FIFA ranks the teams playing in the World Cup. We rank the quality of craft beers those countries have to offer. Here, seven picks for native beers to celebrate victory or ease the sting of defeat.
1st: USA
Bombshell Blonde Ale, an easy-drinker from Texas, the home state of Clint Dempsey, captain of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team.
2nd: BELGIUM
Rosé de Gambrinus, a tart, raspberry-laced, aged beer from famed Belgian producer Cantillon.
3rd: GERMANY
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier, a beer with smoked malts for a campfire accent that goes great with bacon.
4th: ENGLAND
J.W. Lees Vintage Harvest Ale, a high-test barleywine that is released annually — to remember the year your team won.
5th: ITALY
Baladin Nora, a gorgeous, complex brew with ginger and myrrh from Italy’s leading craft producer, Birrificio Le Baladin.
6th: BRAZIL
Xingu Black Beer, a popular export that pours an intimidating dark hue but leaves no heaviness or bitterness on the palate.
7th: SPAIN
Estrella Damm Inedit, a wheat beer with coriander brewed in collaboration with uber chef Ferran Adria.
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