I’m a man of simple pleasures: music, books, football, travel… These are the things I think about during my spare time. One thing about these interests that frustrates me, however, is that I can’t drink them. That’s where beer comes in. I can drink beer. Delicious, delicious beer.
One thing I was worried about before coming to Colombia was the quality of beer, since it’s notoriously hard to find high quality beer outside of Europe, especially since I’m a fan of darker brews. So imagine my relief upon arrival when I was told by some reliable sources that in actual fact Bogotá has a great selection of international-standard beers in a number of different pubs. Next thing someone would be telling me I could get fish and chips!
So here’s a run down of some of my favourite beers in Bogotá, and where you can find them:
Club Colombia Roja (Everywhere)
Club Colombia Roja started as a limited edition beer from the same company that brings us Club Colombia. The Roja edition, costing only a tiny bit more than your standard larger here, makes the list since it’s so easy to get hold of, relatively cheap and pretty darn tasty. Evidently I’m not the only one that thinks so; the beer has been made permanent.
Sierra del Tigre (El Gap and La Villa)
One of the best beers in Colombia, Sierra del Tigre is made in Bogotá by a few beer aficionados, and it shows. Refreshing and complex, it’s a light and slightly bitter (but still fruity) beer that can only be found in El Gap and La Villa, a couple of bars run by an Australian and a guy from Wales (and a few others) so you know it’s going to be good.
Usaquen Stout (Bogotá Beer Company)
All the beers of Bogotá Beer Company are of a good quality, but a couple stand out. The Usaquen Stout is, for me, easily the best stout I’ve tried in South America. While it might not rival the pint you’ll get pulled in Dublin, it’s still a valiant effort and one I come back to whenever it’s available.
Half n’ Half, Roja y Negra (The Pub)
Mixing two beers would normally be my idea of a nightmare, and is something I only used to do at university when I lost a bet. Both The Pub and Bogotá Beer Company do it, however, and the results are surprisingly good. In fact, out of all the standard beers on offer at The Pub, I prefer to take a nice mix of the red and stout beers. Shouldn’t work, but it really does.
Septimazo IPA (Bogotá Beer Company)
With the aroma and taste of the Septimazo IPA I’m immediately transported back to my local pub, The Chequers, in England. I see myself sitting across from my friend, chatting about the football that happened at the weekend or glancing longingly at the quiz machine. We’ve got an open bag of crinkly McCoys and a pint in our hands. We’re happy. For this I rank this IPA as one of the best in South America.
Oh, and by the way, you can get fish and chips here. Like, good fish and chips.
Paul
The Beer Whore on
Despite the author’s stated ignorance >> “hard to find high quality beer outside of Europe” (apparently he/she has never traveled in Colorado, Oregon, Washington, California or any of the other 46 United States or in New Zealand, Australia or …well… anywhere outside of Europe.) I’ll assume this means that Columbia has some interesting beers – craft or otherwise. I’ll hope I get the opportunity to travel Columbia and taste them for myself.
And, I’ll wish for the author of this post a chance to come to Colorado and taste some fine craftbeer – outside the confines of Europe.
Paul on
Thanks for your comment. Of course, there are good places for beer outside of Europe, however you actually only stated three countries in the entire world. Mexico and Japan also have good beer, and good beer can be found in other countries, but relatively speaking as a world-traveler you will find it hard to find quality – real quality – beer. Maybe not as difficult as I made it sound if beer is exactly what you’re looking for, but I’m sure many backpackers will share that frustration!
Again, thanks for stopping by and be sure to travel to Colombia (watch the spelling ;)) to sample some of the beer here, it’s surprisingly good!
And as soon as I can, I’ll head to Colorado. Any excuse for a good pint!
Paul