovation, with both time-honored classics and inventive craft creations ready to wet your whistle.
Why Colombian Beer Is Worth Exploring
Colombian beers tap into a broad range of local traditions and ingredients. The country’s brewing history is dominated by large brands like Cervecería Bavaria, but in recent years, craft brewers have added daring new flavors, native fruits, and bold techniques to the mix. Beer isn’t just a drink here; it’s an expression of local pride, a staple at social gatherings—and in many cases, a symbol of regional culture itself.
The 7 Colombian Beers You Need to Try
1. Águila – Colombia’s National Standard
Águila is Colombia’s most recognized beer, a golden lager that’s been quenching thirsts since 1913. Known for its crisp, easy-drinking flavor and 4% ABV, Águila is a staple at beaches, football matches, and neighborhood parties. The beer’s blue-and-yellow label reflects the nation’s flag, underscoring its role as a symbol of Colombian identity.
- Type: Pale lager
- Tasting Notes: Refreshing, clean finish, slightly malty
- When to drink: Anytime—especially under the sun
- Fun fact: Águila’s reach is nationwide, and it offers seasonal varieties like Águila Cero (non-alcoholic) and Aguila Imperial
You’ll find Águila in bars and restaurants across Colombia, making it a must-try for anyone wanting the full Colombian beer experience.
2. Club Colombia – A Premium Classic
Club Colombia is the country’s best-known premium beer. Born in 1949, it’s the preferred choice for those who seek a step up in quality and character.
- Types:
- Dorada (Blonde): Light, slightly fruity, and crisp—the gateway to the series
- Roja (Red): Mahogany color, malty with a pleasant bitterness
- Negra (Black): Resembles a milder stout; smooth, toasty, not overly sweet
- Tasting Notes: More flavor complexity and body than most mainstream Colombian lagers
- Occasion: Celebrations, upscale venues, or whenever you want to treat yourself
Travelers often cite Club Colombia Dorada for its balance, but all variants are widely available in supermarkets and stylish bars alike.
3. Poker – The Everyday Beer
Poker is Colombia’s go-to beer for casual gatherings and everyday moments. Owned by Cervecería Bavaria since 1929, Poker’s popularity owes much to its affordability and approachability. The beer’s slogan, “Donde hay Poker hay amigos” (Where there’s Poker, there are friends), is lived out in every Colombian town and city.
- Type: Pale lager
- Tasting Notes: Smooth, light, unpretentious with subtle malt notes
- Main audience: Working-class locals and social gatherings
If you’re looking to blend in at a neighborhood party, crack open a Poker and join the conversation.
4. Costeña – The Sun-Kissed Lager
Costeña brings a refreshing, dry profile ideal for warm coastal days. Its smaller “Costeñita” bottles make it easy to finish your beer before it gets warm, a smart adaptation for Colombia’s tropical weather. Costeña’s affordable price and clean finish have kept it a favorite for over 90 years.
- Type: Lager
- Tasting Notes: Light, dry, with a hint of bitterness reminiscent of a lighter Heineken
- Best enjoyed: Beachside or at open-air gatherings
Its simple taste and small size make it a staple among those enjoying Colombia’s famed sunshine.
5. Pilsen – Medellín’s Pride
Pilsen isn’t just a beer—it’s a badge of honor in Antioquia and among Paisa people. Founded in 1904, it’s the oldest large-scale Colombian beer, and captures the spirit of Medellín’s culture and “berraquera” (grit).
- Type: Pale lager
- Tasting Notes: Clean, crisp, with a smooth finish
- Region: Dominant in Medellín and throughout Antioquia
In Medellín, Pilsen is more than a drink—it’s the taste of home and a symbol of local pride.
6. Bogotá Beer Company (BBC) – The Craft Pioneer
The Bogotá Beer Company (BBC) is the face of Colombia’s craft beer movement, bringing British- and Belgian-inspired recipes to Colombian palates. Founded in 2002, BBC offers a diverse range of styles, each named after Bogotá neighborhoods or local landmarks. You’ll find BBC pubs in major cities, where locals sip on flavorful pints in atmospheric settings.
- Popular BBC Beers:
- Candelaria Clásica (Blonde Ale): Refreshing and lightly hopped
- Monserrate Roja (Red Ale): Toasty with caramel notes
- Chapinero Porter: Deep and chocolaty with roasted finish
- Usaquén Stout: Full-bodied, dark, with a creamy head
- What sets BBC apart: Higher complexity, use of imported malts, and creative, regionally inspired branding
7. The Rise of Colombian Craft Beer
Colombia’s craft beer revolution is in full swing. Over the past decade, small breweries have popped up from coast to mountains, taking inspiration from both local ingredients and global trends. If you venture beyond the mainstream, you’ll discover bold new flavors and inventive brewing techniques.
- Apostol (Medellín): Known for wheat (Weizen), Märzen, and Helles styles—look for their fruity, complex profiles.
- 3 Cordilleras (Medellín): Offers options like Rose, Blanca (American Wheat), 6.47 (strong ale), Mestiza (APA), Mulata (Amber Ale), and Negra (Stout).
- Dog Pi Brewery: Famed for experimental brews featuring Colombian fruits like lulo, jagua, and guava, including an electric-blue beer.
- Mela’s Lulada Beer: A tart, salt-infused beer made with lulo fruit pulp and Himalayan salt—an homage to Cali’s traditional ‘lulada’ drink.
- Menestral Brewing Co.: Original beers inspired by Colombian trades, including amber, porter, and fruit-infused varieties.
- Carmen (Copa Cervecera Ingredion winner): Hoppy golden beer brewed with corn—celebrating Colombia’s agricultural roots.
Beer Tasting Table: Comparing Colombia’s Most Popular Brews
| Beer | Type | Alcohol % (Approx) | Tasting Profile | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Águila | Pale Lager | 4% | Light, crisp, refreshing | Everywhere |
| Club Colombia Dorada | Premium Lager | 4.7% | Fruity, slightly hoppy, balanced | Nationwide |
| Poker | Pale Lager | 4% | Smooth, straightforward, easy-drinking | Bars & Stores |
| Costeña | Lager | 4% | Dry, crisp, mild bitterness | Particularly coastal regions |
| Pilsen | Pale Lager | 4% | Clean, light, smooth finish | Mainly Medellín/Antioquia |
| BBC (various) | Ales, Porter, Stout | 4.5–5.8% | Varied, generally richer, craft styles | Pubs in major cities |
| Apostol, 3 Cordilleras, Dog Pi, Mela’s | Craft/Ale/Stout/Fruit Beer | Varies; up to 7.1% | Complex, experimental, regional | Specialty bars, breweries |
Tasting Tips: Make the Most of Your Colombian Beer Adventure
- Colombians typically enjoy beer very cold. Don’t expect subtleties from a frosty Costeña—it’s about refreshment first.
- Try the classic refajo: a mix of beer (often Cola & Pola) with Colombian soda. It’s a fizzy, sweet drink perfect for hot afternoons.
- Pair your beer with Colombian snacks like arepas, empanadas, or fried plantains for the authentic experience.
- Seek out local microbreweries for unexpected flavor journeys—fruity beers, chocolatey stouts, and even blue ales made with local fruits await.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is beer safe to drink in Colombia?
A: Yes, beer in Colombia is produced according to strict health and safety standards, whether made by major brands or small microbreweries.
Q: What’s the legal drinking age for beer in Colombia?
A: The legal drinking age is 18. You’ll need to show ID at bars and stores, even if you appear older.
Q: Which Colombian beer is best for beginners?
A: Águila and Poker are very approachable for new beer drinkers, while Club Colombia Dorada offers a higher-quality but still subtle taste.
Q: Are there non-alcoholic Colombian beers?
A: Yes, Águila Cero and some craft breweries produce non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beers, but availability may vary by city.
Q: Where can I try craft beers in Colombia?
A: Craft beers are easiest to find in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali—often in specialty bars or at the breweries themselves.
Ready to Raise a Glass?
Colombian beers offer more than refreshment—they open the door to the country’s spirited culture, regional pride, and culinary innovation. Whether you’re partial to classic pale lagers or curious about creative craft brews, Colombia’s beer scene promises plenty of discoveries. On your next trip, make it a point to sample these seven essential beers for a true taste of Colombia.
