Cuban Beer: Where To Buy The Authentic Taste

If you're looking to buy Cuban beer, you're in luck! While Cuba is not renowned for its beer production, there are several options available, both within the country and internationally. In Cuba, popular beer choices include Cristal, Bucanero, Cacique, and Mayabe, which can be found in most bars, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in tourist areas. These beers are typically priced in CUC currency and are affordable, with a can usually costing around 1 CUC (equivalent to 1 USD). For a more traditional Cuban beer, you can try Cacique or Mayabe, which are extremely popular with the locals for their great taste and lower prices.

Outside of Cuba, the availability of Cuban beer varies. Due to the US trade embargo on Cuba, you won't be able to find Cuban beer in the United States. However, in other countries such as the UK, you may be able to find certain Cuban beers like Bucanero. Additionally, Hatuey, a popular Cuban beer, is now brewed in the USA and can be found in select locations. So, depending on your location, you may have different options for purchasing Cuban beer.

Can I buy Cuban beer outside of Cuba?

Yes, it is possible to buy Cuban beer outside of Cuba, although it may not be easy to find and is not available in all countries. The availability of Cuban beer varies depending on the region and the specific brand.

Bucanero, for example, is a popular Cuban beer that can be found in Cuba as well as in other countries. According to one source, it is exported and available for purchase in the UK. However, another source mentions that due to the US trade embargo on Cuba, Cuban beer cannot be found in the United States.

Hatuey, another well-known Cuban beer, has a more complex history. It was originally produced in Cuba by the Bacardi family but was confiscated by Fidel Castro in 1960. The brand was later revived by Bacardi, and it is now brewed in the USA. Hatuey is available in the United States, having been relaunched in South Florida and New York.

Cristal is another Cuban beer that tourists often gravitate towards due to its pricing and availability in tourist areas. However, it is unclear if it is available outside of Cuba.

In summary, while it is possible to find Cuban beer outside of Cuba, the availability varies by brand and region. The trade embargo imposed by the US on Cuba also affects the accessibility of Cuban beer in certain countries.

Where can I buy Cuban beer in Cuba?

Cuba is more famous for its rum and cigars than its beer, but the local beer culture in Cuba is rapidly increasing. Most of the larger cities in Cuba have their own local brewery, but the beer produced is often only sold in the city it's made.

Where to Buy Cuban Beer in Cuba

The most common and popular beers in Cuba are Cristal and Bucanero, which are priced in CUC currency and are the most expensive Cuban beers. You can find these beers in most bars, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in tourist areas. They cost 1 CUC each (equivalent to 1 USD), although there may be a small markup at certain restaurants or fancy hotel bars. Cristal has an alcohol content of 4.9%, while Bucanero has a stronger taste and an alcohol content of 5.4%.

Despite their popularity with tourists, there are two nationally sold beers that are even more popular with locals: Cacique and Mayabe. These beers are cheaper because they are priced in Moneda Nacional (MN) rather than CUC. 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). You can buy these beers from Venta Libre stands (outdoor stores) or try them at state-run restaurants and bars.

If you're looking for even cheaper beer, you can try a brew from a small, regional brewer such as Tinima and Bruja. These beers are very inexpensive, around 10 pesos (MN) per bottle (42 cents USD). However, if you plan on taking the bottle home, you will have to pay an extra 3 pesos per bottle for consignment (12 cents USD).

Another option is to try some of the local craft beers from Havana's two craft breweries.

The Best Places to Try Cuban Beer

For a unique experience, head to the Beatles-themed bar Submarino Amarillo in the Vedado district of Havana to try a Cristal. If you're looking for a Bucanero, sip one at Horizontes Los Jazmines overlooking the Viñales Valley.

To try Mayabe, buy a can from one of the bars along the Malecon in Havana and hang out with the locals. For Cacique, head to the baseball bar on 12th Avenue in Vedado, Havana.

What are the most popular Cuban beers?

Despite not being renowned for its beer, Cuba offers a range of good-quality beers, including some that are popular with locals. The drinking scene in Cuba is awash with rum and beer, and the drinks are all cheap compared to Western prices.

Cristal

One of the most popular beers in Cuba, Cristal is a lager that is especially popular with British visitors. It comes in a green can or bottle, has an alcohol content of 4.9% and is priced at 1 CUC (1 USD).

Bucanero

Also priced at 1 CUC, Bucanero is another tourist favourite. It has a stronger taste and an alcohol content of 5.4%, which is higher than most lagers. It comes in a red and black can.

Cacique and Mayabe

These two beers are extremely popular with locals because of their great taste and cheaper price (18-20 pesos, or 75-83 cents USD). Mayabe has an alcohol content of 4% and, according to one source, is the best beer to drink a lot of without feeling bloated. Cacique has an alcohol content of 4.5%.

Hatuey

Hatuey is a medium-bodied, sweet beer that is easy to drink and ideal for a sunny day. It was originally produced in Cuba in 1927 by the Bacardi family and was the country's first premium beer. It is now brewed in the USA but is still in large circulation in Cuba.

Other popular Cuban beers

Other popular beers in Cuba include Puerto del Rey Negra, Tinima Cerveza Clara, Varadero 43 Obscura, and Mayabe Cerveza Fuerte R.

How much does Cuban beer cost?

Cuban beer is considered to be cheap, especially when compared to Western prices. The most expensive Cuban beers, Cristal and Bucanero, cost 1 CUC (the equivalent of 1 USD) each. Sometimes there is a small markup at certain restaurants or fancy hotel bars, but in most cases, you can get a can at the government rate of 1 CUC. Cristal has an alcohol content of 4.9%, while Bucanero has a stronger taste and an alcohol content of 5.4%.

There are also cheaper, more locally-consumed beers such as Cacique and Mayabe, which are priced in Moneda Nacional. 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).

For even cheaper options, you can try regional brewers such as Tinima and Bruja, which cost about 10 pesos (MN) per bottle (42 cents USD). However, if you plan on taking the bottle home, there will be an extra consignment fee of about 3 pesos per bottle (12 cents USD).

Hatuey, another Cuban beer, is also available in the USA as a microbrew. It is unclear how much this costs.

What are some good Cuban beers to try?

Cuba has a range of good-quality beers to try, although the country is not known for its beer production. The drinking scene in Cuba is awash with rum and beer, and the drinks are all cheap compared to Western prices.

Cristal

This is a standard lager that you will see everywhere in Cuba, with its distinctive green label featuring a palm tree. It doesn't have a strong taste, but it's a welcome refreshment on a hot day. Cristal is priced in CUC currency and is the most expensive Cuban beer, costing 1 CUC (equivalent to 1 USD). It has an alcohol content of 4.9%. You can get Cristal all over the island, but for a unique experience, try the Beatles-themed bar Submarino Amarillo in the Vedado district of Havana.

Bucanero

Bucanero is another popular beer with tourists, and it has a stronger taste and higher alcohol content than Cristal, at 5.4%. It comes in a red and black can. It is also priced at 1 CUC. You can sip a Bucanero at Horizontes Los Jazmines, looking over the Vinales Valley.

Hatuey

Hatuey is a beer with a fascinating history. It was first brewed in 1927 in Santiago de Cuba and was the country's first premium beer. It was produced by the Bacardi family until Fidel Castro confiscated the Modelo Brewery in 1960. It is now produced in the USA, but it can still be considered a Cuban beer. It has an alcohol content of 5%. You can find Hatuey in bars and restaurants in southern Florida and other locations on the US east coast.

Mayabe

Mayabe is a popular local beer that is cheaper than Cristal or Bucanero, costing only 18 pesos (MN) (75 cents USD). It has an alcohol content of 4% and is similar in taste to a Coors light beer. You can find Mayabe in state-run restaurants and bars, and it's a great choice if you want to hang out with the locals. Buy a can from one of the bars along the Malecon in Havana.

Cacique

Cacique is another local favourite, with a slightly higher alcohol content than Mayabe at 4.5%. It has a light taste and is sold in silver cans. It costs 20 pesos (MN) (83 cents USD). Try a Cacique at the baseball bar on 12th Avenue in Vedado, Havana.

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