Best Beer Buying Options In St. Maarten

where to buy beer in st maarten

St. Maarten is known for its vibrant drinking culture, boasting a wide range of drinking options, from beachside cocktails to craft beers. For beer enthusiasts, the island offers a variety of local and imported brews. One notable option is SXM Beer, a premium lager crafted in the European style, known for its crisp, easy-drinking profile and ultra-smooth finish. In addition to SXM Beer, St. Maarten is home to a diverse selection of beers, including the San Martin range, which offers a variety of styles such as the Dutch Blonde Ale, SXM Light Beer, and the Dark Stout, 1863. With its rich drinking culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife, St. Maarten provides the perfect backdrop for beer lovers to explore new tastes and discover local favorites.

Where to buy beer in St. Maarten

Characteristics Values
Beer Type Lager, Ale, IPA, Stout
Beer Name SXM Beer, San Martin Premium Beer, Dutch Blonde Ale, SXM Light Beer, Pirate's Edition IPA, 1863
Beer Style European-style, Dutch
Beer Characteristics Crisp, easy drinking, mild malty undertone, soft floral hop profile, defined minerality, ultra-filtered, smooth
Availability Widely available in St. Maarten, including in bars, restaurants, and breweries
Drinking Culture Variety of drinking options due to cultural diversity, tax-free alcohol

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Beer gardens in Philipsburg

Philipsburg, Montana, is home to the Philipsburg Brewing Company, which was opened in 2012 with the goal of providing quality, handcrafted beers in a unique setting. The brewery uses local ingredients, including Montana malt and mountain spring water, to create its award-winning lagers and ales. The original location is housed in a historic bank building in downtown Philipsburg, and a second location can be found at the site of the historic Kroger Brewery, featuring live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights during the summer. The brewery does not serve food, but guests are allowed to bring in outside food from other places.

Reviews of the Philipsburg Brewing Company highlight the friendly staff and the variety of beers available, including some high-octane brews. The brewery also offers special growlers and freshly tapped pints to go. One reviewer noted that the brewery is a great mix of locals and tourists, creating a lively and social atmosphere.

In addition to the Philipsburg Brewing Company, there are several other breweries and beer gardens in and around Philipsburg, MT. While these may not be located directly in Philipsburg, they are worth mentioning for beer enthusiasts exploring the area. For example, the Raleigh Beer Garden in downtown Glenwood South, Stevensville, boasts over 350 beers on tap, with a dedicated floor for North Carolina beers and an "international floor" for worldwide brews. Another notable brewery is Watermark Brewing Co., also in Stevensville, which offers a sprawling beer garden with a passion for creating exceptional craft beer and memorable experiences.

For those seeking a more intimate setting, Faded Bistro & Beer Garden in Stevensville provides a cozy atmosphere with a pre-Civil War mahogany bar and a charming beer garden. This open-air neighborhood bistro emphasizes seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality, offering a unique beer garden experience in the area surrounding Philipsburg.

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Brewery tours

St. Maarten is home to the Caribbean Brewing Company, a popular brewery located in Point Blanche, close to Philipsburg and the Cruise port. The brewery offers tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the beer-making process, from brewing to bottling. Here are some key details about the St. Maarten Brewery & Beer Tour:

Location

The Caribbean Brewing Company is located in Point Blanche, in the taxi zone, close to the Cruise port and Philipsburg. It is also next to Safe Cargo in Point Blanche.

Tour Details

The tour offers a unique and educational experience, taking you through every step of the beer-making process. You will learn about the art of brewing, the ingredients used, and the techniques employed to create their distinct beers. The tour also includes a generous range of tastings, allowing you to sample the fresh brews produced on-site.

Duration

The St. Maarten Brewery & Beer Tour typically lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This duration provides ample time to explore the brewery, gain insights into the brewing process, and enjoy your beer samples.

What to Expect

During the tour, you will uncover the secrets behind the brewery's success and their ability to produce world-class beers. You will have the opportunity to interact with the brewmasters or staff, who will gladly share their knowledge and passion for craft beer. The tour accommodates multiple start times, allowing you to choose a schedule that suits your vacation plans.

Reviews

The Caribbean Brewing Company has received positive reviews from visitors, who have praised the friendly and accommodating staff, the informative nature of the tour, and the variety of beers and cocktails available for tasting.

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SXM Beer

In addition to SXM Beer, there are several other local beers available in St. Maarten, such as San Martin Premium Beer, Dutch Blonde Ale, SXM Light Beer, Pirate's Edition IPA, and Dark Stout, 1863. These beers can be found at various locations across the island, including bars, restaurants, and breweries.

When visiting St. Maarten, it is worth exploring the diverse drinking options available. The island is known for its unique blend of cultures, with two countries sharing one island, resulting in a variety of beverage choices. From craft cocktails and Caribbean refreshments to local beers and Dutch liquor, there is something for every taste.

One popular destination for beer lovers in St. Maarten is the Pelikaan Brewery, which offers tours and a chance to sample their brews. Additionally, the island's beach clubs and restaurants often feature local beers on their menus, providing the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a cold one. Whether you're seeking a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe, St. Maarten has something for everyone.

So, whether you're sipping on an ice-cold SXM Beer, sampling the diverse craft beer offerings, or indulging in the local rum and cocktails, St. Maarten offers a unique and memorable drinking experience. Remember to always drink responsibly and follow local laws and regulations when consuming alcohol. Enjoy the tastes of St. Maarten responsibly!

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San Martin Premium Beer

St. Maarten is known for its vibrant drinking culture, offering a wide range of beverages, from Caribbean cocktails and beach refreshments to island rums, wines, and unique Dutch liquors. Among the many options, San Martin Premium Beer stands out as a local favourite and a must-try when visiting the island.

This premium beer is a source of local pride, made with fresh local ingredients and showcasing the unique flavours of the island. It is described as a world-class lager, boasting a crisp and easy-drinking profile that is characteristic of European-style lagers. The beer has a mild malty undertone, accented by a soft floral hop profile, and a defined minerality that adds to its complexity.

You can find San Martin Premium Beer at various bars, restaurants, and beer gardens across the island. The Caribbean Brewing Company also offers a unique brewery tour, providing visitors with an insider's perspective on the brewing process and, of course, the opportunity to sample their delicious beers. This includes San Martin Premium Beer straight from the source, ensuring the freshest possible taste.

In addition to its great taste, San Martin Premium Beer also offers a complete drinking experience. The beer is best enjoyed in the laid-back atmosphere of St. Maarten, whether it's at a lively beach bar with your feet in the sand or a cosy pub in the heart of town. The island's tax-free alcohol policy also means you can indulge without breaking the bank, making it the perfect destination for beer enthusiasts and those looking to unwind with a refreshing drink.

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Dutch Blonde Ale

St. Maarten is home to a variety of drinking options, from cocktails to craft beers. One of the most popular beers on the island is Dutch Blonde Ale, produced by the Caribbean Brewing Company, which opened in early 2019 in Point Blanche. Dutch Blonde Ale is a fruity, spicy beer with honey, orange, and clove undertones. It won a silver medal at the 2021 London Beer Competition, the first beer from St. Maarten to receive this award.

The Caribbean Brewing Company also offers a unique brewery tour that takes visitors through the entire beer-making process, from milling the ingredients to bottling the beers using state-of-the-art technology. Visitors can also taste all of the company's island beers during an all-you-can-drink session in the bar room.

In addition to Dutch Blonde Ale, the Caribbean Brewing Company produces four other craft beers: San Martin Premium Beer, SXM Light Beer, Pirate’s Edition IPA, and a Dark Stout, 1863. All of the beers are fresh, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and free of corn syrup, made with the finest malts, hops, and natural ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

You can buy beer in St. Maarten at bars, restaurants, and breweries. Some specific locations include Mullet Bay Beach, Grand Case, Nettle Bay Beach, Kim Sha Beach, Pinel Island, and Philipsburg.

Some local beers in St. Maarten include SXM Beer, San Martin Premium Beer, Dutch Blonde Ale, SXM Light Beer, Pirate's Edition IPA, and Dark Stout, 1863.

Yes, there is at least one brewery in St. Maarten where you can buy beer, called Pelikaan Brewery.

Yes, there is at least one beer garden in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, that serves local beers and Dutch pancakes.

Yes, St. Maarten offers a variety of tax-free alcohol options, including local beers, Caribbean cocktails, island rums, wines, and unique Dutch liquors.

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