Beer fanatics rejoice! No matter where you roam within the Caribbean region, there is a unique beer for you to taste. Each island producing its own locally made and unique beer and experiencing each one is a true adventure when traveling the islands, A cold beer is at the center of every bar, restaurant, fete, party, or occasion in the Caribbean. Caribbean people are very social and believe in connecting with new people. A weekend or holiday parties and casual get-togethers are considered the best relief to a long week of hard work. Getting to know someone in the Caribbean will most likely start off with the offer of a cold, local beer.
Beer was introduced to the islands in 1880 which quickly became a favorite with the Queen’s soldiers and sailors, as well as the locals. Soon, the islanders began brewing small-batch beers throughout the islands. Today, each island boast their own breweries.
Most Caribbean beers are lagers. While it’s possible to find some ales, the beers of the Caribbean are generally yellow lagers, amber lagers, and pilsners. Caribbean beers are usually light and very refreshing lagers. The perfect way to cool off the tropical climate.
Jirie Caribbean has compiled a list of beers locally crafted in various Caribbean islands and territories. The pride of each island. Now let’s pops some caps and enjoy these Caribbean-branded suds.
Piton Beer, St. Lucia
Piton Beer is a clear, medium yellow lager with an average, frothy, good lacing, mostly lasting, white head. The aroma has moderate citrus, floral, malt, and grassy notes. Piton beer tastes slightly sweet with a refreshing aftertaste. It is watery and lightly carbonated. The best thing about this beer is that a visitor will probably be drinking it in the shadow of the Pitons.
Red Stripe, Jamaica
Red Stripe a pale amber lager brewed by Desnoes & Geddes in Jamaica. While the beer recipe was originally developed in the United States it is synonymous with Jamaican culture. Its flavor is derived from Pilsen malt, hops, cassava starch, and water. Red Stripe has smooth butterscotch notes with a 4.7 alcohol level. This award-winning beer embodies the lively spirit of Jamaica.
Banks, Barbados
The Banks Company has been brewing and selling its own unique local beer since 1961 in Barbados. Banks is a premium Pilsner-style lager that is both full and refreshing. The secret to the amazing Banks flavor is its water which is naturally purified by the limestone rock that is the foundation of the island. Banks has a gold color, malty flavor, and moderate caramel flavor. Visitors to Barbados can Witness what goes into the meticulous crafting process of Banks Beer with a tour to the state-of-the-art brewing facility located in Newton, Christ Church in sunny Barbados.
Carib Beer, Trinidad
Carib is the national beer of Trinidad and Tobago, it is also the unofficial beer of the entire Caribbean region. The Carib Brewery started in September 1950 and today produces over 26 million gallons of Carib Lager annually, which is exported to over 30 countries around the world. The company also produces Carib in breweries on the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis as well as Grenada. Carib Lager is an American-style lager with a bright yellow color with raisin and malt notes.
Wadadli, Antigua
The national beer of Antigua, Wadadli, is one of the best-known beers in the Caribbean and is commonly served by Caribbean cruise ships. Waladli (which has since been changed to Wadadli by modern Antiguans) was given to the island we know as Antigua today by the Caribs who first inhabited the island. Wadadli is brewed by Antigua Brewery, and it is an American-style lager that is low in alcohol content. The Antiguan beer has a pale-yellow color, funky nose, bright citrus notes, and a lasting finish.
Kalik, Bahamas
Kalik is indeed “The Beer of The Bahamas”, deeply rooted in the culture of the archipelago nation. The beer was launched in 1988 by Commonwealth Brewery Limited in the Bahamas. Kalik Gold is a golden, bold, full-bodied lager of premium quality with 7% alc/vol. making it strongest lagers available in the Caribbean islands.
The brand’s name derives from the “Kalik, Kalikin’ kalik” sound of the cowbell instrument used in Junkanoo – the Bahamas most important and largest cultural event and a pulsating, uniquely Bahamian genre of music.
These are just some of the magnificent beers the Caribbean has to offer. Jirie Caribbean will dish out some more island lagers in another post, we would dare not leave out any island. Look out for the next Caribbean Beer post.