The 11 countries that consume the most beer per capita are probably every beer lover’s paradise. Beer is undoubtedly one of the most popular drinks of the masses. Apparently, it is also the third most consumed drink in the world besides water and tea. And the popularity of beer isn’t really new-found. It is said to be the oldest fermented drink.
This beverage has become an integral part of some cultures and the very base of their social interaction. So, what makes beer such a hero in social gatherings? Well, for one the alcohol content is reduced as compared to other drinks. Generally, beer consists of 4-6% of alcohol content. It essentially means that the party can go on without considerably inebriated antics. Secondly, and more scientifically, beer has been revealed to induce dopamine activity in the brain which is likely to cause increased consumption. In short, even when the alcohol content is less to cause intoxication, it can be fairly addictive in nature.
Beer brewing methods also vary from country to country, and they usually have their preferable varieties to it also. However, the basic technique of fermentation is almost similar across nations. The varieties can range from Pale Ale, Stout, Mild, and Wheat to Lager which essentially originated in Central Europe. Out of this Pale Lager is generally known to be the most common in the world. Even the color, which is determined by malt; and strengths, may vary by preference. Some breweries have even developed food to pair with their beers.
We understand that beer might not always be your chosen poison after all, but if you are still an alcohol lover here are 11 Countries That Consume the Most Alcohol – a list worth looking into for you.
So here are the top countries that have proven their love for the beer.
11. Australia
Per Capita Consumption: 83.1 liters
Though overall Australians are moderate drinkers, their drinking habits are concentrated more on beer only. They love their wine too, but beer is the clear winner here with total consumption running into almost 1800 million liters nationwide.
10. Romania
Per Capita Consumption: 83.2 liters
The country has its own range of traditional alcoholic beverages that are a great part of their social and traditional events. However, the beer consumption has increased drastically in recent years. It is especially popular among the youth of ages around 15-19.
9. Finland
Per Capita Consumption: 84.2 liters
Finland is on the 9th position of the countries that consume the most beer per capita, for its great love for the beverage. Even though the total beer consumption is only up to 440 million liters, the per capita consumption ranges are as high as 84.2 liters.
8. Venezuela
Per Capita Consumption: 85.5 liters
Even Venezuelans aren’t known to be great alcohol enthusiasts but they do make an exception where beer is concerned. Beer is one of the most popular of the beverage they consume along with mango juice, passion fruit juice, malta and coconut milkshakes.
7. Croatia
Per Capita Consumption: 85.9 liters
Croats are great beer enthusiasts who, along with the international varieties, also have an array of their own special brews. Karlovacko, Ozujsko, Favorit, and Pan being just some of them. A brewery in Split also produces Bavarian, Karltenberg beer with licence from the original German brewery.
6. Ireland
Per Capita Consumption: 98.3 liters
It’s a well-known fact that the Irish and their beer is a match made in heaven. All their traditional gatherings are incomplete without it and they do have a lot of traditional varieties of brews linked deeply with their culture. Among them, Poitlin and Guinness are the most popular dry stouts. So when St.Patrick’s day rounds up next, you know what the Irish are having.
5. Poland
Per Capita Consumption: 98.5 liters
Beer has taken over vodka as the most popular drink in Poland in recent years. Though wine is also becoming increasingly popular, the sheer amount of beer consumption proves that it has nothing to be threatened about, at least in near future.
4. Estonia
Per Capita Consumption: 102.4 liters
The least populated country in European Union might just have total national beer consumption of a measly 130 million liters, which might seem paltry in comparison to other European countries. However, their great drinking capacities are very evident in the per capita consumption which is over 100 liters and has only risen in the last few years.
3. Germany
Per Capita Consumption: 106.1 liters
No surprises here! The country is after all known for its big annual beer festival. Oktoberfest is the festival every beer lover in the world has kept track of. Also, Germany has the greatest total consumption of beer nationally which goes up to a jaw-dropping 8000 million liters annually.
2. Austria
Per Capita Consumption: 107.8 liters
Austria loves its bock beer on holidays, but it also loves its lager, wheat beer and Zwicklbier on any given day. Bavarian is yet another popular variety at festivals. No wonder, the social scene in the country is centered on the golden beverage.
1. Czech Republic
Per Capita Consumption: 148.6 liters
Czech Republic’s enthusiasm for beer is etched in its history and it is also the origins of the world famous pilsner beer. There are also numerous small but notable breweries in the region producing world-class outputs. With its glorious beer traditions, Czech Republic has the highest per person consumption among the countries with the most beer consumption per capita.
