Swiss Beer: Where To Buy And What To Know

Switzerland may not be known for its beer in the same way that Belgium or Germany are, but the country has a long tradition of brewing and a burgeoning beer industry. Swiss beers are available to purchase in-store and online, both within Switzerland and internationally. In Switzerland, beer is widely available in outlets such as supermarkets (except the Migros chain), corner shops, and gas stations. However, the cantons regulate alcohol sales and can restrict sales as they see fit. Beer can also be purchased in bars and pubs, although it is expensive due to the high cost of living in the country. Swiss beers can be purchased online from websites such as Swiss House Shop, Beers'n'More, and Drinks of the World.

Swiss beer brands and styles

Switzerland has a long history of brewing, with significant domestic production and a thriving craft beer scene. The Swiss beer market offers a diverse range of flavours and styles, from mainstream brands to artisanal brews. Here is an overview of some popular Swiss beer brands and styles:

Feldschlösschen

Feldschlösschen is undoubtedly the most famous beer in Switzerland. It is available everywhere in the country and has become a staple in the Swiss beer scene. Owned by Carlsberg, it is Switzerland's largest brewery, producing a range of beers, including crisp lagers and hearty stouts. Its headquarters in Rheinfelden resembles a grand castle, adding to its iconic status.

Appenzeller

Appenzeller is a popular mainstream brand, known for its refreshing and distinct flavour. The Appenzeller Bier, brewed by Brauerei Locher AG, is a standout choice. Using pure Alpine spring water and local herbs, their beers offer a unique taste of Switzerland. Their Quöllfrisch lager is particularly popular and is considered by many to be the best Swiss beer.

Luzerner Bier and Baarer Beer

In Central Switzerland, Luzerner Bier and Baarer Beer are the go-to choices. These beers are predominantly available in the Lucerne and Zug regions and are celebrated for their great taste and high-quality brewing methods.

Valaisanne and Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes (BFM)

Valaisanne, produced in Sion, and Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes (BFM) in the Jura region, are two breweries that exemplify the French-speaking part of Switzerland's beer culture. BFM is especially known for its experimental brews, attracting those who love sour beers and pale ales.

Schützengarten

Schützengarten, located in St. Gallen, is the oldest brewery in Switzerland. They offer a range of beers, including their renowned Black Beer. Their commitment to tradition and quality makes them a standout brewery in Eastern Switzerland.

Chopfab

Chopfab is a hidden gem found in Swiss supermarkets. It offers an extraordinary taste experience, rivalling even the most popular Swiss beers.

Craft Beer Movement

Switzerland has also experienced a boom in small-scale craft brewing, with the number of registered breweries growing exponentially in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The rise of microbreweries has led to a diverse range of beers, catering to both traditionalists and those seeking more adventurous flavours.

Swiss beer styles vary from the ubiquitous pale lagers to tangy wheat beers and robust stouts. The country's beer scene is as diverse and rich as its landscapes, offering something for every palate.

Swiss supermarkets and liquor stores

Supermarkets

Swiss supermarkets, such as Coop and Denner, offer a convenient option for purchasing beer. Coop, the second-largest Swiss supermarket chain, sells both Swiss and imported beers, and is known for having a good selection. Denner, the third-largest chain, offers more reasonably priced alcohol alongside groceries. While these supermarkets sell alcohol, it's important to note that the largest chain, Migros, does not.

When it comes to pricing, Coop tends to offer slightly more expensive options, while Denner provides more affordable choices. You can expect to find Swiss beers like Quöllfrisch and imported beers like Heineken at these supermarkets. Prices for 0.5L of beer typically range from CHF 0.50 for cheaper options to CHF 2.50 for imports.

Liquor Stores

If you're looking for a wider selection and more specialized options, liquor stores and specialty drink shops are the way to go. Beers'n'More, for example, is a craft and specialty beer shop in Zurich that offers delivery across Switzerland. They have a variety of Swiss and imported beers, including discovery kits for those who want to explore different styles.

Another option is the Swiss House Shop, which offers a selection of renowned Swiss beers, including Appenzeller Quöllfrisch and Weizen beers from Brauerei Locher, and Feldschlösschen premium lager. You can find a range of Swiss beers in different quantities to suit your needs.

Additionally, Drinks of the World, often found at railway stations, offers a vast selection of alcoholic drinks from all over the world, providing a great option if you're looking for variety.

In conclusion, whether you're looking for Swiss beers or imports, Switzerland's supermarkets and liquor stores have you covered. With options ranging from large chains to specialty shops, you can easily find your favorite brew or discover new tastes to enjoy.

Swiss beer prices

When it comes to specific brands, Coop offers a range of options. The price of a 33cl bottle of Quöllfrisch, considered by some to be the best Swiss beer, is CHF 1.95 at Coop. Coop also offers the Blonde Lager for CHF 0.55 for 0.5L, and the Prix Garantie Lager for CHF 0.50 for 0.5L. Additionally, a 24-pack of Anker can be found on sale for CHF 12 at Coop.

Other options include the Beavertown Tempus Project - Rule of Three (37.5 cl) for CHF 11 at Beers'n'More, and Appenzeller Quöllfrisch Hell Premium Lager Beer (33 CL) for HK$0-HK$999.99 at Swiss House Shop.

It is worth noting that beer prices in Switzerland are higher compared to some other countries, and Swiss bars are known to be expensive due to the high cost of living. However, purchasing beer from supermarkets is generally the most cost-effective option.

Swiss microbreweries and craft beers

Switzerland is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with microbreweries and specialist beer shops scattered across the country.

In Zurich, you'll find Beers'n'More, a craft and speciality beer shop that delivers across Switzerland. They offer a range of Swiss and international beers, including discovery kits for those who want to explore different styles and breweries.

If you're looking to sample Swiss craft beers, a great option is to visit some of the country's highly-rated microbreweries. Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes (BFM) in Saignelégier, Jura, is one such brewery, offering a range of unique beers. Another popular choice is Haarige Kuh Brauerei in Interlaken, which has both a brewpub and a presence in stores across Switzerland.

For those seeking a wider selection of Swiss beers, online retailers like Swiss House Shop offer a range of options, including Appenzeller Quöllfrisch and Weizen beers from Brauerei Locher, and Feldschlösschen premium lager.

Additionally, Switzerland boasts a plethora of microbreweries, each with its own unique offerings. Some notable examples include 4655 Brewing Company in Stüsslingen, Alpstein Craft Beer in Haslen, and Atelier Mod Beers in Carouge.

No matter your preference, Switzerland's microbreweries and craft beer scene has something for everyone.

Swiss cities with craft beer shops

Switzerland has a thriving beer culture, with beer considered an integral part of leisure activities in its cities and mountains. Swiss trains are often packed with commuters enjoying an open beer on their way home from work.

Swiss beer was, for a long time, a lager-style golden beer with an alcohol concentration of around 4.8% to 5.5%explosion of craft breweries, with Switzerland now technically boasting the highest number of "breweries" per capita in the world.

• Bern, which is home to the craft beer shop Ontap.
• Winterthur, where you can find Hako.
• Solothurn, which is home to the Craftbiercenter.
• Biel, where Bierbienne is located.
• Basel, which has two craft beer shops: Bierlager Bottle Shop and Bierrevier.
• Zurich, which has two craft beer shops: Beers'n'More and Intercomestibles.

In addition to these dedicated craft beer shops, you can also find a decent selection of craft beers in bottleshops, as well as in Manor and Coop supermarkets.

Frequently asked questions