Cuban Beer Culture: Exploring Cuban Drinking Preferences

Cuba is known for its drinking culture, with Cubans frequently consuming alcohol despite the country's low average income. Beer is a popular beverage in Cuba, with a variety of local and imported options available. The drinking scene in Cuba is dominated by rum and beer, with drinks being inexpensive compared to prices in Western countries. Cuban beers are typically cheap, allowing locals to enjoy a few cold ones every evening without breaking the bank.

Popular Cuban beers

Cuba may be more famous for its rum and cigars, but the local beer culture is growing. Most larger cities in Cuba have their own local brewery, and there are two craft beer breweries in Havana.

The two most popular beers in Cuba are Cristal and Bucanero. These beers are priced in CUC currency and are the most expensive Cuban beers, costing 1 CUC (equivalent to 1 USD). Cristal is a light lager with an alcohol content of 4.9%. It comes in a green can or bottle and has an aroma of corn, hay and bread. Bucanero is a stronger lager with an alcohol content of 5.4%. It comes in a red and black can and has the aroma of sweet malt, corn and mushroom soup.

Despite their popularity with tourists, there are two more nationally sold beers that are more popular with locals: Cacique and Mayabe. These beers are cheaper, priced in Moneda Nacional. Mayabe has an alcohol content of 4% and costs 18 pesos (MN) (75 cents USD). Cacique has an alcohol content of 4.5% and is sold for 20 pesos (MN) (83 cents USD).

Other popular beers include the regional beers Tinima and Bruja, which are considerably cheaper, and Hatuey, which is originally from Cuba but now brewed in the USA.

Beer prices in Cuba

Cuba has a vibrant drinking scene, with both rum and beer flowing freely. The drinking culture in Cuba is alive and well, with stories of Cubans' love for a good time ringing true. Despite the low average income, beer is affordable enough that locals can enjoy a few cold ones every evening without breaking the bank.

The price of beer in Cuba varies depending on the brand and the type of beer. The most popular beers among tourists are Cristal and Bucanero, which are priced in CUC currency and are the most expensive beers in the country. They cost 1 CUC each (equivalent to 1 USD), and sometimes there may be a small markup at certain restaurants or hotel bars.

For those looking for a more authentic local experience, the traditional Cuban beers Cacique and Mayabe are excellent options. These beers are priced in Moneda Nacional and are cheaper than their tourist-oriented counterparts. Mayabe, with an alcohol content of 4%, costs 18 pesos (MN), which is approximately 75 cents USD. Cacique, with a slightly higher alcohol content of 4.5%, is sold for 20 pesos (MN), or about 83 cents USD.

If you're looking for an even more affordable option, you can try regional brews such as Tinima and Bruja. These beers are significantly cheaper, costing only about 10 pesos (MN) per bottle, or around 42 cents USD. However, if you plan to take the bottle home, you'll have to pay an extra 3 pesos per bottle (about 12 cents USD) as a consignment fee.

In conclusion, Cuba offers a range of beer options to suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you're a tourist looking for a refreshing Cristal or a local sipping on the affordable Mayabe, there's something for everyone in the vibrant Cuban drinking scene.

Beer strengths in Cuba

Cuba has a wide variety of beers, ranging from the ubiquitous to the hard-to-find. The beers differ in terms of taste, alcohol content, price, and availability.

The Big Two

Two beers dominate the Cuban beer market: Cristal and Bucanero. Cristal is a light lager with a lower alcohol content, while Bucanero is a stronger lager with a more distinctive taste. Both beers are widely available across the island, with Cristal being the preferred choice for locals and tourists alike. Cristal has a Royal Palm tree, the national tree of Cuba, stamped on each bottle, and is ideal for a hot sunny day. Bucanero, on the other hand, has a deeper amber colour and is named after old legends of Caribbean pirates.

Local Brews

Cuba has several local beers that are popular with the locals due to their taste and affordable prices. Mayabe, for instance, is a clear and light-tasting beer with 4% alcohol content. It is slightly more challenging to find than Cristal or Bucanero but is available in some places, especially in the bars along the Malecon in Havana. Cacique is another local brew that is slightly stronger than Mayabe at 4.5% alcohol content and is commonly found at state-run businesses.

Regional Beers

Regional beers are also available in Cuba, although they tend to be cheaper and less palatable to some drinkers. These include beers like Tinima, Bruja, and Hatuey. These beers are usually less fizzy and have a flatter taste compared to the bigger brands. They are worth trying, especially for those on a budget, as they are among the cheapest beers on the island.

Imported Beers

While Cuba doesn't import many beers, some imported brands like Heineken, Corona, and Bavaria are available in hotels and CUC stores. However, they are generally harder to find and more expensive than local options.

Where to buy beer in Cuba

Cuba's drinking scene is awash with rum and beer, and the drinks are all cheap compared to Western prices. The two major beers in Cuba are Cristal and Bucanero, which are available in most bars, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in tourist areas. Cristal is a light lager with an alcohol content of 4.9%, while Bucanero has a stronger taste and an alcohol content of 5.4%. They cost around 1 CUC (equivalent to 1 USD) each.

If you're looking for something a little more local, head to a Venta Libre stand (outdoor store) to try Cacique and Mayabe, which are extremely popular with the locals as they are cheaper and taste great. These beers are priced in Moneda Nacional (MN) and cost around 18-20 pesos (MN) (75-83 cents USD). You can also find regional beers such as Tinima and Bruja, which are even cheaper at about 10 pesos (MN) per bottle (42 cents USD). These beers are typically found in restaurants or bars, and you may need to return the bottle after drinking.

For a unique beer experience, head to the Plaza Vieja in Old Havana, where you'll find Factoria, a microbrewery offering light, dark, and black beers with subtle flavours. Their beers hover around 5% alcohol content and are a great option if you're looking for something beyond the typical lager-style beers.

Imported beer in Cuba

Cuba has a thriving drinking scene, with beer and rum being widely consumed across the island. While Cuba has its own local beers, there are also several imported beers available in the country.

Heineken

Heineken is a commonly found imported beer in Cuba. It is a Dutch beer brand that has become one of the most recognisable in the world. Heineken is a pale lager with a 5% ABV.

Sol

Sol is another imported beer that can be commonly found in Cuba. Sol is a Mexican lager with a 4.5% ABV. It is known for its refreshing taste and is often served with a slice of lime.

Presidente Lager

Presidente Lager is another imported beer that can be found in Cuba, specifically at the Lamparilla Tapas y Cervezas bar in Old Havana. Presidente is a Dominican beer with a 5% ABV. It is a pale lager with a light, crisp taste.

Martens Pilsener

Martens Pilsener is a Belgian beer that can be found at the Lamparilla Tapas y Cervezas bar in Old Havana. It is a pilsner-style beer with a 5.2% ABV. It has a crisp, refreshing taste with a slightly bitter finish.

Frequently asked questions