.png)
In learning about how to open up a brewery, we’ve covered a range of topics here on the BinWise blog. We’ve gone over brewery marketing, how to work at a brewery, how a brewery works, and brewery business plan writing. We’ve covered the brewery manager job description, brewery staff, brewery management software, and how to get a brewery license.
From the cost to open a brewery to brewery cleaning supplies to the best breweries in the U.S., we’ve covered topics that come up in opening a brewery. There’s just one subject left to talk about: the best breweries worldwide.
The best breweries worldwide are important for a brewery owner to pay attention to for two reasons. One is: you can draw inspiration from these spectacular breweries. You can even use them as references in a SWOT analysis. The second is: looking into these breweries spanning the globe shows you how well-loved beer is.
As a brewery owner, you’re part of the worldwide community around beer. Tapping into that community will help you round out your brewery business.
Best Breweries Worldwide
The best breweries worldwide can be found in every nook and cranny of the world. For this list of the 12 best breweries worldwide, we researched online. Since we haven’t tasted every beer, there may be many more breweries worthy of this type of list. If you have a favorite brewery around the world that we left off this list, reach out and let us know on BinWise socials!
12. Swinkels Family Brewers In Bodegraven, Netherlands
Swinkels Family Brewers in Bodegraven, Netherlands has been in operation for over 300 years. They’re a company that manages a family of breweries across several countries, with their base remaining in the Netherlands.
11. Fuller’s In Chiswick, Greater London, England
Fuller’s brewery in Chiswick, Greater London, England, is a brewery shop area that covers beer, wine, glassware, and a range of memorabilia. If you’re looking for a spot that is a complete depiction of the England beer and alcohol industry, Fuller’s is the place.
10. Cloudwater Brew Co. In Manchester, England
Cloudwater Brew Co. in Manchester, England, is another prime example of the beer scene in England. Cloudwater Brew Co. was founded in 2014, with its first beers being brewed in 2015. Since then, they have ruled the Manchester area for great beer brewed from passion.
9. The Kernel Brewery In Bermondsey, Greater London, England
The Kernel Brewery in Bermondsey, Greater London, England, is a London gem specializing in pale ales, dark ales, lagers, and mixed fermentation brews. Those types of brews are what you can expect from a London spot, where darker beers are the norm.
8. Brasserie Dieu du Ciel! In Québec, Canada
Brasserie Dieu du Ciel! in Québec, Canada, offers up beer that is worthy of the exclamation point in the name of the brewery. If you’re looking for a taste of Canadian beer with a French influence, this is the place for you.
7. Mikkeller In Copenhagen, Denmark
Mikkeller in Copenhagen, Denmark, is world-renowned on the list of global craft breweries. Their range of beers, wines, spirits, merchandise, and community spaces make them the epitome of craft breweries.
6. Browar PINTA In Wieprz, Poland
Browar PINTA in Wieprz, Poland, was the first craft brewery in Poland. They’ve been brewing since 2011, churning out exceptional beer. If you need a reason to travel to Poland, PINTA makes for a great choice.
5. De Struise Brouwers In Oostvleteren, West Flanders, Belgium
De Struise Brouwers in Oostvleteren, West Flanders, Belgium is a fine example of the amazing things that come out of Belgium. In fact, it’s one of two Belgian breweries on this list. It’s a microbrewery with a unique focus on American-style craft beer.
4. Siren Craft Brew In Finchampstead, Berkshire, England
Siren Craft Brew in Finchampstead, Berkshire, England, is a unique brewery that produces a range of craft beers. They won the title of Supreme Champion Beer of Britain back in 2018.
3. Buxton Brewery In Buxton, Derbyshire, England
Buxton Brewery in Buxton, Derbyshire, England, specializes in full-flavored craft beers made with hops from around the world. Buxton’s has grown exponentially since they opened in the family garage in 2009, now they’re a recognized name across England.
2. Garage Project In Wellington, New Zealand
Garage Project in Wellington, New Zealand, is a prime example of the amazing beers being made in New Zealand. They’re a small operation with a fitting name, but they’ve been going strong since 2011.
1. Cantillon In Brussels, Belgium
Cantillon in Brussels, Belgium, is the second of the two Belgian breweries on this list. Boasting beer cellars and brewing equipment from 1900, Cantillon is the beer spot in Belgium for a beer tasting and some take-home purchases too.
"Key Takeaway: The best breweries worldwide are important for a brewery owner to pay attention to for two reasons. One is: you can draw inspiration from these spectacular breweries. The second is: looking into these breweries spanning the globe shows you how well-loved beer is."
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Breweries Across the World
The best breweries worldwide are some of the places where beer is most appreciated. Our answers to these frequently asked questions focus on appreciation for beer because, after all, that’s what every brewery is about. A love of beer brings brewery owners, staff, and customers together.
What Is the Most Famous Brewery In the World?
It’s impossible to narrow down the most famous brewery in the world, but one of the most famous families of brands is Anheuser-Busch. Anheuser-Busch is the distributor of some of the most popular beers, from Budweiser to Stella Artois to Michelob Ultra. They partner with craft breweries as well, to work with passion in brewing around the world.
What Is the Brewery Capital of the World?
Portland, Oregon, is known as the craft brewery capital of the world. Portland has more breweries than any other city, with over 70 breweries in the main metropolitan area of Portland. The food and drink scene in Portland is booming, and beer is at the heart of what draws in Portlanders and visitors alike.
What are the Three Largest Breweries In the World?
Anheuser-Busch tops the list for the most part when you look into the largest worldwide breweries, but since it’s a conglomerate, we’re going with number two: Heineken. Heineken produced 231.2 million hectolitres of beer in 2021. It makes sense, Heineken is a beer brand that is universally recognized and loved.
What Is the Largest Brewery In the U.S.?
We’re basing our answer about the largest brewery in the U.S. on the amount of beer produced, which comes down to the Yuengling brewery in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The Yuengling brewery produced over 2.5 million barrels of beer in 2018.
What Country Is the Number One Producer of Beer?
The number one producer of beer is China. China’s beer production is higher than the second-highest country–the United States–by over 100 million hectolitres. The Chinese beer market is dominated by seven large brewery groups. Most of those groups have partnered with global brewery companies to expand their reach.
The World’s Best Breweries: The World’s Best Brewery Crawl
The best breweries worldwide are an inspiration for every brewery owner, and you can bet they know their facts about beer expiration. That said, when it comes to your own brewery, draw inspiration from the best, but make it your own as well. The best thing your brewery can be is a unique place where beer lovers can find something new, yet familiar too.
When you’re ready to open the doors, reach out to BinWise and BlueCart. The BinWise Pro inventory program, paired with the BinScan mobile app, eases the process when you take inventory. BlueCart’s order management system gives you peace of mind when it comes to ordering and maintaining your supplies.