What is The Best Colombian Beer?

Colombian beer might not top global popularity charts, but it deserves more recognition from travelers and beer lovers. The average score of 6.4 out of 10 across 29 varieties speaks volumes about its quality. Most people know Colombia for aguardiente, its national sugar cane-derived liqueur, but the country’s beer scene offers surprising variety and depth.

Colombian beer brands fit every budget and taste preference. Prima costs just 9,000 COP ($3.25 USD) for a six-pack, while premium options like Club Colombia Dorada run about 15,000 COP ($5.40 USD). Club Colombia stands out as a reliable choice – you’ll find “a decent beer available in 9 out of 10 establishments”. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate craft selections like 3 Cordilleras Mestiza, which earned an impressive 3.78 rating.

Let’s take a closer look at what locals drink in Colombia in 2025, from aguila Colombian beer to the latest craft offerings. You’ll find the best spots for Colombian beers and learn local drinking customs. The country enforces strict zero tolerance laws for drinking and driving. We’ll show you how to enjoy cervezas colombianas just like the locals do.

What makes Colombian beer unique?

The story of Colombian beer reflects the country’s rich culture, traditions, and state-of-the-art brewing methods. Colombian beer has grown from modest roots into a thriving industry with its own distinct character that beer lovers should know about.

A brief history of beer in Colombia

Beer’s trip to Colombia started when European immigrants arrived in the 1820s. Local breweries began to develop their own unique character in the 19th century. The scene changed in 1889 when Leo S. Kopp, a German immigrant, helped set up one of the first industrial beer factories in Bogota.

Before beer became popular, Colombians loved chicha, a fermented corn drink made from spit. Chicha was so common that Bogota had more chicha reserves than water. Kopp and other brewers launched a fierce campaign against chicha. They claimed it was unhygienic and harmful to society.

Beer’s destiny in Colombia took a dramatic turn after popular leader Gaitan’s assassination in 1948. The government passed a law that banned the sale of unsealed fermented drinks. This effectively outlawed chicha and made beer the country’s favorite alcoholic drink. Chicha became legal again in 1991 but remains rare compared to colombian beer today.

Why lagers dominate the market

Colombian lagers have become the local favorites, particularly in warm weather. These refreshing drinks are perfect companions on hot days, offering instant cooling relief. Colombian beers go through careful fermentation with balanced ingredients to create smooth yet distinct flavors.

Aguila Colombian beer has become part of social gatherings, while Club Colombia beer stands out with premium options. Their Dorada (Golden), Roja (Red), and Negra (Black) varieties each bring unique tastes. Young people love Poker for its well-laid-out flavor balance.

Colombian breweries follow strict quality standards. Their excellent products showcase both cultural heritage and diverse flavors. This steadfast dedication to quality has turned these Colombian beer brands into national treasures.

The rise of craft breweries

Colombia’s beer scene has changed remarkably as craft breweries gain ground. The craft beer market should grow at 5.50% yearly between 2024-2032. This growth comes from changing priorities and higher disposable income.

Craft brewers throughout Colombia are reshaping the scene. They use local ingredients like coffee and tropical fruits to create unique flavors. Beer enthusiasts love these authentic tastes that showcase Colombia’s rich biodiversity and food traditions.

Government support and new regulations have created good conditions for small brewers. These policies encourage innovation and healthy competition in the industry.

Health trends have shaped craft beer making. Brewers now create low-alcohol options with natural ingredients full of vitamin C and antioxidants. This means health-conscious people can enjoy cervezas colombianas without giving up great taste.

Craft beer culture in Colombia means more than just drinks—it represents authenticity, community, and creativity. It draws different groups who value brewing traditions and new ideas. Visitors who want to understand Colombian culture through its flavors should try both traditional and craft beer in Colombia. It’s a tasty way to experience the nation’s changing identity.

8 Colombian beers locals actually drink in 2025

I’ve tasted dozens of local beers throughout Colombia and found eight beers that locals love most. These aren’t tourist traps—they’re authentic cervezas colombianas that shape Colombia’s drinking culture in 2025.

1. Aguila – The national staple

This 112-year old beer has become a symbol of Colombian pride. The light, refreshing lager sits at 4% ABV and suits Colombia’s tropical weather perfectly. Think of it as Colombia’s Budweiser – it’s the country’s best-selling beer. People love it because it’s easy to drink, not because it’s complex. You’ll spot its red, blue, and yellow cans – matching Colombia’s flag – at every street party nationwide.

2. Club Colombia – Premium but popular

Club Colombia started as “Club Sesenta” in 1949 and has grown into one of the country’s favorite premium beers. You can choose from three types—Dorada (Golden), Roja (Red), and Negra (Black)—each offering more depth than regular lagers. A six-pack runs about 15,000 COP ($5.40 USD). Beer lovers describe it as “flavorful… almost a bit fruity” with “a little more hops” and “balanced” taste. Travelers often pick Club Colombia Dorada over Aguila for its unique character.

3. Poker – The everyday man’s beer

Bavaria bought Poker in 1929, and now it’s the second biggest colombian beer brand in southwest Colombia. The brand connects with people through its motto “Where there’s Poker, there are friends”. This 4% ABV beer tastes smooth and refreshing – perfect for long hangouts with friends. Working-class Colombians love Poker because it’s affordable and familiar.

4. Costeña – Light and refreshing

This 91-year old beer promised a “unique and characteristic dry and bitter taste”. The small “Costeñita” bottles hold just 175ml – smart sizing for Colombia’s heat so your beer stays cold until the last sip. Six-packs cost around 9,920 COP ($3.57 USD), making it one of the cheapest options. Many say it tastes like “a lighter Heineken” with a “crisp and light” profile and “a hint of hops”.

5. Pilsen – Medellin’s classic choice

Pilsen, Colombia’s oldest beer brand, dates back to 1904. This 4% ABV lager stands as “the pride of Paisa” and leads sales in the Antioquia region. Medellín’s culture runs deep in Pilsen, known for its clean taste and smooth finish. Locals see it as their regional badge of honor and “berraquera” (courage).

6. Andina – A newer favorite

Andina burst onto Colombia’s beer scene in 2019. This blonde lager comes in two styles at 4% ABV: La Dorada and La Light (in blue). Their slogan “Colombia en una cerveza” (Colombia in a beer) shows their national pride. The packaging features a colorful bird that celebrates Colombia’s rich wildlife.

7. 3 Cordilleras – Craft beer from Medellin

Juanchi Velez started 3 Cordilleras in 2008 after an inspiring U.S. trip, and now it leads Medellin’s craft scene. You can try six unique beers: Negra (coffee and chocolate notes), Mulata (malty sweetness), Mestiza (American Pale Ale), Mona (citrusy), Blanca (smooth), and Rosada (red fruit flavors). The brewery welcomes visitors Thursday through Saturday.

8. BBC (Bogotá Beer Company) – Urban craft appeal

BBC started small in 2002 with $40,000 and grew into “the second biggest brewery in Colombia”. They run 28 brewpubs across the country and make 13 different beers. BBC skips pasteurization to keep their beers artisanal with bolder flavors. Urban Colombians love their British-style pubs as an alternative to traditional lager spots.

How locals choose their beer

The beer habits of Colombians go way beyond just taste. Their choices tell us a lot about the culture, economy and social life in Colombia. You’ll find these drinks everywhere from local shops to supermarkets, weeknight dinners to weekend parties.

Price vs. taste: what matters more?

Colombia’s minimum wage sits at roughly $250 USD, yet beer prices match those in Barcelona or Berlin. This creates an interesting buying pattern. Bavaria dominates the market with a whopping 97% share of colombian beer sales. They’ve cleverly divided their customers through regional marketing instead of offering different tastes.

Here’s something fascinating – many popular colombian beer brands come from the same company. They use similar brewing methods and cost about the same, yet Colombians stay fiercely loyal to their brands. Club Colombia beer sparks debate among middle and upper classes. Its premium price tag attracts some while putting others off.

Regional identity matters more than taste to most people. Bogotá locals love their Poker, Caribbean coast folks stick to Águila, and Medellín natives swear by Pilsen. Beer brands know this connection runs deep. Take Pilsen – they use slogans like “Berracamente paisa” to boost regional pride.

Where people buy beer in Colombia

Colombians buy their favorite cervezas colombianas differently than North Americans or Europeans:

• Small local grocers (tiendas) lead the way in sales
• Supermarket chains team up with specific brewers
• Bars and restaurants mark up prices 2-6 times
• Street vendors show up at festivals and events
• Brewpubs like BBC with its 28 locations serve craft options

Visitors love that you can legally drink beer in Colombia right on the streets. This laid-back attitude means people often grab a cold Aguila Colombian beer from a corner store and enjoy it while walking around.

Beer for parties vs. beer for meals

Social settings shape beer choices in Colombia. Big gatherings and parties make practical needs more important than taste. Hot weather makes the tiny 175ml “Costeñita” bottles popular – you can finish them before they get warm.

Breweries know social events like barbecues and sports watching drive sales. They make beers that stay refreshing and easy to drink in these settings. Weekend get-togethers often end with tables full of empty Colombian beer bottles as friends chat into the night.

Dinner time brings more thoughtful beer choices. People pair Club Colombia beer varieties with their meals. The dark Negra goes well with meat while Dorada matches seafood perfectly. Colombians rarely drink alone – beer brings people together and gets conversations flowing.

Craft vs. commercial: What’s changing in 2025?

The Colombian beer scene is changing a lot as craft breweries challenge the big commercial brands. This rise represents one of the most exciting developments that beer lovers will see while traveling through the country in 2025.

Why craft beer is gaining ground

Local brewers across Colombia experiment with native ingredients and create unique flavor profiles that big commercial breweries can’t match. Colombian’s priorities have changed over time. More people now want to pay extra for quality and unique beers instead of mass-produced options.

Independent breweries make up about 1% of the market—a small but growing piece. All the same, this shows real progress in a country where Bavaria (owned by AB InBev) has controlled over 97% of beer in Colombia distribution.

Young urban professionals and international tourists drive the changes in craft colombian beer. These groups just need authentic experiences that connect them to local culture.

Top Colombian craft breweries to know

Beyond the previously mentioned 3 Cordilleras and BBC (Bogotá Beer Company), several craft breweries have made a name with their exceptional cervezas colombianas:

• Apóstol – Medellín’s first microbrewery, known for Belgian-style ales
• Chelarte – Creates innovative beers with names like “Rabiosa” and “Pamplona”
• Cervecería Gigante – Incorporates Colombian coffee and tropical fruits into its recipes

How availability affects choice

Distribution remains the biggest problem for craft colombian beer brands. Commercial giants like Aguila Colombian beer make use of their huge distribution networks to stay on top. Their products reach even the most remote locations.

Location affects choice by a lot—craft options mostly stay in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. Rural areas still drink commercial brands because craft alternatives rarely reach them.

Some craft breweries have found a different path. They focus on creating destination experiences rather than just distribution. Beer tourism works well as a strategy. Breweries offer tours, tastings, and food pairings that turn beer drinking into cultural experiences.

Club Colombia beer and other commercial brands still fill coolers nationwide. The craft revolution has changed how Colombians think about their beer. This creates exciting opportunities for travelers who want authentic flavors beyond the usual options.

Tips for trying Colombian beer like a local

Getting to know Colombia’s beer scene takes more than memorizing brand names—you need to understand how locals drink and experience it like a true Colombian.

Where to find the best cervezas colombianas

A hidden gem awaits craft beer fans at Cerveceria Gigante in Bogotá, tucked away behind a simple door. Beer Lovers in Cartagena showcases an excellent mix of Colombian craft beers and international brands. Beer Lovers stands out as the go-to spot to find regional specialties that rarely leave their local areas.

How to order beer in Spanish

Ordering is simple—just say “Una cerveza, por favor” (a beer, please) or “¿Qué cervezas artesanales tienes?” (What craft beers do you have?). Local beer culture has its own slang. Colombians call beer “pola,” a nickname that comes from a 1910 Bavaria beer named after freedom fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta. You can ask for “Dos cervezas bien heladas, por favor” (Two ice-cold beers, please) if you want your drinks extra cold.

Pairing beer with Colombian food

Colombian beer makes a perfect match with local dishes. Modern restaurants pair beers with specific foods. Light beers like Pacho Wheat by 13 Pesos go well with seafood dishes.

Doing your own blind taste test

Personal exploration remains the best way to find your favorite Colombian beer. Colombia lets you drink freely on public streets. Remember that the country enforces strict rules against drinking and driving.

Colombian beer culture runs nowhere near as shallow as many travelers might think. The country’s brewing map extends well beyond popular Aguila and Club Colombia bottles, telling a rich story of history, regional identity, and changing tastes.

Traditional lagers rule the market and with good reason too. These beers complement Colombia’s tropical climate perfectly, and their reasonable prices make them available nationwide. Brands like Poker and Costeña have earned their place in daily Colombian life through decades of cultural connection rather than marketing alone.

Regional pride plays a big role in beer priorities. Paisas in Medellín drink Pilsen with fierce loyalty, while coastal Colombians grab cold Costeñitas to beat the afternoon heat. These choices reflect deep cultural bonds that beer companies understand and respect.

Craft beer continues to rise in major Colombian cities. Breweries like 3 Cordilleras and BBC create unique alternatives that draw both locals and visitors looking for richer flavors. These craft options blend local ingredients – from coffee to exotic fruits – to create distinctly Colombian beer experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Note that Colombian beer culture puts socializing front and center. Beer isn’t meant for drinking alone but serves as the heart of gatherings with friends and family. On top of that, it opens a window into Colombia’s regional identities and tastes.

Beer enthusiasts who look beyond mass-market brands will find a vibrant scene that mixes tradition with innovation. You might enjoy an ice-cold Aguila while watching the sun set over Cartagena’s walls or sample craft varieties at a Bogotá brewpub. Each sip offers an authentic taste of Colombian culture.

The country’s beer experience keeps growing – from big commercial brewers to creative small-batch operations. This development makes 2025 the perfect time to explore these cervezas colombianas in person, one refreshing glass at a time.

Here are some FAQs about what is the best Colombian beer:

What is the Colombian beer?

Colombia has several popular beers, with the most common being Aguila, Club Colombia, and Poker. These colombian beer brands are widely available throughout the country and represent the main offerings from the Bavaria brewery, which dominates the market.

What’s the most popular beer in Colombia?

Aguila is the most popular and widely consumed beer in Colombia, holding a significant market share. This light lager is often considered the best colombian beer for everyday drinking due to its refreshing taste and affordability.

What type of beer is Club Colombia?

Club Colombia is a premium lager that comes in several varieties including Dorada (gold), Roja (red/amber), and Negra (dark). This colombian beer near me is typically considered a higher-quality option compared to the standard lagers and is enjoyed for its richer flavor profile.

What do they call beer in Colombia?

In Colombia, beer is commonly referred to as “cerveza,” which is the standard Spanish term. When ordering, people might ask for a “pola,” which is Colombian slang for a beer, making it easier to find colombian beer near me in local establishments.

What is the national drink of Colombia?

While coffee is Colombia’s most famous export, aguardiente is often considered the traditional national spirit. Beer, particularly aguila colombian beer, is actually the most consumed alcoholic beverage nationwide despite not holding the official national drink title.

What beer do they have in Columbia?

Colombia’s main beer selection includes Aguila, Club Colombia, Poker, and Costeña as the primary domestic brands. These colombian beer brands are produced by Bavaria S.A., which controls most of the country’s beer production and distribution.

What is Colombia’s best drink?

While opinions vary, many consider a cold Aguila beer to be Colombia’s best drink for casual social occasions. Among the best colombian beer options, Club Colombia is often rated highest for its premium quality and flavor variety.

What is the #1 selling beer?

In Colombia, Aguila is the number one selling beer in terms of volume and market share. This aguila colombian beer dominates the domestic market and is synonymous with Colombian beer culture for both locals and visitors.

Is Aguila beer good?

Aguila beer is generally considered good for what it is – a light, crisp, and refreshing lager perfect for Colombia’s warm climate. While it may not compete with craft beers in complexity, many regard it as the best colombian beer for everyday enjoyment and social gatherings.

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