We promised to explore the unique beers brewed in the Caribbean Islands and territories. From here, you can confidently ask for the local beer at any bar. Jirie Caribbean is bringing you the details on enjoying beer like the locals. Let’s uncap this new adventure and learn the local things.
Kubuli- Dominica
Kubuli is a golden lager brewed in Dominica, where it is the unofficial national beer. The beer’s name is derived from the Kalinago Indians who name the island, Waitukubuli which means “Tall is her body.” This refers to the elongated shape of Dominica. The beer is made from simply malt barley, hops, and spring water. This spring water comes from Dominica’s own Loubière Springs. The beer is the flagship product of Dominica Brewery Limited. The light pale lager is very refreshing and perfectly suited for the tropical climate.
Belikin – Belize
The origin of the name “Belikin” dates back to the ancient Maya Classical Period and means “road to the east”. It is believed to be what the native Mayas called Belize and connects Belikin with the Belizean heritage. Belikin Beer is a classic European-style lager with an alcohol content of 4.8%. This beer pours a light golden color and is quite clear. It smells of caramel, grains, and floral notes and tastes of sweet caramel with grains and bread crust. There is a subtle bitterness and crisp, sharp, and smooth. The perfect beer to cool off the hot and humid tropical surroundings of Belize.
Bierre Lorraine- Martinique
Locally brewed in Martinique since 1922, Lorraine has been the flagship of the Brasserie of the same name since its creation. A historic beer, it has received numerous awards during the 20th century, notably a gold medal in 1964 and a silver medal in 1961 in Brussels, or a prize of excellence in Cologne in 1963. Lorraine, whose symbol is precisely the cross of Lorraine, presents a beautiful blonde color, pale and dark which suggests good things for the future. The aromas are varied with citrus fruits such as lemon, and a strong presence of malt for a little bitterness. A mouthful of this beer will pick up the notes of barley, caramel, but also the fruity touches, typical of tropical lager beers, which makes it one of the tastiest beers.
Presidente- Dominican Republic
Presidente is a typical pilsner, amber color, and slightly more bitter than a lager beer. Is fresh and youthful, and comes in longneck bottles. The beer is a light golden color and tastes of grain, caramel smell mixed with a touch of bread and grass. It is the perfect pair for the heat of Caribbean Latin food. Presidente Beer is the most famous and Dominican culture identifies strongly with this beer and brand. Whatever the occasion, Presidente is there.
Prestige- Haiti
Prestige is a lager brewed by Brasserie Nationale d’Haïti (BRANA) in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It is widely consumed and is the most popular beer in Haiti with about a 98% market share. Prestige is currently the only native beer of Haiti. The beer is a clear golden color. The aroma of the brew is a strong bready and caramel mix with a touch of graininess and a little bit of pear and apple and some corn syrup sweetness. Prestige is a sweet malty-style beer and its aroma translates into its flavor. It is light-bodied with low carbonation and drinks smoothly, crisply, and cleanly. Drinking ice-cold Prestige has been described as refreshing and surprisingly enjoyable.
Bucanero Fuerte- Cuba
The Bucanero Fuerte name comes from old legends of the pirates that roamed the Caribbean Sea. Considering that Bucanero Fuerte is one of the best-hidden treasures of Cuban beer, this connection is fitting. This beer is strong and full-flavored and made from the most natural and freshest ingredients, with superior malt, and is blended with a bit of Cuba’s finest cane sugars. With a higher alcohol content than most beers, Bucanero is a deeper amber color with a refreshing yet vigorous and robust flavor. It is 100% an original Cuban beer. Over the years Bucanero Fuerte has become a favorite amongst Cubans as a beer to drink with friends while playing dominoes or watching a sports game. It has proven to be a timeless classic.
Jirie Caribbean has given you the ideas and information to order the island beer like a local. Go forth and grab a cold one from any of these Caribbean islands on your visit!