Get your international beer passport ready, y’all!  It’s International Beer Day!  Here are some traditions from around the world— from beers to taste to toasting etiquette.  For an entire resource of all things beer, check out the Let’s Grab a Beer campaign.

Belgium

Try….

• Stella Artois: classic Belgian lager, golden in color with exceptional clarity and a spicy hop character. In Belgium, every beer has its own unique glass designed to highlight the brand’s special flavor, and Stella Artois is no exception.  A chalice is designed to ensure that the head foams perfectly and the aroma is preserved. 
• Customs: Wait to see if your host offers a toast before sipping your drink. The guest of honor may also give a toast. It is polite to stand for a toast. The Flemish raise their glasses twice during a toast. ‘Op uw gezondheid’ is fine for the Flemish (Dutch speaking) part of the country but for the other half, the French speaking people, it’s the same as for France ‘SANTE’, although there are of course many other expressions.

Germany

Try….

• Beck’s: Golden in color, Beck’s is a classic German-style pilsner with a robust, distinctive full-bodied taste, a fresh “hoppy” bouquet, distinct bitterness and a rich, full head.
  • Glassware: Pilsner glass; the slender glass will reveal the color, and carbonation of the beer and the broad top will help maintain a beer head.
• Customs: In Bavaria for Oktoberfest? If a toast is called, raise that mug, clink glasses with every person around you and stare each of them straight in the eyes out of respect.

Ireland

Try…

Guinness: an Irish dry stout with a burnt flavor derived from roasted unmalted barley.

• Customs: Exploring the Emerald Isle? The Irish are big fans of the round system, so don’t forget to “get a round in” and purchase a round of beers for your new friends. The favor is sure to be returned.  The Irish say, “Sláinte” which is pronounced Slawn-cha.

America

Try…

•  Budweiser: American Lagers are all about refreshment and quenching your thirst. Fresh and subtle fruit notes, a delicate malt sweetness and balanced bitterness for a clean, snappy finish. Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp and pure beer with blended layers of premium American and European hop aromas.
• Customs: When invited to a party, BBQ or just when visiting friends it is customary to bring a six pack or more of American Lagers with you, even if you will be served beer by your host. Americans rarely will finish their beer in one go and pause after a few sips to contemplate all that’s good about life and enjoyment. American gatherings are all about the guest of honor. Make a toast to them and then cheers everyone!  Say “Cheers!”

Japan

Try…

• Sapporo or Kirin Ichiban; Japanese-style pilsners with a smooth, full-bodied and refreshing taste.  Kirin refers to a mythic beast, half dragon and half deer, from ancient Chinese mythology as a symbol of well-being and good fortune.

• Customs: Sitting down to a banquet in Japan? Only pour beer for those sitting next to you and don’t even think about pouring your own. After all, that’s what friends are for.  When you toast, say, “Kanpai” pronounced Kan-pie.

Spain

Try…

• Estrella Damm Lager; Mediterranean Pale Lager by Damm, a brewery in Barcelona (sold at Whole Foods) and brewed with 100% natural ingredients
• Customs: Looking to impress your Spanish friends? The learning of the following toast is a rite of passage for Spaniards: “ARRIBA, ABAJO, AL CENTRO, PA’ DENTRO!”  That means, “Above, Below, To the Center, Inside!”
• As is customary to learn the local limericks and sayings, one must also respect the non-verbal rituals when out drinking in Spain. Rubbing the bottom of your glass in a circular motion on the bar or table and then banging it back down is one such example. It takes place in between saying ‘Salud!’ and taking that first swig, which is where the next practice comes in: eye contact. 

Here are some other international traditions…

• Hungary: Sightseeing in Hungary? Think twice before clinking someone’s glass — it’s considered offensive and relates to The Thirteen Martyrs of Arad, and ever since Hungarians vowed never to clink glasses while drinking beer.
• Korea: Taking a business trip to South Korea? Make sure your hands are free. It’s traditional to accept and pour beer with both hands.

• China: Toasting, usually with beer, wine or Chinese white liquors, is an important part of Chinese business etiquette. The host will make the first toast. If it is to you, then you should respond with a toast to your host. Toasting will continue throughout the meal.

• Armenia: Visiting family or friends in Armenia? If you’re sharing a beer bottle with the table, be considerate and pour the last drops into your own glass. Though it may seem selfish, Armenian custom dictates otherwise: whoever receives the final pour must purchase the next bottle.

• England: If you are seated at a table, it is customary for one or two persons to make the trip to the bar on behalf of the entire table. A request for ale or lager or bitter or stout will get you a full pint unless you specifically ask for a half pint. (In Ireland, a request for a glass of beer will get you a half pint.)

• Czech: The most common toasts are naz drovie (Czech) and naz drovia (Slovak) – both mean “to your health.” Never break eye contact while making a toast, from the moment the glass leaves the table until you place it back down. There can be many toasts throughout a meal; you will be expected to make one in a small group at some point, especially if you have been toasted personally or are the guest of honor.

• Brazil: Looking to buy a round? Order one large bottle and pour into small glasses. Beer stays colder and sharing is fun!

*This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.