Best Places To Buy Panama Beer

Panama is known for its beer, with a few macro-beer breweries and several microbreweries. The three most popular beers in Panama are all pale lagers: Balboa, Panama, and Atlas. These beers are cheap, with a local lager costing less than 50 cents and a can from a grocery store costing under $1. If you're looking to buy Panamanian beer, you can try local beer distribution stores or grocery stores, although availability may vary depending on your location. In Panama City, for example, you can find a wider variety of beers, including imports from Germany, Belgium, and Japan, while smaller towns may only have Panama-made beers.

Panama City microbreweries

Panama City is home to a bustling brewing industry, with an abundance of world-class pubs and craft breweries. One of the most well-known microbreweries in Panama City is Salty Oak Brewing, renowned for its edgy vibe and loyal local following. Salty Oak Brewing is also known for its support of local musicians, often featuring unique music genres and bands that are hard to find elsewhere.

Another popular microbrewery in Panama City is History Class Brewing, located in what was once the town's appliance store. History Class Brewing is a self-proclaimed half brewpub, half museum, with nods to Panama City's past incorporated throughout the bar. The beer menu is named after local history, and the venue offers a range of games and activities, including axe throwing, ping pong, and darts.

El Wierdo, located in Panama City, is more than just a tacopub. It is also one of the largest collective art installations in the city, with stunning art installations by local artists that transform the space into a work of art. While the unique atmosphere and art are reasons enough to visit, El Wierdo also offers a selection of delicious beers brewed in-house, along with kegged cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.

In addition to these notable microbreweries, Panama City also boasts over a dozen local craft breweries and pubs, making it easy for visitors to find their favourite craft beer hot spot. The Panama City Ale Trail is a convenient self-guided tour that takes visitors on an authentic ale journey, including waterfront venues with boat access and venues with gorgeous views of the Panama City Marina and St. Andrews Bay. With so many options available, there is something for every beer enthusiast to enjoy in Panama City.

Beer delivery services

One option is to use Instacart, an online grocery delivery service that offers Panama Beer for delivery or pickup. Instacart provides a convenient way to shop for your desired products from local stores near you. The platform offers same-day delivery, with orders arriving in as little as one hour. You can also choose the "Leave at my door" option for contactless delivery. Instacart's delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35, and they offer a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that any issues with your order can be resolved.

Another option is to explore the websites of specific beer brands from Panama. For instance, Cervecería Barú-Panama, one of the popular beer brands in the country, has its own website. While the site may not offer direct sales, it could provide information on where to purchase their products, including any online retailers or delivery services they partner with.

Additionally, some independent craft breweries in Panama may also offer delivery services or provide information on how to order their beers online. For instance, the independent craft brewery Cervecería Clandestina, located in Panama City, offers a traditional German-style lager with a Panamanian twist, featuring organic cacao and coffee from the country. They may have an online presence or social media accounts that provide details on delivery options or online retailers where you can purchase their unique brews.

Lastly, online beverage retailers or alcohol delivery platforms that operate in Panama may also be worth considering. These websites often offer a wide selection of beers, including local and craft options, and provide delivery services directly to your home. By searching for "Panama beer" on these websites, you can discover the available options and compare prices, delivery fees, and estimated delivery times to find the best option for your needs.

Imported beers

Panama has a vibrant beer culture, with a variety of local and imported options available. The country is home to multiple brands produced by six companies, and Panama City now boasts several microbreweries. While the most popular beers in Panama are pale lagers, there is a growing interest in craft beers and microbrews, offering a diverse range of flavours and styles.

One notable aspect of the beer culture in Panama is the presence of locally-made "import" beers. These are beers that are brewed in Panama but are branded and marketed as imports, such as Budweiser, which is made in Panama but sold as an American import. These locally-made import beers are more expensive than local beers, typically ranging from 50 cents to 90 cents per bottle.

In addition to the local and imported beers readily available in Panama, there are also a few options for those seeking unique and hard-to-find beers. Panama City, in particular, offers a diverse selection that includes German, Belgian, and Japanese beers. These imports tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from $2 to $7 per bottle. However, for those willing to explore, there are some hidden gems to be discovered, such as Fuller's beer from England, which can occasionally be found in smaller towns like Puerto Armuelles.

For those seeking a true taste of Panama, the local beers, including the popular Panama, Balboa, and Atlas brands, offer an affordable and refreshing option. These beers can be purchased for under 50 cents per can in grocery stores or even cheaper at local beer distribution stores, where returns are required for the low price. So, whether you're looking for a familiar import or a unique local brew, Panama has a beer to suit your taste and budget.

Local beers

Panama is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with several independent breweries and a variety of local beers to choose from. Here's a guide to the local beers of Panama:

Cervecería Barú-Panama

This is one of the most popular beer brands in Panama and is easily recognisable, with merchandise bearing its name seen across the Americas. The brand is distributed internationally by Royal Imports, LLC, and can also be found in some places on a contract basis, including Heineken, Guinness, Warsteiner, Tecate, and Budweiser.

Cervecería Clandestina

This brewery offers a unique take on the traditional German lager, infusing it with organic cacao from the islands of Bocas del Toro and coffee from the mountains of Chiriquí. The resulting beer has a brilliant chocolate colour, with malted, caramel, cacao, and coffee notes. It has a well-balanced bitterness and a silky, strong body with a dry finish. Cervecería Clandestina also offers a refreshing Witbier, with aromas of banana and citrus, and a light golden colour.

Independent Craft Brewery, Costa Del Este Industrial Park

Established in 2013, this independent craft brewery has two taprooms in Panama City, one in the old city (Casa Bruja Casco Antiguo) and the other in the Costa Del Este Industrial Park. They offer a range of creative and innovative beers, including:

• Skaters—an IPA with notes of mango and raspberry.
• Quimera—a Mocha Mint Stout.
• Summer Time—a Pineapple Blonde Ale.
• Bloodshed—a Hardcore Red Ale.
• Punto Rojo—a Belgian Red IPA.
• Night & Fun—a Strawberry Blonde Ale.
• Anarquia—a Stout with Red Fruits.
• La Blanca—a White IPA.

Other Local Favourites

• Santa Catalina Piñas—a Wheat Beer.
• Antisociales—a Pale Ale.
• Villalovers—a Brown Ale.
• 3 Gatos—a range of beers including the Lord Berguinton, Hairy Porter, and Lagrimos del Diablo.
• La Rana Dorada—a range of beers including the Pale Ale, Porter, and American Porter.
• El Perico Mañoso—a range of beers including the Maracuya Wheat Ale, Session IPA, and American Porter.
• Central (Panama)—a brewery offering the Dino Sour and Mangose.

Beer in bars

Panama City, in particular, has a thriving craft beer scene, with several brewpubs and bars offering a wide range of local and imported artisanal beers. One notable spot is La Rana Dorada, which was at the forefront of the craft beer movement in Panama. They now have six locations across Panama City, offering six craft brews on tap or by the bottle, along with a relaxed pub atmosphere and bar food.

Another popular destination for beer enthusiasts is Buenas Pintas in the Bella Vista area. Locals rave about their extensive selection of Panamanian craft beers, as well as offerings from the US and Europe, making it a must-visit for those seeking variety.

For those who enjoy a unique cocktail with their beer, The Strangers Club in the Casco Viejo neighbourhood is worth a visit. Conceived by six bartenders who met in New York City and fell in love with Panama, this bar offers artfully crafted cocktails in a renovated 100-year-old building. The bartender-owners take turns working in Panama, keeping the bar vibrant and dynamic.

Lastly, Amano in central Panama City offers a seasonally changing craft cocktail menu, featuring creations like the Fosforito, made with mezcal, tawny port, melon cordial, spicy agave, and lime juice. They also have a full menu and a long list of Panamanian artisanal beers, which can be enjoyed in their relaxed garden setting.

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