Beer is Cameroon is like a religion, second only, of course, to actual religion. Most Cameroonians believe beer is what holds the country together. Cameroonian beer drinkers consumed more than a billion litres of beer last year, making it one of the highest per capita consumers in the world.
Cameroon's beer scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from local traditions, colonial influences, and modern brewing innovations. From the bustling streets of Douala to the serene landscapes of the Northwest, beer serves as a social lubricant. Cameroon's beer landscape is as diverse as its people, offering a range of flavours and styles to suit every palate. Whether you're enjoying a light lager on a hot day or savouring a rich stout while enjoying a classic Cameroonian BBQ, there's a beer for every occasion.
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1. Castel Beer
Castel Beer is brewed by Les Brasseries du Cameroun, a company established in 1948. Over the decades, it has become a staple in Cameroonian beer culture, widely consumed across various social settings.
Popular among a broad demographic, Castel Beer is often enjoyed by both young adults and older generations. Its affordability and consistent quality make it a go-to choice for many.
- Style : Pale Lager
- ABV : 5.2%
- Flavour Profile : Light, crisp, and refreshing with subtle malt sweetness and a clean finish.
2. “33” Export
Also brewed by Les Brasseries du Cameroun, “33” Export has been a long-standing favourite in Cameroon. Its affordability and consistent quality make it a go-to choice for many. Well-travelled individuals will notice he similarity with the Vietnamese Beer “333”, as they were both created by the same French brewery.
Favoured by middle-aged adults and often consumed during communal gatherings and celebrations. Its affordability makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers.
- Style : Pale Lager
- ABV : 5%
- Flavour Profile : Mildly bitter with a clean malt backbone, offering a smooth and easy-drinking experience.
3. Harp Premium
Harp Premium is produced by Les Brasseries du Cameroun, which has been a significant player in the Cameroonian beer market since 1948. Often chosen for special occasions and gatherings, Harp Premium appeals to consumers seeking a refined beer experience.
- Style : Pale Lager
- ABV : 5%
- Flavour Profile : Slightly sweeter with a hint of malt, balanced by a gentle hop bitterness.
4.Kadji Beer
Kadji Beer is brewed by Union Camerounaise de Brasseries (UCB), a subsidiary of the Kadji Group. The Kadji Group has been a significant player in Cameroon's beverage industry, contributing to the country's rich brewing heritage.
Kadji presents itself as being associated with quality and prestige and that Kadji Beer is often enjoyed by those seeking a more sophisticated beer experience. In reality, Kadji is at the lower end of the market, and is one of the blander, more simple beers on offer in Cameroon.
- Style : Lager
- ABV : 5%
- Flavor Profile : A little watery with basic malt undertones, a simple lager.
5. Doppel Munich
Saving the best for last. Doppel Munich bursts at the seams with flavour. Brewed by Brasseries et Glacières Internationales (BGI), Doppel Munich is a standout beer in Cameroon. It has gained popularity among beer enthusiasts for its distinctive taste and higher alcohol content. The beer's presence in the market reflects a growing appreciation for diverse beer styles in Cameroon.
Doppel Munich appeals to consumers seeking a more intense beer experience. Its robust flavour profile attracts those who appreciate depth and complexity in their beer.
- Style : Munich Dunkel (Dark Lager)
- ABV : 6.5%
- Flavour Profile : Rich maltiness with notes of caramel, toffee, and a hint of chocolate. The higher alcohol content adds a warming sensation, making it a hearty choice.
6. King Beer
Brewed since 1985 by Union Camerounaise de Brasseries (UCB), King Beer was the first 100% Cameroonian-brewed lager. It holds a special place in the hearts of many Cameroonians as a national pride.
Celebrated for its local production, King Beer resonates with national pride and is a popular choice for casual dinning.
- Style : Pale Lager
- ABV : 5%
- Flavor Profile : Light and refreshing with and on the sweet side for a lager.
7. ROX
A newer entrant in the market, ROX positions itself as a cool, hip beverage. The hip packaging conceals a German style Pilsner.
ROX isn’t available in every shop and supermarket, only being available in select premium outlets, catering to a niche market segment.
- Style : Pilsner
- ABV : 5.1%
- Flavour Profile : Crisp with a clean malt profile and a balanced hop bitterness. A very dry beer.
8. Isenbeck Premium
Introduced to the Cameroon market in 1999. Isenbeck Premium is a German style beer, that follows the German beer purity laws. found in upscale bars and restaurants, targeting consumers seeking imported beer options.
Caters to those who appreciate the classic pilsner style, offering a European beer experience in Cameroon.
- Style : Pilsner
- ABV : 5.2%
- Flavor Profile : Crisp and clean with a pronounced hop bitterness, characteristic of traditional pilsners.
9. Guinness Foreign Extra Stout
Many already know that Guiness’s biggest market is Africa. While Cameroon trails their neighbours, Nigeria, as the biggest Guiness drinkers in the world, they’re not far behind, in second place in Africa.
Brewed locally with extra hops and higher alcohol content. Favoured by those who enjoy a stronger, more robust beer. Often associated with special occasions and celebrations.
- Style : Stout
- ABV : 7.5%
- Flavour Profile : Bold and rich with flavors of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of caramel.
10. Beaufort
Definitely an every-persons beer, Beaufort is at the cheaper end of the market, but still a classic, easy drinking Lager. One of the most widely available beers.
A very light lager, especially good to quench thirst after a hard day sightseeing.
- Style : Pale Lager
- ABV : 4.6%
- Flavour Profile : Light and easy-drinking with a subtle malt sweetness.
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