Grab a mate and grab a beer, as August 2nd marks International Beer Day: a day where beer enthusiasts gather around the world in search of the perfect pour, and pay their respects to the liquid gold.
While we appreciate a nice glass of riesling, there are few things greater than knocking back an ice-cold pint, especially abroad, rewarding your hard-earned thirst after a solid day adventure. While we understand that not everyone loves a beer, we guarantee you’ll love these destinations regardless.
So, read on for our top locations to knock back a beer (or two)…
Munich, Germany
There is no better way to celebrate International Beer Day than at the heart of the beer capital, Germany. Nowhere else in the world offers over 5000 different beers brewed in more than 1300 breweries. Munich is known as Germany’s beer capital and plays host to a truly unmissable Bavarian experience at the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall.
Originally a brewery, it is now an internationally claimed ‘beer temple’. Serving up to 30,000 guests every day, it is always noisy and full of beer-fuelled cheer! Dress up in the traditional costume of lederhosen and dirndl, drink Munich beer, and enjoy hearty specialties served up with a good dose of Bavarian hospitality.
North Lake Tahoe, USA
With its phenomenal mountain scenery, endless recreation and abundance of craft breweries you can start your day working up a sweat and end it with regionally crafted refreshments on the North Lake Tahoe Ale Trail.
North Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for pairing a frosty brew and outdoor adventure with a world class brewery in each of the six mountain towns. Whether you pedal, paddle or hike, a delicious craft brew will be at the end awaiting you.
Port Macquarie, Australia
Port Macquarie is renowned for its flourishing foodie scene with notable breweries such as the Black Duck Brewery, Little Brewing Company and Moorebeer Brewing Co. With many breweries to choose from, Port Macquarie is the ultimate destination to celebrate this epic holiday. Round up your friends for a self-guided brewery tour and make sure you stop and try the AIPA gold medal-winning IPA from Moorebeer Brewing Co. – it’s a must! Once you’ve had enough moving around, make Black Duck Brewery your last stop where you’ll be welcomed with live music and a plate of hot food to end the perfect International Beer Day.
Cabo, Mexico
If you are wanting to add some quirky flavours such as raspberry ale and oatmeal stout to your pallet, then look no further than Baja Brewing Company. Located in San Jose del Cabo, it is the perfect low-key setting for a laidback beverage.
Baja Brewing Company opened its doors in 2007 as the first brewery in the state of Baja California Sur with the idea to create delicious craft brews for locals and visitors to enjoy. With a Mexican twist to each artisan ale crafted, you can experience a taste of Cabo in every sip.
Mykonos, Greece
Hidden underground behind a supermarket you can find the home of the famous Mikonu beer. Mykonos Brewing Company started fermenting its first batches of craft beer at their new, state of the art brew house on the island of Mykonos in Greece in 2017. With a combination of Greek malt and Belgian caramel wheat, hard to find hops and with the mythological story of the Giants on their backs, the famous Mikonu beer was born.
Greek-owned cruise ship operators Celestyal Cruises offer classic experiences of discovery for those encountering Greece’s beauty for the first time. Their 3, 4 and 7 night cruises regularly call through Mykonos.
Sonoma County, USA
Sonoma County is synonymous for its world-class wine, but the Wine Country is also a top destination for beer lovers. Sonoma County has over 29 operating breweries, but people all over California are going crazy for ‘Pliny the Elder’, available only at the Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa!
Pliny the Elder was one of the first commercially brewed Double or Imperial IPA’s in America and won numerous awards over the years and is still their most popular beer nearly 20 years later. Thousands line up around the block when Pliny the Younger, their Triple IPA, is released once a year for 2 weeks only at both Downtown Santa Rosa and Windsor breweries on the first Friday in February.
San Diego, USA
If you find yourself in San Diego, you can taste for yourself what makes it the ‘Craft Beer Capital of America’.
San Diego is home to 125 licensed craft breweries – the most of any other region in the USA, three of which rank among 50 of the largest craft brewers in the United States. Starting back in the mid 80’s, Karl Strauss has been leading the craft beer scene before it became popular. Stone Brewing is the largest brewery in Southern California, its brews distributed around the world. Green Flash Brewing is where IPA lovers have died and gone to heaven and for only $5 a person for a tour – who could resist?
—
For more information, head to the International Beer Day website here.