In search of the perfect brew to complement your adventures in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires? Look no further, as ExpatPathways brings you “The 10 Best Beer Brands in Buenos Aires,” your essential guide to discovering the city’s most outstanding craft beers.
Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking a taste of local craftsmanship, a traveler on the quest for unique beer experiences, or an expat longing for a pint that feels like home, our selection spans from the historic Quilmes to the avant-garde Juguetes Perdidos.
Delve into our expertly picked list to uncover the breweries and beer brands that have shaped Buenos Aires’ beer culture into what it is today – a rich tapestry of flavors, stories, and innovation.
Let us lead you to the brews that define Buenos Aires, making your stay in this dynamic city all the more memorable!
The 10 Best Beer Brands in Buenos Aires
1. Antares
Antares, a trailblazer in Argentina’s craft beer scene since its inception in 1998 by three friends in Mar del Plata, has grown to become synonymous with innovative and quality artisanal beers.
From brewing in a garage to opening its first bar and expanding into a major player with two plants and 65 franchises across 14 provinces, Antares has played a pivotal role in shaping the craft beer culture in Argentina.
Its commitment to innovation is evident in its diverse range of beer styles, marrying traditional brewing methods with bold flavor combinations.
This dedication not only to the craft but also to fostering a beer community has made Antares a beloved brand among beer enthusiasts, continuously pushing the boundaries of the craft beer experience while nurturing a culture of beer appreciation across the country.
Antares’ Best Beers
- IPA: Citrus aroma, bitter, with hops.
- Honey Beer: Amber color, incorporated honey, smooth, and aromatic.
- Kolsch: Golden color, smooth, fresh, and fruity.
- Porter: Dark color, malty with notes of chocolate and coffee.
2. Patagonia
Patagonia Brewing Company, marking its entry into the premium beer segment in 2006, quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the Argentine market with ambitions of international expansion, already making its mark in Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.
Distinct for its embrace of niche beer styles, Patagonia offers an array of options including Bohemian Pilsener, Amber Lager, and Weisse, along with rotational brews available at Patagonia “refugios” nationwide.
This strategy not only diversifies its portfolio but also caters to a broad spectrum of palates seeking premium, uncommon beer varieties.
The introduction of Patagonia Küné and its venture into returnable bottles with the Patagonia Pale Ale highlight the brand’s innovative approach to beer production and distribution, maintaining its commitment to quality while exploring new avenues in the brewing industry.
Patagonia’s Best Beers
- Amber Lager: Amber color, soft caramel aroma, malty flavor.
- Bohemian Pilsener: Bright golden color, dense foam, bread and spicy aroma, malty flavor with good body.
- Kilómetro 24.7: Deep golden color with a slight pink tint, intense hop, fruit, and citrus aroma, elegant and balanced bitterness.
- Kuné: Light bronze color and creamy foam, citrus and herbal aroma, soft bitterness with slight caramel notes.
3. Rabieta
Rabieta, an Argentine craft beer brand with a vision for the global market, prides itself on its noble, artisanal, and indulgent characteristics, capturing the essence of Argentina’s vibrant beer culture.
With a brewery located in the iconic Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo and a broad selection of craft beers that meet the highest standards of quality and flavor, Rabieta is more than just a beer; it’s a philosophy that challenges conventional brewing methods by infusing passion into every batch.
This approach has not only satisfied but exceeded the expectations of beer enthusiasts, offering a unique experience at its brewpub in Buenos Aires and its brewery in Pilar.
Rabieta stands out as a testament to the idea that beer can be both a craft and an experience, inviting patrons to explore the depths of flavor and craftsmanship in a setting steeped in history and passion.
Rabieta’s Best Beers
- Irish Red Ale: Intense red, good character, caramel notes.
- Witbier: Fresh and pale in color, clove and banana aroma, tasty, delicious.
- APA: Fresh, citrus, floral, and tropical fruit aroma and notes.
- Wee Heavy: Intense, dark red color, light and with a sweet sensation.
4. Andes Origen
Andes Origen, born from the entrepreneurial spirit of German immigrant Otto Bemberg in 1921 in Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, has a rich history of producing a variety of beers, including Andes Blanca, Andes Chopp, and Andes Red Lager.
The brand underwent a significant expansion in 2018 with the introduction of Andes Origen, diversifying its portfolio to include blonde, red, black, and Andean IPA beers, along with limited edition variants such as IPA Roja and Vendimia.
This latter variant, crafted with grape must, exemplifies the brand’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to capturing the essence of its region.
Andes Origen embodies the pioneering spirit of its founder, continuing to offer beer lovers a taste of Mendoza’s rich brewing tradition with each sip.
Andes Origen’s Best Beers
- Blonde: Malty flavor, medium bitterness, notes of cereal and yeast, bright golden color, and medium body.
- Red: Made with three malts, soft aroma and balanced flavor, coppery amber color.
- Black: Intense body and deep black color, roasted flavor and hop aroma, slight acidity, and mild sweetness.
- Andean IPA: Intense bitter flavor with a slight sweetness, balanced, bright golden, and herbal aromas.
5. Salta Cautiva
Salta Cautiva is one of the latest beer proposals that has gained strength in the Argentine beer market, aiming to captivate the youth market with its simple yet high-quality beer infused with Salta’s regional recipes and distinctive ingredients.
This beer brand invites consumers to embrace the moment, encouraging a relaxed and judgment-free enjoyment of its captivating flavors.
Salta Cautiva’s approach to beer making and consumption reflects a deeper appreciation for the region’s potential and a commitment to providing a tranquil, enjoyable experience.
Salta Cautiva’s Best Beers
- Blend: Extra wheat beer, citrusy flavor.
- Red: Quinoa touch, balanced flavor, soft color, foamy.
- Blonde: Smooth, Torrontés grape aroma.
6. Peñón del Águila
Peñón del Águila, originating from Córdoba in 2007, has rapidly expanded its footprint across Argentina, showcasing a diverse portfolio that spans various beer styles.
Initially brewing a modest 50 liters per month for its restaurant in La Cumbrecita, Córdoba, Peñón del Águila has since opened its own bars in key Argentine cities including CABA, Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Santa Fe, Mendoza, Tucumán, and Entre Ríos.
Known for its adherence to original German recipes and a commitment to natural ingredients without preservatives or additives, Peñón del Águila stands out for its craft approach to brewing.
The brand’s growth from a small-scale operation to a nationally recognized label underscores its quality and popularity, with venues in Palermo, Puerto Madero, and the broader Province of Buenos Aires, becoming a beloved choice for beer enthusiasts seeking authentic and flavorful brews.
Peñón del Águila’s Best Beers
- Kolsch: Balanced, apple and pear notes, and others sulfurous, pale golden color, and light body.
- Hefeweizen: Wheat beer, fruity and phenolic esters, bread notes, and low bitterness.
- Honigbier: Golden beer with honey added, light.
- Schwarzbier: Elegant and subtle, toasted malts give it a sepia tone and notes of toasted bread, medium-low body, and dry finish.
7. Quilmes
Quilmes, Argentina’s most iconic beer brand with a storied 132-year history, reigns as the country’s most consumed beer. It represents a tradition of brewing excellence and a legacy of competition, ultimately surpassing rivals like Bieckert.
With a diverse product range that includes Quilmes Clásica, Stout, Red Lager, Bock, Cero (non-alcoholic), and the innovative Doble Malta, Quilmes continues to captivate palates with unique flavor profiles.
Brewed in the city of Quilmes, Buenos Aires province, this lager is cherished both domestically and internationally for its smooth, refreshing taste achieved through a meticulous low-fermentation process using malts, water, hops, and yeast, particularly the noble European hops that lend it a distinct floral and herbal aroma.
With its light body, golden color, and subtle bitterness, Quilmes is versatile in food pairings, enhancing both Argentine cuisine and international dishes.
As a recipient of international accolades and a key player in AB InBev’s portfolio, Quilmes is celebrated as Argentina’s “National Beer,” embodying the country’s rich brewing heritage and cultural identity.
Quilmes’ Best Beers
- Classic: Golden and balanced, good foam level, and flavor.
- Stout: Sweet, creamy foam, flavor based on notes of chocolate and coffee.
- Red Lager: Medium body, copper color, and caramelized.
- Double Malt: Two types of malts, Pilsen and Carapils, double flavor, extra intense body, and persistent foam.
8. Blest
Blest, established in 1989 in the picturesque setting of Bariloche, Patagonia, emerged from a pioneering spirit in a time when craft beer was neither a revolution nor a trend in Argentina.
Founders Nicolás Silin and Julio Migoya embarked on their brewing journey amidst a backdrop of forest fruits and glacial waters, laying the groundwork for what would become a hallmark of Argentinian craft beer.
Named after a branch of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, “Brazo Blest,” Blest has become synonymous with artisanal purity, drawing ingredients directly from the Patagonian landscape.
This commitment to organic hops, local fruits, and the pristine waters of the region’s lakes and rivers, without the use of preservatives or chemicals, has positioned Blest as a purveyor of beers that truly encapsulate the essence of their origin, offering a range of brews celebrated for their craftsmanship and authenticity in Palermo, Recoleta, and Núñez.
Blest’s Best Beers
- APA: Light body and intense flavor, marked American hop and malt flavor, intense aromas.
- Scotch: Intense coppery amber color and light foam cushion, sweet malt caramelized flavor merged with the slight intensity of roasted malt.
- Pilsen: Clear golden color, bitter and malty flavor, fresh, very well balanced, and medium body.
- Bock: Deep dark color, persistent and light-colored foam, coffee and chocolate notes.
9. Juguetes Perdidos
Juguetes Perdidos, a cult brewery since 2015, has been at the forefront of redefining Argentina’s craft beer scene, challenging conventional price perceptions and showcasing the potential for beers to age gracefully in oak barrels or explode with flavor intensity.
Named after a song by the iconic 90s rock band Los Redonditos de Ricota, Juguetes Perdidos has gained a fervent following willing to pay premium prices for its unique offerings.
Specializing in extreme beers, such as barrel-aged, sour, and hop bombs, the brewery stands out among an estimated 800 craft breweries in Argentina for its symbolic impact and innovation.
Juguetes Perdidos’ Best Beers
- Capitan America – American Red Rye IPA: Spicy and sweet, fruity, citrus aromas.
- El Matador – Russian Imperial Stout: Powerful, thick, and intense, notes of coffee, chocolate, and dried fruits.
- Pase Inglés – NEIPA: Balanced flavor, sweetness, and creaminess, notes of tropical fruits and citrus.
- Hops On The Rocks: Intense and bitter, made with a grist of grains including corn and rice.
10. Bierhaus Brewing Co.
Bierhaus Brewing Co., on the other hand, founded in 2010 by four school friends with a dream to craft their own beer, has quickly risen to prominence, producing over 15 styles and earning 9 international awards.
With its beers now available in major supermarkets and numerous local bars, Bierhaus exemplifies the growth and passion of Argentina’s craft beer culture, distinguished by its commitment to quality and the collaborative spirit within the global brewing community.
Bierhaus Brewing Co.’s Best Beers
- SweetHeart – Honey Ale: Intense copper color, touch of caramel malts and a large amount of honey, moderately alcoholic and dry.
- Mexican Lager: Very refreshing, clear and bright yellow color, white foam, low alcohol level.
- Raptor – Czech Pilsen: Bright golden color and white foam, subtle, medium bitterness, and medium-dry finish in the mouth.
- Ness – Scottish Ale: Bright light brown color with garnet highlights, caramel, toffee, and sponge cake aroma, low bitterness, light body, and medium sweet finish.
(Featured image source: encantadíssim/flickr.com)
