Cuban Beer In The Us: Legal Availability

Cuban beer is not available for sale in the USA, but there are some imitations and similar products. The United States maintains its decades-long restrictions on trade with Cuba, including on beer imports from the country. However, some beers with Cuban-inspired branding and names have been sold in Miami, such as Mi Cristal and Cerveza Palma, which are not actually brewed in Cuba. The only Cuban beer that can be purchased in the USA is Hatuey Beer, which is produced in Miami, Florida, by Bacardi.

The US embargo on Cuba restricts trade, including beer

The same restrictions apply to Cuban beer. While you can buy imitation Cuban beers in the USA, such as Mi Cristal, you can't buy the real Cuban beers like Cristal and Bucanero. Cristal is the most popular beer in Cuba, with a 4.9% alcohol content and a crisp, sweet taste. Bucanero is the second most popular, with a stronger 5.4% alcohol content and a darker golden appearance.

The US's complex legal landscape means that navigating the world of Cuban cigars and beer in the US is a challenging endeavour. The US embargo on Cuba, implemented over half a century ago, has significantly restricted the availability of Cuban products in the American market. However, in recent years, there have been some relaxations in these regulations, allowing for limited importation under specific conditions.

For instance, American travellers returning from authorised trips to Cuba are allowed to bring back a limited quantity of Cuban cigars for personal use. But the commercial importation and sale of Cuban cigars remain prohibited under US law.

Cristal and Bucanero are the most popular beers in Cuba

Despite their popularity with tourists, Cacique and Mayabe are the two nationally sold beers that are more popular with local Cubans. These beers are cheaper and taste great. Mayabe, in particular, is similar to a Coors light beer and is ideal for those who want to drink a lot without feeling bloated.

Although Cuban beer is not available for sale in the US, there are some beers in the US that are inspired by Cristal, the bestselling beer in Cuba. For instance, Mi Cristal and Cerveza Palma are two new beers that have hit the shelves in Miami, with packaging and marketing that evoke a sense of Cuban nostalgia. However, it is important to note that these beers are not affiliated with the Cuban government or the actual Cristal beer brand.

Imitation Cuban beers are available in the USA

These imitation Cuban beers have caused some controversy, with some customers believing that they are secretly backed by the Cuban government. This is due to their similar names, branding, and marketing to the popular Cuban beer Cristal. In fact, the creators of these imitation beers have had to be very creative with their naming and branding to get around existing trademarks. For example, the owner of Mi Cristal, Tony Haber, had to omit the 'I' and replace it with a palm tree in front of a red stripe on the can. He also printed "La Original de Cuba" and "100% Cubana" on the packaging.

Despite the controversy, these imitation Cuban beers have been very successful in the US market, particularly in areas with large Cuban and Cuban-American populations, such as South Florida. They have tapped into the desire for a taste of Cuba, without actually breaking any laws. However, some people, such as Manuel Portuondo, whose family originally owned the Cristal brand before it was confiscated by the Cuban government, view these imitation beers as disingenuous and are considering taking legal action.

La Tropical was the first Cuban beer, brewed in 1888

La Tropical, the first Cuban beer, was brewed in 1888 by the Blanco-Herrera family. The beer was created in a brewery called Cerveceria La Tropical, which was built in eastern Havana by the Blanco-Herrera family in the same year. The brewery was constructed on land sold to Ramon Blanco-Herrera by Federico Kohly, Manny Portuondo's maternal great-great-grandfather.

Federico Kohly had owned most of the suburban land outside of Havana, which he sold to Ramon Blanco-Herrera, leading to the birth of the Cuban beer industry. Cerveceria La Tropical was Cuba's first brewery, and by 1958, it accounted for over 60% of the nation's beer production. The brewery was nationalized by the Cuban government in 1960, and the Blanco-Herrera family was exiled.

In 1998, Manny Portuondo, the American-born son of Cuban exiles, re-established the trademark of La Tropical under Three Palms Holdings. He began testing the product with Concrete Beach Brewery, owned by the Boston Beer Company, in 2016. The following year, he sold a majority stake in the brand to Heineken. La Tropical was relaunched in 2022, and is now available in restaurants and stores throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Cuban beers are cheap, especially compared to Western prices

Cuban beers are known for their cheap prices, especially when compared to Western prices. Despite the low average income in Cuba, locals can afford to drink a few cold ones every evening without breaking the bank. The drinking scene in Cuba is filled with rum and beer, and the stories about how much Cubans love to drink and party are true.

The most popular beers among tourists are Cristal and Bucanero, priced at 1 CUC (equivalent to 1 USD). Cristal has an alcohol content of 4.9%, while Bucanero has a stronger taste and an alcohol content of 5.4%. These beers are the most expensive in Cuba and are usually found in tourist areas.

However, there are other beers that are more popular with the local Cuban crowd, such as Cacique and Mayabe. These beers are priced in Moneda Nacional and are cheaper than Cristal and Bucanero. Mayabe has an alcohol content of 4% and costs 18 pesos (MN) (75 cents USD), while Cacique has an alcohol content of 4.5% and is sold for 20 pesos (MN) (83 cents USD).

If you're looking for even cheaper options, you can try regional brewers like Tinima and Bruja, which cost about 10 pesos (MN) per bottle (42 cents USD). These beers are considerably flatter than standard beers, but they are worth trying.

So, if you're ever in Cuba, be sure to explore the different beers they have to offer. With beers for every taste and price point, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a cold one with friends and live music—a perfect way to spend a warm Havana evening.

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